When a team meets with a draft prospect one time, you can typically pass it off as due diligence. The GM and coaching staff want to get a feel for the player. When they meet with somebody twice or even three times, it becomes more evident of genuine interest. There are likely several names the Chicago Bears have met at least twice this offseason in advance of the 2022 draft.
Finding out which ones they are is always the challenge. The Bears remain a difficult team to get hard information on even with Ryan Pace gone. GM Ryan Poles operates every bit as low-key as his predecessor. Still, plenty of interesting snippets continues to filter out of Halas Hall. According to multiple sources, five names are confirmed to have met with the Bears two times or more and what it could mean.
Prospects the Chicago Bears have met twice or more
Christian Watson (WR, North Dakota State)
If there is one position fans have hammered home that needs help, it’s wide receiver. People aren’t enamored with Darnell Mooney and Byron Pringle being the one-two punch for Justin Fields. Watson is probably one of the most intriguing overall talents in the entire draft. While not overly productive at North Dakota State, his mixture of 6’5 size and sub-4.4 speed is positively tantalizing. With better coaching at the NFL level, he has a chance to become a genuine star. The issue is not many receivers survive a transition from the FCS to the pros. So many see him as a high-risk-high-reward option.
Danny Gray (WR, SMU)
Poles said the Bears would covet speed at receiver moving forward. Gray doesn’t lack that, as his 4.33 at the scouting combine proves. It shows up a lot on tape too. He wasn’t just a danger for big plays in the passing game but also kick and punt returns. He was one of those threats that could turn a six-yard pass into 60 yards. Better still, his route-running is surprisingly more complex than many receivers his age. He’ll be a significant factor on Sundays if he can add more muscle to his frame.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Khalil Shakir (WR, Boise State)
They say the one thing teams can’t measure is a player’s heart. Every time Shakir steps on the field, it is evident that nobody is going to outwork him. He plays with ultra-competitiveness. Everything he does, from route-running to catching the ball to running after the catch, is done with 100% focus and effort. People will nitpick his modest size and okay speed. Players like this almost always have an impact in the NFL. One of those “just get him the ball and let him work” types of receivers. The Chicago Bears coaches would love him.
Kerby Joseph (S, Illinois)
Matt Eberflus said the new Bears defense would be fanatical about takeaways. Forcing turnovers will be the highest standard. So when a safety collects five interceptions in his first full year at the position, it’s hard not to notice. Joseph has an excellent nose for the football and will only get better as he gains experience. His athleticism and physicality aren’t lacking either. Tackling should be a point of emphasis for him in the pros along with better discipline on play fakes.
Chris Oladokun (QB, South Dakota State)
There is no disputing Justin Fields is the Bears starting quarterback in 2022. Beyond that? Nobody knows. Poles and Eberflus are ready to give him a chance, but it’s important to remember neither of them drafted the former 1st round pick. So it shouldn’t be a surprise the team will at least dig into possible QBs they can select late in the draft or sign as an undrafted free agent. More depth is good. Oladokun turned heads after transferring to SDSU, taking big steps forward as a passer with sharp accuracy and above-average arm strength. He might have something if he can clean up his footwork and poise under pressure.
