A Chicago Bears mock draft that follows recent 2022 NFL Draft rumors
Matt Araiza. 186. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. San Diego State. 901. P. player
With the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select a punter
For all of the people out there who love “Punt God”, at this point in the 2022 NFL Draft, it made sense to take him for the Chicago Bears. Many have said the Bears do not have a punter on the roster, but that is not actually true. He just isn’t someone people know of because he’s barely seen any NFL action. Ryan Winslow is the current punter on the Bears, but Matt Araiza would instantly take over that spot, pushing Winslow off the roster or onto the practice squad.
Ryan Poles turned six picks in the 2022 NFL Draft into nine and gave him the versatility to select a punter here in the sixth round. With his ability to flip a field, Matt Araiza would make for a great addition to this young roster. He has a booming leg. In 2021, he had 18 punts over 60 yards and two of those went for more than 80. He can also help in the kickoff game as he hit 62 of 73 kickoffs for touchbacks last year too. There is a chance that Araiza doesn’t even last to this point.
Overall:
If we go back and look at the draft as a whole, Ryan Poles hits on some great trades and potential talent. Three straight trades to start the draft netted the team an extra five picks. Rather than having only three picks within the top 75, Poles worked his magic to finish with five picks within the top 100 and eight within the top 150.
The Chicago Bears were able to add a starting-caliber left tackle, two interior linemen who can push to start, and a 3-technique who can bring pressure up the middle. The team also found their starting X receiver along with a deep threat receiver with blazing 4.28 speed. Not to mention, the team has a solid corner to push to play immediately while also adding a developmental tight end who adds another receiving threat to the offense. Finally, the team drafted a punter who can help flip the field when the offense cannot get going early in the year. Overall, this is a draft I’d fall in love with if it truly happened.