History shows the Chicago Bears should draft a receiver by the third round

How many WRs were selected before each of the Chicago Bears first three picks?

Before we get into specific names, let’s now look at how many wide receivers were drafted before each of the Chicago Bears’ 2022 NFL Draft picks.

"WRs drafted before pick No. 39 (5-year history) 2021: 6 WRs selected 2020: 8 WRs selected 2019: 3 WRs selected 2018: 2 WRs selected 2017: 3 WRs selected"

This list is of course going to look similar to the wide receivers who were selected in the first round each year. However, it adds a little more perspective since there are six draft picks in the second round before the Chicago Bears pick at No. 39. History should tell us to expect four or five wide receivers to be selected before the team makes its first pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. The numbers only increase of course as picks continue to come off the board. Should Ryan Poles not take a WR with the 39th-overall pick, let’s see what to expect by the time pick No. 48 hits the clock.

"WRs drafted before pick No. 48 (5-year history) 2021: 6 WRs selected 2020: 10 WRs selected 2019: 3 WRs selected 2018: 5 WRs selected 2017: 6 WRs selected"

Alright, well 2021 and 2019 did not see a single receiver selected between picks No. 39 and 48. In the year 2020, two additional receivers were drafted between these two picks. In 2018, three additional receivers were drafted between these two picks. Finally, in 2017, three additional receivers were drafted between these two picks. Now, obviously, the draft class will make a big difference here, but I think if we expect to see four to five wide receivers selected before the team makes its first pick at No. 39, then we should expect to see five to six wide receivers selected before pick No. 48.

"WRs drafted before pick No. 71 (5-year history) 2021: 10 WRs selected 2020: 13 WRs selected 2019: 11 WRs selected 2018: 8 WRs selected 2017: 8 WRs selected"

When I look at my wide receiver rankings, there are a couple of drop-offs. I have five WRs graded as first-round picks. That said, I have another seven graded as second-round picks. This is why the WR class is perfect for the Chicago Bears. That said, the drop-off from perceived guaranteed talent to hope and upside falls off after my third-round grades and I have a total of 15 receivers I think are worthy of being selected within the first three rounds. This, and history, is why the team really needs to use one of the first three picks at the position if they want a true difference-maker.

Now, let’s look at the quality of players who were selected after each of the Chicago Bears picks.