The Chicago Bears break Ryan Pace’s habit in full 2022 NFL mock draft

Chicago Bears: Round 5, Pick No. 155 (via JAX)

With the current Bears’ tight end Jimmy Graham likely to not be on the roster in 2022, the team could afford to bring in another young player, especially a former teammate of Fields.

Ruckert was definitely overshadowed by the receiving core that Ohio State had this season. Additionally, the college’s offense relies on their tight ends mostly for blocking. The Buckeye thrived when it came to that aspect of playing tight end, which would give the Bears even more help in their run schemes. Combine that with a frame of 6’5″ and a weight of 250 pounds, and the Bears could have a solid prospect here.

His route running is crisp and fast, and his ability to snag the ball out of the air shows promise. Assuming that players like Cole Kmet and Jesper Horsted hold more of a passing role in 2022, Ruckert may not see too much action right away, but the team would be wise to reconnect Fields with a former target of his.