As the Chicago Bears report to training camp, we are onto the top 25 players on our countdown. Below are the ten players just outside of the top 25. Remember, this list is focusing on 2022 only, and it is focusing on how much their presence will affect the wins and losses of the 2022 season.
With that in mind, check out the honorable mention, and we will be breaking down all of the top 25.
Dane Cruikshank
Mario Edwards Jr.
DeAndre Houston-Carson
Cairo Santo
Khari Blasingame
Ryan Griffin
Matt Adams
Dominique Robinson
Zachary Thomas
*Editor’s note: This was written and scheduled before the Max Schofield and Riley Reiff signings. Both would make the top 25 players of 2022.
25. Braxton Jones, LT
Braxton Jones is a rookie left tackle from Southern Utah. While he will be competing with Larry Borom and Teven Jenkins to get into the lineup, it has to be noted that he has more experience at left tackle because both of them played primarily on the right side.
Being a fifth-round rookie makes it hard to thrust him right into the top 25, as there are a lot of expectations that come from being that high. Still, as signs keep pointing to him being a starter, he will slowly climb closer to number 22 on the list.
24. Al-Quadin Muhammad
Al-Quadin Muhammad is tough to project. He comes from the Colts and started last season, so he has the coaching staff in good graces. Still, in most cases, even the coaches would like him as a third-down rusher, which means not being a starter.
With Trevis Gipson and Robert Quinn ahead of him, he could be in a great role. Still, if Quinn leaves, he will be thrust up a few spots on this ranking. Muhammad had a chance to set a tone and instill a culture in OTAs but was off to the side rehabbing an injury.
The hope is he brings what the Colts did to the Bears training camp sessions.
23. Byron Pringle
Byron Pringle is a free agent signing from the Kansas City Chiefs. He comes in a similar situation to Muhammad but knows the General Manager well. Considering Ryan Poles saw Pringle grow from a UDFA to a free agent signing, he is going to have a preferential edge for him.
The contract he signed makes it look like he will be a number two wideout across from Darnell Mooney from day one. That may mostly be because of his blocking.
22. Velus Jones Jr.
On most depth charts, you are going to see Byron Pringle ahead of Velus Jones. Still, Jones has the juice and the ability to provide more, while Pringle is what he is and was signed because of his steady hand and not his potential.
The Chicago Bears need speed and someone to help Justin Fields stretch the field. Ryan Poles compared Jones to Deebo Samuel when he drafted Velus Jones, and now Poles will have to see how his words play out.
21. Thomas Graham Jr.
When Ryan Pace drafted Thomas Graham, many fans saw him shifting into the slot. They had a bigger need there, and that was where his skill set meshed best into the NFL game.
Of course, Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy shuffled through awful slot cornerbacks as they left Graham on the bench as a depth outside cornerback. The new coaching staff immediately pushed him into the slot.
Whether he wins the slot job, or is a fourth cornerback who can play inside and out, both roles bring value and make him looked at as a huge riser from his place last season.