(670 The Score) After pulling off the biggest trade of the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday and selecting Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields, the Bears will return Friday with two picks: No. 52 overall in the second round and No. 83 overall in the third round. Chicago still needs to address concerns on its offensive line, at wide receiver and in the secondary -- with plenty of good players still on the board to do so. Here are five candidates whom general manager Ryan Pace might go with on the second day of the NFL Draft, when the second and third rounds will be conducted.
1. Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State OT
Oklahoma State offensive tackle Teven Jenkins (73)USA TodayThe Bears should probably consider themselves lucky to still get a shot at Jenkins on Day 2, although it'll be interesting to see if he's still available near the end of it. Jenkins projects as a player who could start immediately, and the Bears need all the help they can get at right tackle. He also brings a physicality that the line has been accused of lacking in recent years. There are certainly worse ideas than getting your new franchise quarterback a franchise tackle.
2. Terrace Marshall Jr., LSU WR
LSU receiver Terrace Marshall Jr.USA TodayAnd while you're at it, might as well get him a wide receiver too. Who knows what the future has in store for Bears top receiver Allen Robinson, and it sounds like the organization is ready to move on from Anthony Miller. Marshall's fast and good after the catch, which is music to coach Matt Nagy's ears. At 6-foot-3, he'd also add some height to a wide receiver room that's a little (I'm sorry) short on it.
3. Asante Samuel Jr., Florida State CB
Florida State cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.USA Today SportsMore than a couple people had Samuel as the top cornerback on their board. Though you'd assume Desmond Trufant will start opposite of Jaylon Johnson for the Bears in Week 1, the CB3/nickel job would absolutely be up for grabs -- and a lot of projections have Samuel moving inside eventually anyways. Defensive coordinator Sean Desai has a *young* secondary to work with.
4. Liam Eichenberg, Notre Dame OT
Notre Dame offensive tackle Liam EichenbergUSA Today SportsJust get as many tackles as you can if you're the Bears. Draft all tackles if you have too. (I'm not joking?) Eichenberg can pass protect and has plenty of experience playing for Notre Dame, which is good enough for the Bears! If Pace can successfully rebuild a young offensive line for the new rookie quarterback in less than three rounds, he'll never have to find another job in his life.
5. Elijah Moore, Mississippi WR
Ole Miss receiver Elijah Moore (8)USA Today SportsIf the Bears are out there looking for Miller's replacement, they could do far worse than Moore -- who had more than 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns on 86 receptions for Ole Miss in 2020. He's a slot receiver with great hands and speed to match, and his fit in Nagy's scheme is clear as day.
