The Chicago Bears’ roster looks grim, which means their team needs for the NFL Draft read as a CVS receipt instead of an ATM receipt. While Chicago needs help on both sides of the ball, their first priority must be building a foundation that Justin Fields can grow within.
Chicago Bears’ team needs in the 2022 NFL Draft
The Bears already had a diary full of team needs before NFL free agency took the two best players from their roster. Losing James Daniels was a significant loss to an already underwhelming offensive line. There isn’t a spot on the front five that couldn’t use an upgrade.
Chicago’s receiving corps is lacking following the departure of Allen Robinson, and their secondary and second linebacker spot needs help, too. While their defensive interior may represent their most significant talent deficit, a team that won’t compete in 2022 shouldn’t care. Fix the offense and build the confidence of the second-year quarterback.
But there’s a problem. With just six total picks and without a first-rounder, Chicago ranks 22nd in draft capital. It will be impossible to address everything this offseason.
Offensive Tackle
The Bears are in a difficult position at tackle. While Teven Jenkins was an excellent right tackle prospect coming out of Oklahoma State, he felt like a right tackle from the start. However, the Bears’ previous regime decided to throw him to the wolves on the left side last season after returning from an injury.
One of Bernhard Raimann or Tyler Smith may be available at 39, but both appear to be developmental talents who will take their lumps early on. Nicholas Petit-Frere, Abraham Lucas, and Rasheed Walker could be options after that second wave that could develop into starters. But the Bears could find immediate starters elsewhere at their draft position at 39.
Offensive Guard
While mock draft data can be a good tool, mocks often devalue positions such as running back, linebacker, and guard relative to how NFL teams draft them. On average, the third guard is being drafted at pick 78. While it’s unlikely only two interior blockers go before Round 3, it shows how devalued the position is despite potential starting-caliber players floating around late on Day 2.
Ed Ingram, Darian Kinnard, Jamaree Salyer, Sean Rhyan, and Cole Strange could be potential options for either guard spot on the Bears’ roster.
Center
The offensive line needs never quit! Center is an even more devalued position at the NFL level. Even with the influx of teams playing big, athletic nose tackles right overtop the center, the position is largely ignored.
Tyler Linderbaum shouldn’t make it past the 31st pick in the NFL Draft, but he is undersized, severely limiting his draft stock. Additionally, teams may view him as scheme-dependent to zone-heavy rushing attacks.
Cameron Jurgens, Dylan Parham (guard flexibility), Luke Fortner, and Dohnovan West could all potentially start as rookies.
Wide Receiver
Darnell Mooney is unquestionably the guy for Chicago moving forward, but they could still use an infusion of talent at the position after losing Robinson. Byron Pringle and Equanimeous St. Brown are good WR3 options, but Chicago could use a complement to Mooney.
It’s impossible to say how this wide receiver class will shake out during the draft. Chicago should have opportunities to draft a difference-maker with any of their three Day 2 picks should they choose to do so. Nine wide receivers are going before the 47th pick on average. That is approximately one for every five picks, which seems unlikely.
One of Skyy Moore, George Pickens, Jahan Dotson, Treylon Burks, or Christian Watson will surely be there at 39 and most likely at 48.
EDGE
Like receiver, eight legitimate difference-making pass rushers are frequently drafted in mock drafts. All eight have an expected draft position of 35 or lower, which would mean one goes every 4.4 picks. Chicago could fall into a good player with the 39th pick if they decide ignoring the offense is a risk they’re willing to take.
Arnold Ebiketie, Boye Mafe, David Ojabo, and Drake Jackson could be potential names at 39 or 48. All are high-level athletes with Pro Bowl potential as pass rushers. Ojabo will most likely redshirt 2022 because of an Achilles tear, but he’s a first-round talent. A pass rusher would fill one of the Chicago Bears’ team needs.