Chicago Bears: Five darkhorse NFL Draft prospects at 20th overall

2. LB Zaven Collins, Tulsa

The Bears have their starting linebackers locked in for 2021. The duo of Roquan Smith and Danny Trevathan will return for the fourth consecutive season. Trevathan is set to be 31 years old in 2021, meaning at some point, Chicago needs to think about replacing him.

One name to keep an eye on to draft at 20th overall is Tulsa’s Zaven Collins, who’s emerged as one of the top inside linebackers for the 2021 NFL Draft. Collins features everything needed to be an effective inside linebacker in the modern NFL game. He’s got the ability to be a pass rusher or play in coverage when needed, while also operating in space smoothly.

Despite playing in just eight games in 2020, Collins put together a solid season production-wise. With 54 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, and four interceptions, his final season in college is what has vaulted him into first-round conversation.

In terms of fitting Chicago’s defense, Collins would be able to play all over the place, making those around him expendable. However, whether he’ll be there at 20th overall is a question that will only be answered on draft night.

Picking a linebacker in the first-round would be a luxury for the Bears but picking a player of Colling caliber, who’s still getting better, is all about picking the best player available and continuing to build the Bears future.