After the opening moves of free agency, it is getting a bit easier to see what GM Ryan Poles may have in mind for this team. It also makes producing a coherent Chicago Bears 2022 mock draft easier. More than ever, it’s apparent that Poles likely intends to attack the offensive side of the ball early and often this year. That isn’t a bad thing. This class has plenty of talent to go around at several positions.
The truth is Poles has a ton of work to do, and one draft isn’t going to solve all their problems. His job isn’t to focus on any one position. It is to acquire as much talent as possible. Chicago doesn’t have enough good players. That is the approach he will likely take next month. So here is a look at how things might shake out given the current status of the roster.
Chicago Bears 2022 mock draft has begun to narrow in focus
2nd Round (#39) – Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
More moves are likely to come, but the Bears haven’t made any significant additions to their wide receiver room. They have added offensive line help. This makes their decision at 39th overall a simple one. Watson is a fascinating specimen. His pure receiving numbers in college are modest, never cracking 900 yards in a season. However, he was a versatile weapon in a run-heavy offense. Size? Speed? Route-running potential? He has everything required to not only succeed but thrive in the NFL. His 6’4 frame would be a welcome target for Fields.
Christian Watson my goodness!!
Sitting at 6’4 with this kind of speed? Geeeeeez
85 yard strike in a matter of seconds! #TakeCommand pic.twitter.com/7WwAI1zVRo
— The Podfather (@TheBurgundyZone) March 14, 2022
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Trade: #48 pick to Dallas for #56 pick, 4th round pick, and 5th round pick
2nd Round (#56 via DAL) – Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa
Signing Lucas Patrick this week proved that Poles meant what he said. He wants quick, athletic offensive lineman that plays with a mean streak. Smith checks all of those boxes. He has power to spare and loves nothing better than to impose his will on defenders at every opportunity. Lots of nastiness in his game. He’s also more than athletic enough to handle NFL speed rushers. His issues center around technical problems. Several fundamental things need fixing. If that is done, he’ll start on the blindside for years.
3rd Round (#71) – Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
It was never likely this Chicago Bears 2022 mock draft would end without a linebacker getting picked. Even with the addition of Nicholas Morrow, the new 4-3 defense under Matt Eberflus lacks bodies at that position. Walker would go a long way towards fixing that. He was a key cog in that ultra-talented Bulldogs defense that won a national championship. He’s big at 6’4, 241 lbs but also fast. His instincts stand out consistently in run support, and he isn’t afraid to do the dirty work. A very unselfish player. Some question his average ability in coverage, but his strengths far outweigh his weaknesses.
Another rangy day two linebacker target for the #Patriots: UGA LB Quay Walker. At 6-3/240, Walker had a great blend of size and athleticism.
Sideline-to-sideline range, lateral agility, loose/fluid in space to cover TEs up the seam or play over the slot. Great athlete w/size. pic.twitter.com/19CWpUqtUv
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) February 4, 2022
4th Round (#129 via DAL) – Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA
Cole Kmet wasn’t bad last year at tight end, but the facts are clear. Though a big target, he doesn’t possess the explosiveness teams often prefer from that position. Dulcich proved at UCLA he can be a vertical threat, averaging 17.3 yards per catch in 2021. He’s got decent size at 6’4 and runs his routes with an urgency that is rather uncommon for players at his position. Even better, he offers value as a runner after the catch. Just try not to rely on him as a blocker.
5th Round (#148 via HOU) – Zyon McCollum, CB, Sam Houston State
There isn’t much to dislike about McCollum when it comes to athletic prowess. A 6’2 cornerback with his speed and fluidity is rare. His 13 interceptions in college will also appeal to the Bears. They covet defensive backs that can force turnovers. The big question with him is whether he can jump from the FCS level to the NFL. It isn’t easy. The key with McCollum is he has all the physical ability necessary to pull it off. He’d also have a coaching staff littered with defensive back experts to guide him.
5th Round (#150) – Zach Tom, OL, Wake Forest
Draft experts have said the same thing. Tom should’ve been playing inside on the offensive line. That is where he belongs. Yet his coaches played him at left tackle instead. Despite that issue, the young blocker still ranked among the best pass protectors in college football. His quick feet and strong anchor allow him to hold back guys bigger and stronger than him. Many feel he would make an excellent center where his size concerns wouldn’t matter as much.
I’ll say it again: Matt Araiza is getting drafted higher than we all think.
He has the best leg for a punter I’ve ever seen, and he makes watching punters actually fun. Wouldn’t be shocked at all if he goes Day 2. pic.twitter.com/WNUh7qkA92
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) March 6, 2022
5th Round (#155 via DAL) – Matt Araiza, P, San Diego State
The Pat O’Donnell era has ended after nearly a decade of service. Now they need a new punter. It is not an exaggeration to say that Araiza might be the best to come out of college in decades. A ridiculous 18 of his punts traveled more than 60 yards in 2021 alone. Elite-caliber power in that right leg. He would be an excellent fit for the swirling winds of Soldier Field and should also do well on kickoff duties.
6th Round (#186) – Jalen Nailor, WR, Michigan State
It is appropriate this latest Chicago Bears 2022 mock draft began with a receiver and ends with one. Injuries hampered Nailor during his run in college, but he was a dynamic weapon when on the field. His speed is legitimate, and he doesn’t skimp on his route-running duties. He’ll also throw his body around as a run blocker. The big thing with him is durability. Can he stay on the field and handle physical defenders? A high-risk-high-reward move.
