GM Ryan Poles faces a considerable challenge going into March and April. Retooling a old, expensive roster, and honestly not too good. All without the necessary resources to make it happen. This means if he wants to make this team a viable playoff contender in 2022, he’ll have to make the most of what he has. That is especially true of the draft. This latest Chicago Bears 2022 mock draft helps illustrate how he might do that.
It comes in two key approaches. The first is by making calculated moves to acquire extra picks and then focusing on bolstering the offense. Everything must be about helping Justin Fields take a step forward. The defense may have to do without any major investments for the time being. Thankfully they already have solid pieces in place. They should be fine if the roster stays healthy.
“Nothing going to stop me” -Aidan Hutchinson
Jamaree Salyer: pic.twitter.com/JlBNeExBGr
— Chauncey Figgures (@cmfiggures) January 1, 2022
Chicago Bears 2022 mock draft will focus on the QB
Trade: 39th pick to the Ravens for 45th pick and 4th in 2022
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2nd Round (via BAL) – Jamaree Salyer, OG, Georgia
Salyer helped the Bulldogs win the national championship as a tackle but everybody agrees his future is inside at guard. When watching him work at the Senior Bowl, it’s easy to see why. The guy is big, powerful, nimble on his feet, calm in pass protection, and loves to deal out punishment in the run game. It won’t matter if he is plugged on the left or right sides. Salyer will start immediately and should be a centerpiece of any offensive line for a long time. A good start to the Bears’ reshaped identity in the trenches.
Trade: 71st pick to the Eagles for 83rd pick, 5th in 2022, and 7th in 2023
3rd Round (via PHI) – Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati
Poles said that speed would be a heavy emphasis on the Bears’ future. They could also use a little more size too. They’re in luck that Pierce offers both. While his production at Cincinnati was good but not spectacular, the tape shows a genuine playmaker. His speed and quickness allowed him to average 17 yards per catch in college, while his excellent hands and body control made for some highlight-reel catches in tight coverage. If Fields wants to attack deep, then this is somebody he will love.
“Nothing going to stop me” -Aidan Hutchinson
Jamaree Salyer: pic.twitter.com/JlBNeExBGr
— Chauncey Figgures (@cmfiggures) January 1, 2022
4th Round (via BAL) – Cole Turner, TE, Nevada
In keeping with that theme, next the Chicago Bears 2022 mock draft shifts to finding more downfield threats. This time at tight end. While Cole Kmet took a decent step forward in 2021, it is still evident he lacks the explosiveness to stretch defenses down the seam. That is something Turner did quite often for Nevada. He has a long 6’6 frame, natural soft hands, and an instinct for finding the open soft spots in coverage. If he gets a one-on-one matchup, he almost always is winning.
5th Round (via HOU) – Matthew Butler, DT, Tennessee
With Matt Eberflus installing a new defensive scheme, it will require different players. The Tampa-2 variation has a specific need for a defensive tackle capable of providing pressure on the quarterback up the middle. Butler showed he could do this often for the Volunteers. He had five sacks in 2021, showcasing the first-step quickness, violent hands, and hot motor necessary to shoot gaps into the backfield.
To fully appreciate Matthew Butler here, we need to look at that blue line and then see where he ends up. Butler destroyed that pocket. pic.twitter.com/JFqCim1U4w
— Matt Alkire (@mattalkire) January 31, 2022
5th Round – Alec Lindstrom, C, Boston College
Football runs in the Lindstrom family, and it shows. This young man was the pivot point of a very good offensive line for the past three years. While not the biggest or strongest, Lindstrom is highly intelligent, quick, athletic, and a technician when it comes to blocking. He always knows where to be and what his job is on every snap. Throw in a dash of nastiness, and he would have a place in Chicago.
5th Round (via PHI) – Chase Lucas, CB, Arizona State
Tough, physical, good instincts, and strong ball skills. Those traits make up what Lucas brings to the table. His nose for the football is apparent from his six interceptions, and 28 passes defended in college. If allowed to play zone defense and keep everything in front of him, he’ll be a good player. The big questions center around his speed. Or lack thereof.
6th Round – Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State
The later rounds are about two things. Developmental prospects and special teams help. Andersen fits both categories. This kid played three different positions in college. Two of them were on offense. So he is exceedingly raw as a linebacker. Yet his size, athleticism, and instincts for the position flashed often. If given enough time and the right coaching, he can morph into something significant down the road.
