NFL Draft 2021: Start Time, When The Chicago Bears Pick

CHICAGO — The next members of the Chicago Bears will be known by the end of the week as the 2021 NFL Draft runs from Thursday night through Saturday in Cleveland.

With eight picks over the draft’s seven rounds, the Bears will, barring a trade, have the No. 20 selection to take their top player. The Bears also have the No. 52, No. 83, No. 164, No. 204, No. 208, No. 221 and No. 228 picks in the seven-round draft.

The top five position needs for Chicago have been identified as quarterback, offensive line, wide receiver, defensive back and edge rusher. The Bears finished the 2020 NFL season with an 8-8 record.

According to NFL.com, Chicago is still in need of figuring out its quarterback situation with veteran Andy Dalton set to take over the reins this season. A young quarterback might be the pick to learn behind Dalton, but with a front office and coaching staff possibly on the chopping block if the season goes awry, the team could prioritize other positions in this year's draft.

The Bears are slated to pick Teven Jenkins, OT, from Oklahoma with the No. 20 pick in the draft, according to ESPN NFL Nation reporters’ latest mock draft.

The first round of the draft will begin at 7 p.m. Central Time on Thursday. Rounds 2-3 will follow on Friday at 6 p.m. and rounds 4-7 on Saturday at 11 a.m. All picks will be broadcast live on ESPN, ABC and the NFL Network.