2022 Bears draft

[Lake Shore Drive]

I know, technically the season ain't over being we have one final game. But since we're not in the playoffs, yeah our season is over. The main reason tho for starting the thread this soon is I found an article on Yahoo from the Draft Wire that predicts the first three rounds of the '22 draft. There have been a ton of them predicting the first round only, and I'm sure there have been a number of sites posting multi-round predictions as well, but this is the first one I've come across. And considering we don't have a first rounder, I thought it was at least interesting to see who we'd take with picks in the 2nd & 3rd:

2022 NFL mock draft: Updated 3-round projections for the new year

Draft Wire editor Luke Easterling updates his three-round projections for the 2022 NFL draft

sports.yahoo.com

Cut to the chase:
2nd round (#39) - Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota
3rd round ((#73) - Justyn Ross WR, Clemson

I've done zero research on either of these guys, so I have no idea if they're good or bad picks relative to when we select. I know I would prefer someone from the DL with one of these, being there's a pretty solid chance that neither Hicks nor Goldman will be on the team next season. But I also concede we are way down the league totem pole in WR talent, especially when it's a given that Robinson will seek employment elsewhere.

 

[NCChiFan]

I know, technically the season ain't over being we have one final game. But since we're not in the playoffs, yeah our season is over. The main reason tho for starting the thread this soon is I found an article on Yahoo from the Draft Wire that predicts the first three rounds of the '22 draft. There have been a ton of them predicting the first round only, and I'm sure there have been a number of sites posting multi-round predictions as well, but this is the first one I've come across. And considering we don't have a first rounder, I thought it was at least interesting to see who we'd take with picks in the 2nd & 3rd:

2022 NFL mock draft: Updated 3-round projections for the new year

Draft Wire editor Luke Easterling updates his three-round projections for the 2022 NFL draft

sports.yahoo.com

Cut to the chase:
2nd round (#39) - Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota
3rd round ((#73) - Justyn Ross WR, Clemson

I've done zero research on either of these guys, so I have no idea if they're good or bad picks relative to when we select. I know I would prefer someone from the DL with one of these, being there's a pretty solid chance that neither Hicks nor Goldman will be on the team next season. But I also concede we are way down the league totem pole in WR talent, especially when it's a given that Robinson will seek employment elsewhere.

It isn't just Robinson gone at the WR position, we are going to lose at least 3 one year rental wide outs. Newsome and Mooney are it for next season I believe. So yea, I would guess a WR would be one of if not 2 of the few picks we have. I'm good with Jenkins and Borom if they stay healthy. Where I see a need in the O line is at Center or possibly at Guard as I've seen Whitehair rolled over a lot this year along with Mustifier.

After that, it is really best available at CB as well. It is obvious, the Bears are lacking a CB or NB.

 

[NCChiFan]

IF Pace is retained as GM, he really needs to pull some rabbits out of his hat, like he did last draft. Man he did an amazing job drafting last year.

 

[noonthirtyjoe]

IF Pace is retained as GM, he really needs to pull some rabbits out of his hat, like he did last draft. Man he did an amazing job drafting last year.

Not sure how I feel on Pace. His drafting has been hit and miss like anyones and I can live with that. But he is lacking in every other aspect of being a GM. He would make a nice leader of the scouting department. Last years draft may turn out to be one of our best in 20 years.

 

[averagejoe]

Not sure how I feel on Pace. His drafting has been hit and miss like anyones and I can live with that. But he is lacking in every other aspect of being a GM. He would make a nice leader of the scouting department.

Pace has absolutely no one to help him. Ted Phillips above him is a financial guy. And Nagy's acumen below him has arguably made the offense worse, despite bringing in players that Nagy wanted. This doesn't give Pace a pass, but it would explain why many personnel decisions have not panned out.

If Pace goes, FWIW my guess says they trade some key players to acquire picks.

 

[noonthirtyjoe]

Pace has absolutely no one to help him. Ted Phillips above him is a financial guy. And Nagy's acumen below him has arguably made the offense worse, despite bringing in players that Nagy wanted. This doesn't give Pace a pass, but it would explain why many personnel decisions have not panned out.

If Pace goes, FWIW my guess says they trade some key players to acquire picks.

You for or against Pace staying? I'm 50/50. I agree we will trade for draft picks and start a rebuild if Pace is let go.

 

[averagejoe]

You for or against Pace staying? I'm 50/50. I agree we will trade for draft picks and start a rebuild if Pace is let go.

How do I put this? If they keep Pace I won't cheer, if they let him go I won't cry. I just want the organization to add another layer - someone with actual football knowledge and experience who can make a tangible contribution to the decision-making process.

Make up a position for it: PEO or Personnel Executive Officer; or call it Director of Football Acquisitions. Maybe split the President/CEO title that Ted Philips has? Since I have a feeling the Bears will keep him anyway (sadly). Make Phillips just the CEO and let him work on the Arlington Park relocation. Bring someone new in to be President. Riddick, Manning, Parcels... someone with a football pedigree.

 

[LionsWhyMe]

2022 NFL mock draft: Updated 3-round projections for the new year

Draft Wire editor Luke Easterling updates his three-round projections for the 2022 NFL draft

sports.yahoo.com

The Lions taking QB Kenny Pickett with the #2? Wow, Goff isn't elite but having a new coaching staff, learning a new playbook and only 1 WR all 17 games is throwing Goff under the bus for a draft class that isn't all that good in QB's.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

The Lions taking QB Kenny Pickett with the #2? Wow, Goff isn't elite but having a new coaching staff, learning a new playbook and only 1 WR all 17 games is throwing Goff under the bus for a draft class that isn't all that good in QB's.

Goff isn't world class by any stretch, but I figure he can easily hold the fort down until a replacement comes along. Not sure this is the draft for that to take place and my hunch is the Lions might milk this pick with a trade down to bolster their selections, which could still possibly include a QB.

 

[wood20ks]

Need help on our oline.....we can run block but cant protect the passer.....

That is a huge huge must if we are gonna have any luck with JF.....

Im another one that would not know college talent cause I never watch it,so Im not sure who I would take at no.2......

But being we have no no.1,I suspect we will be a big player at wr or ot in the freeagency market......
Then whatever of the 2 positions is added,thats what we will use the no.2 pick on.......

But thats 3-4 months away......

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

Need help on our oline.....we can run block but cant protect the passer.....

That is a huge huge must if we are gonna have any luck with JF.....

Im another one that would not know college talent cause I never watch it,so Im not sure who I would take at no.2......

But being we have no no.1,I suspect we will be a big player at wr or ot in the freeagency market......
Then whatever of the 2 positions is added,thats what we will use the no.2 pick on.......

But thats 3-4 months away......

Yeah, I think it's a fair guess being who we go after in free agency will dictate to a large degree how we draft......maybe. I mean, we could sign a big name OT and still use our first selection on one for all we know. I have to say I'm hoping whoever our new GM is at the time will target a WR in free agency, as I'd prefer not to use our first pick on one unless some no brainer choice was available when it's our turn at the podium. And even then I'd still be rooting for the brass to take someone in the trenches.

 

[BsGenius]

Imagine how better of a position we would be in regarding the draft had we tanked. But we didn't tank. We won baby!

 

[wood20ks]

Yeah, I think it's a fair guess being who we go after in free agency will dictate to a large degree how we draft......maybe. I mean, we could sign a big name OT and still use our first selection on one for all we know. I have to say I'm hoping whoever our new GM is at the time will target a WR in free agency, as I'd prefer not to use our first pick on one unless some no brainer choice was available when it's our turn at the podium. And even then I'd still be rooting for the brass to take someone in the trenches.

I usually like big name freeagents,and either or position is fine by me......the part I dont like about it is they cost money and may put us in cap situations in the future.......
Right now Macks contract is enormous,so I really dont know where we stand with the big name players.....

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

I brought this thread back up now that we have our GM & HC on board. Specifically, being it appears the defensive lineup will switch back to the 4-3, I imagine this will impact our offseason roster changes and likely the draft as well. Depending on who we cut/sign/whatever moves we make prior to the draft, it will also affect our selections. Even tho I was already at least 50/50 on using our first pick (2nd round) on the D side of the ball, with the other 50 going with the OL or possibly WR, I'm now more like 70/30 taking either a DL or LB, specifically MLB, being that Smith will likely move outside.

 

[BearsWillWin]

In switching to a 4-3 MLB now becomes a pretty big need unless you can solve in free agency. Not sure what will be out there.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

In switching to a 4-3 MLB now becomes a pretty big need unless you can solve in free agency. Not sure what will be out there.

There are some good ILBs out there, the question is who remains on the board by the time the Bears pick. The consensus ILB of the draft appears to be Utah's Devin Lloyd - well, Nakobe Dean of GA might be the co-consensus #1, but he seems destined for a defense that uses a 3-4. Doesn't matter, the chances of either one making it out of the first round are zilch. Shit, Lloyd probably won't make it past the top 10.

Two names I'm going to follow to see how their star rises or falls are Penn State's Brandon Smith and Wyoming's Chad Muma. Smith in particular is intriguing, but I'm suspicious that he too will fail to make it out of round 1. One interesting note on Muma. He was one of the highest rated linebackers last year in run defense, which is a nice attribute for a MIKE to make it in the NFL.

 

[richig07]

There are some good ILBs out there, the question is who remains on the board by the time the Bears pick. The consensus ILB of the draft appears to be Utah's Devin Lloyd - well, Nakobe Dean of GA might be the co-consensus #1, but he seems destined for a defense that uses a 3-4. Doesn't matter, the chances of either one making it out of the first round are zilch. Shit, Lloyd probably won't make it past the top 10.

Two names I'm going to follow to see how their star rises or falls are Penn State's Brandon Smith and Wyoming's Chad Muma. Smith in particular is intriguing, but I'm suspicious that he too will fail to make it out of round 1. One interesting note on Muma. He was one of the highest rated linebackers last year in run defense, which is a nice attribute for a MIKE to make it in the NFL.

Welp. No need for an ILB in the 2nd round, now that we run a 4-3. I am assuming Roquan is our MLB.

 

[BearsWillWin]

Welp. No need for an ILB in the 2nd round, now that we run a 4-3. I am assuming Roquan is our MLB.

He’s a WILL in a 4-3

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

Welp. No need for an ILB in the 2nd round, now that we run a 4-3. I am assuming Roquan is our MLB.

It's possible, but I'm agreeing with BWW. I think Roquan will be shifted over. I do agree tho that if for whatever reason they decide to keep him in the middle, then yeah, we would likely not use our earliest picks on this positions Hell, even if they do shift Smith over, that still doesn't mean we'd have to use our first pick on an ILB. We need help in other places too - DL, OL, WR. But shifting to a 4-3 generally calls for a larger LB to man the middle, which is why I am at least targeting a couple of names in that spot.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

Welp. No need for an ILB in the 2nd round, now that we run a 4-3. I am assuming Roquan is our MLB.

He’s a WILL in a 4-3

Since we've been somewhat on the subject of linebackers here in lieu of the likelihood that Eberflus will revert the D back to a 4-3 alignment, I thought this article was interesting:

CHSN

www.nbcsports.com

Specifically, "Eberflus is likely very happy to inherit Roquan Smith, as Smith’s incredible talent would likely allow him to play either Mike or Will. Given the importance of the Will position in Eberflus’ defense, however, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Smith slot in there. Who fills in the gaps beside Smith is anyone’s guess as Alec Ogletree is no longer under contract, and Danny Trevathan was limited significantly by injuries last season."

So the bottom line is there's no certainty as to which spot Smith will play, altho it tends to lean toward the WILL side of the equation. But it does signal that no matter what, the Bears will be on the hunt for linebacking help in the coming weeks and months, whether it's thru signings or draft or a combination thereof.