ESPN created a new tool for the 2022 NFL draft called their Draft Day Predictor. This is supposed to be an analytical look at team needs, and which players will be available at certain parts of the draft. You can read more about their method here. The tool looks into the top 100 picks and finds the best fits when it comes to the team, and their draft slot. With the Chicago Bears not having a first-round pick this is a nice tool to look at who may be on the board at certain slots.
If ESPN analytics ran the 2022 NFL draft, who would the Chicago Bears draft?
Bernard Raimann is a name that many mock drafts and media types have been linking to the Chicago Bears recently. According to ESPN, there is a 60% chance that he will be on the board, and he is the most drafted player by the Chicago Bears from this model.
The fit makes sense, as he would step into the left tackle role. The team could have Teven Jenkins and Larry Borom fill right guard and right tackle. Raimann has the athletic upside of Eric Fisher, a player Ryan Poles once drafted.
Still, Raimann will fall in the draft because he is a bit older and because his arm length is not ideal. Raimann is new to the position, but it is hard to say he is raw because he has excellent footwork. His age can detract him to pick 39, but the upside of an instant left tackle starter is a good bet in the second round.