Jalen Tolbert is another player that is a bit surprising to be here. When we wrote about him we thought he may be in play for the 48th selection, or even 39th if the wide receiver run came earlier than expected.
Still, ESPN analytics has Tolbert at just over 50% chances to still be on the board when the Chicago Bears pick at 71st overall. With that in mind, they are certainly going to be heavy favorites to draft him in this slot.
The Bears passing on a wideout in their first two picks would probably infuriate fans and put them in a spot where they have to nab one in round three. ESPN lays out an ideal situation here, but even Khalil Shakir, Calvin Austin, and Alec Pierce are on the board in more than 50% of the ESPN simulations.
In our draft profile on Jalen Tolbert, we highlighted how his game as a downfield target could be a great fit for Justin Fields. In the third round, it would make up for missing on wide out earlier.
If the Chicago Bears walk away from the 2022 NFL draft with Bernard Raimann, Kaiir Elam, and Jalen Tolbert how would fans be feeling?