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Chicago Bears mock draft: 2022 NFL Draft projections and analysis

New Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles has a lot of work in front of him if he wants to present first-year head coach Matt Eberflus with anything that resembles a competitive roster.

Unfortunately for Chicago, it does not have a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft after trading it away for a move up to acquire quarterback Justin Field in last year’s draft.

Chicago does have two second-round selections after trading All-Pro Khalil Mack to the Los Angeles Chargers. Before we get into our full seven-round Chicago Bears mock draft, let’s check in all of the picks they have coming up in the annual event.

Related: 2022 NFL mock draft

2022 Chicago Bears draft picks

  • 2nd round, 39th and 48th overall
  • 3rd round, 71st overall
  • 5th round, 147th and 149th overall
  • 6th round, 184th overall

Chicago Bears mock draft: New regime, different results

NFL: Chicago Bears-Head Coach Matt Eberflus Press Conference
David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

In order for second-year quarterback Justin Fields to have success, he’s going to need more weapons on offense. Chicago’s new brass also talked about the struggles from its offensive line a season ago.

Either way, Poles needs to hit big time with the Bears’ three Day 2 picks given that they are without a first-round selection. Fortunately, going best player available will likely be in the cards here. That opens Poles up to flexibility in his first draft as the Bears’ general manager.

Related: Top prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft

2nd round, 39th overall: George Pickens, wide receiver Georgia

chicago bears mock draft: george pickens, georgia
Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK

Chicago added Byron Pringle to the mix in free agency. He should help the likes of Darnell Mooney and youngster Dazz Newsome. In no way does this mean there isn’t a major hole at wide receiver for Mr. Fields after Allen Robinson departed for the Los Angeles Rams.

At 6-foot-3, Pickens is just the type of target Fields needs in order to take that next step as a sophomore. We’re talking abut a dude who can create instant windows for the quarterback to throw through out of his initial break. Pickens also boasts plus-level hands and route-running ability, as evidenced by the 85 receptions and 14 touchdowns he put up in 2019 and 2020. There’s an injury concern here. But getting first-round talent in Day 2 would represent value at a position of need for Chicago.

Related: Chicago Bears 2022 opponents

2nd round, 48th overall: Daniel Faalele, offensive tackle, Minnesota

chicago bears mock draft: daniel faalele
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Bears quarterbacks were sacked a whopping 58 times a season ago. Regardless of who is under center, that’s just not sustainable.

The 6-foot-8, 380-pound Faalele translates better to the right side of the line given his frame and build. The former rugby playeris as physically imposing as they come and is already a plus-level run blocker. While it might take some time, he certainly looks the part of a starting right tackle in the NFL.

Related: 2022 NFL Draft rumors

3rd round, 71st overall: Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma

chcago bears moc draft: nik bonitoo
BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK

Chicago’s decision to trade Khalil Mack creates an obvious hole at the edge pass rush position behind Leonard Floyd. Trevis Gipson and veteran journeyman Jeremiah Attaochu can’t be seen as the long-term solutions.

Enter into the equation one of the most-productive edge rushers of the 2022 class. Bonitto (6-foot-3, 248 poinds) displayed flashes of brilliance in Norman. He recorded 26.5 tackles for loss and 16 sacks in his final two seasons with Oklahoma. We’re talking about an elite athlete with pass-rush moves and actual coverage ability to play multiple positions in defensive coordinator Alan Williams’ scheme.

Related: Chicago Bears continue rebuild, trade Khalil Mack

Rounding out the Chicago Bears mock draft

  • 5th round, 147th overall: Lecitus Smith, guard, Virginia
  • 5th round, 149th overall: Jaylen Watson, cornerback, Washington State
  • 6th round, 184th overall: Jalen Nailor, wide receiver, Michigan State

Let us know what you think about this Chicago Bears mock draft in the comments section below.

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