The Chicago Bears are in a tough spot with their first pick of the 2022 NFL Draft coming all the way down at 39th overall. They are not in the position where they can force a pick for need, but rather have to see how the board falls ahead of them.
For example, if a bunch of linemen was drafted high, they could maybe find a wide receiver slip, but if eight wideouts go in the top 38 picks they should not force it and try to find one later.
With that in mind, there are three players whom the team would have a hard time passing on If they did fall to pick 39.
3. Bernard Raimann, Central Michigan, LT
Average Mock Draft Position: 39
NFL Comparison: Eric Fisher
Bernard Raimann is intriguing for plenty of options but could fall to pick 39 for an obvious reason as well. Raimann is 24 years old and will be 25 as a rookie. Typically players who need to be an older age than their competitors struggle with the jump to the NFL, but in the case of Raimann, it could be understood.
Raimann is not your typical late breakout, he is from Austria, and did not play until he was 14-years old. Even then, he was a wide receiver in high school. You read that right.
Raimann bulked up and moved to tight end, where he was recruited by Central Michigan. After two years at tight end, Raimann added a little more weight and moved to tackle. The move skyrocketed his NFL prospects.
He does not have the experience but has nearly the exact measurables as Eric Fisher, a draft pick that Ryan Poles helped make in Kansas City.
"View post on imgur.com"
The similarities, even in college are a bit eery. The age is a concern, but he is likely capable of starting as a rookie. Raimann has excellent feet for his size thanks to his background as a wideout, but also in soccer.
A light-footed athlete who just grew into his body is the older prospect to bet on. He would be drafted top 10 if he were a few years younger, and the discount could get the Bears plenty of time with a star left tackle falling to the second round.