Chicago Bears find a starting-caliber left tackle in this 2022 NFL mock draft

The Chicago Bears add competition at center in the fourth round

We heard Ryan Poles talk on multiple occasions that he wants to build through the trenches. In this draft, unfortunately, he neglects the defensive side of the trenches but adds a second option on the offensive side with his fourth-round pick.

Round 4, Pick 115 – Cameron Jurgens, OC – Nebraska

I am on board with the Lucas Patrick signing. He is a clear upgrade at center over Sam Mustipher. That said, with how Ryan Poles structured his contract, he’s only guaranteed a year here in Chicago. Next year, he would see a $5.3 million dollar cap hit, but only costs the Bears $1.4 million in dead cap should they cut him. Adding a backup center like Cameron Jurgens would be huge in my opinion. He too would be an upgrade over Sam Mustipher and could push to take over the position by 2023 or 2024.

Adding Jurgens also gives the team versatility. Lucas Patrick has experience at both guard spots and should the team need to, Jurgens could step in at center and Patrick could kick outside to guard. This wouldn’t be ideal for 2022 but could be the move for 2023 — especially if the Bears don’t land Ryan Bates (waiting on the Bills) or decide to move on from Cody Whitehair next season.

Jurgens would fit the smaller, quicker type of lineman that Ryan Poles wants at 6’3″ and 303 pounds. He’s very similar in size to Patrick. He is very athletic, quick and aggressive from the moment he snaps the ball. He has explosiveness that allows him to get upfield and take on second-level defenders. A year or two behind Patrick could do him wonders too. He needs to get into an NFL strength-training program and develop more power in his game.