A Chicago Bears mock draft that follows recent 2022 NFL Draft rumors

Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears go back to the big men up front

This might be the best value pick in the mock draft thus far. Why you may ask? Well, Zach Tom comes with great versatility. He played his first season (2019) in Wake Forest as a center, but then shifted to left tackle in 2020 and 2021. He has never played guard, but it is reported that he’s willing to play anywhere, and honestly, with his football IQ, I don’t think it would be a problem for him.

Tom is technically sound. Personally, I don’t see him on the outside, but I do think he’d make for a great addition to the interior line. Think of Alex Bars, only more talented physically. Tom stands 6’4″ and weighs in at 305 pounds. He won’t push to start right away but would make for an instant upgrade over the likes of Dieter Eiselen and Willie Wright. With his experience at center, he could even push Sam Mustipher off the roster by 2023 — if not sooner.

Zach Tom would fit best in a zone-blocking scheme which is what the Chicago Bears are likely to install under Luke Getsy. I don’t consider Tom a mauler by any means, but more of a technician. He uses his body well and does a good job staying low and not losing his balance. He is athletic and is able to move in and out of his sets with fluid footwork. His hand technique is also sound.

I have seen some comparisons of Zach Tom to Ryan Bates and honestly, I can see that comparison.