The Chicago Bears kill it with this 2022 seven-round mock draft
By Joseph Herff
Chicago Bears Round 5, Pick No. 146
Scouting Report. Safety. Georgia. TykeeSmith. player. Pick Analysis. 146. 814
After transferring to Georgia, Tykee Smith has only appeared in a few games due to an injury. However, Smith is a baller when healthy and could declare for the 2022 NFL Draft. Smith was a monster at West Virginia though and could be a steal if he declares.
Smith only allowed 110 receiving yards all of 2020 and didn’t allow a single pass to go over 15 yards against him. He could be an ideal nickel or strong safety depending on how the coordinator wants to mix it up with him as he can line up anywhere and match up against anyone.
Chicago Bears Round 6, Pick No. 148
Scouting Report. Inside Linebacker. 148. player. 854. Pick Analysis. Arizona State. MerlinRobertson
Another coveted versatile prospect, Merlin Robertson can line up essentially at any linebacker position. Roberston has taken snaps at middle linebacker, inside linebacker, outside linebacker, and edge rusher.
With good size and overall solid athleticism, Robertson can be that all-around inside linebacker alongside Roquan Smith. He can at least be a developmental piece behind a veteran like Alec Ogletree. Roberston has the ability to fill gaps, drop into coverage, and has great positional awareness. He at the least could be a valuable depth piece and special teamer.
Chicago Bears Round 6, Pick No. 185
Scouting Report. Defensive Lineman. JohnRidgeway. 185. 844. Pick Analysis. Arkansas. player
A former FCS transfer from Illinois State, John Ridgeway has developed into a force on the defensive line for the Razorbacks. Ridgeway came into Arkansas already a mean and nasty defensive lineman with the physical ability to overpower offensive linemen. He mainly plays nose tackle, but he can slide to 1-technique as well. Additionally, Ridgeway has a wrestling background that makes his hand-fighting ability great.
Ridgeway could essentially be more needed depth to the defensive line given the likely departure of free agent Akiem Hicks and the possible release of Eddie Goldman. With that, Ridgeway and Tonga could compete for the starting nose tackle position and can both slide to defensive tackle if needed. His explosiveness and speed for his size could be a problem in the NFL.
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Final Thoughts:
Essentially replacing Allen Robinson with a possible long-term upgrade while getting a cornerstone CB2 makes this draft a win on this own. If Ekiyor develops as he should, he could be a force on the offensive line for years and years. Overall, would have liked to take an IOL earlier and a cornerback later given the strides Thomas Graham Jr. is taking, but we thought the same things last year with Kindle Vildor.