Chicago Bears: Early two-round NFL 2022 mock draft
Chicago Bears two-round mock draft
It’s that time, Bears fans. Time to get some NFL mock draft talk going. The Chicago Bears are 2-2, putting them between 15th and 18th in the draft order. Finishing around .500 is where I see the Chicago Bears this season. You never know, things could get better, but they could also get worse. However, to me, there is way too much talent on this team to see them fall far past .500 pending injuries. The Chicago Bears will have 27 players on their active roster, according to Sportrac.com, in 2022.
Quarterback: Justin Fields, Nick Foles
Running Back: Tarik Cohen, David Montgomery, Khalil Herbert,
Wide Receivers: Darnell Mooney
Tight end: Cole Kmet
Offensive Tackle: Teven Jenkins, Germain Ifedi, Larry Borom
Center: None
Guard: Cody Whitehair
Edge: Khalil Mack, Robert Quinn, Jermiah Attaochu, Trevis Gipson
Defensive Line: Eddie Goldman, Khyiris Tonga, Mario Edwards, Angelo Blackson
Linebacker: Danny Trevathan, Roquan Smith, Caleb Johnson
Cornerback: Jaylon Johnson,Duke Shelley, Kindle Vildor
Safety: Eddie Jackson
The Chicago Bears have plenty to do in 2022 to build up the roster
The only specialist who is still under contract, according to Spotrac.com, is Cario Santos (kicker). There are obvious holes in the roster due to a lack of players — specifically at the receiver position, interior offensive line, safety, and tight end.
The plus side is the key players that are on the roster. Depth is essential; however, having key players like Justin Fields, David Montgomery, Darnell Mooney, Roquan Smith, the edge defenders, and two promising defensive backs is the foundation unless Ryan Pace missed on the quarterback (Mitch Trubisky) again.
The key to success would be to surround Justin Fields with as much talent as humanly possible. The draft and free agency should be focused on pairing him with players that fit him. Fields thrived with Chris Olave, K.J. Hill, Binjimin Victor, and Garrett Wilson out wide. Fields also benefitted from a running game that opened up his deep shots.
Chris Olave plays a lot like Darnell Mooney — route running and deep speed. Victor was Ohio States’ “big-bodied” tall jump-ball receiver, and Wilson controlled the slot. The Chicago Bears had all of that at one point with Mooney, Robinson, and Miller, but things don’t always work out as you expect in the NFL.
Darnell Mooney will need a true running mate to work alongside — that might not be Allen Robinson. While I love Allen Robinson, I think it will be time to move on from him for a cheaper option in the draft and free agency and focus the money on guard, cornerback, and safety.