Chicago Bears 2021 NFL Draft: Prospects with hometown ties

The further we get into the 2021 NFL free agency period, the more it looks like the Chicago Bears continue to add to their needs.

General manager Ryan Pace has made some questionable decisions over the first week or so, agreeing with veteran quarterback Andy Dalton and adding him to a quarterback room featuring another mediocre veteran in Nick Foles.

The most recent head-scratcher was cutting ties with All Pro and Pro Bowl cornerback Kyle Fuller, who immediately found a new home with the Denver Broncos.

The Bears have picks in the first three rounds for the first time in a few years, but now it seems like their needs outweigh the draft capital. Will Chicago decide to move up and go quarterback in the first round, or select one later on to try and develop?

Chicago also has a major need at offensive tackle and could afford to add a receiver in the first few rounds, too. With quarterback and cornerback now a need, even after the signing of Desmond Trufant, the draft assets simply don’t add up.

Fortunately, there are actually several prospects for Pace and company to focus on who would love to come home — and most of them could be found later on in the draft. Every kid dreams of playing for their hometown team, and for the Bears, this year could be the right time to make that dream a reality for one or more of these 2021 prospects.

There are a handful guys in this year’s class with ties to Illinois, and some would help fill a need immediately. Let’s begin up front across the offensive line.