To this point in the offseason, Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles has not done a whole lot — at least, not as much as some fans have desired to see.
In his first couple of months on the job, Poles is clearly taking a patient approach to the 2022 offseason while he sets his eyes on the 2023 offseason, where the Bears will have a large amount of cap space to work with.
With just six picks in this year’s NFL Draft and many holes to fill, it looks as though the Bears will be content with a down seasons in 2022. But, that doesn’t mean Poles won’t try to add talent through the draft. It also doesn’t mean that the Bears can’t compile additional draft capital — they can.
In this mock draft, Poles uses a whopping five trades to acquire a mess of draft capital for this year.
Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears use five trades to stockpile capital in this 2022 NFL mock draft.
Let’s begin with a trade right off the bat.
WR Western Michigan
To start things off, Poles and the Bears pull off a huge trade using their no. 39 pick. If the Bears are to really gain additional draft capital, their best chance it by dealing their first selection in the draft. In this trade, the Baltimore Ravens get that 39th pick plus a seventh rounder next year. The Bears get pick 45, plus a fourth-round pick (no. 110) and a seventh-round pick (no. 196) this year.
With the no. 45 pick, the Bears go after a wide receiver — and he won’t be the last one they draft, you can bet on it. Chicago snags Western Michigan’s Skyy Moore here, though, and they give Justin Fields an impact weapon from Day 1.
Moore is a 5-foot-10 electric playmaker who weighs in around 195 pounds and can line up both outside and in the slot, but will do his best work from the slot in this Bears offense. Offering excellent long speed but also quick footwork in the short areas, Moore is a whole lot of fun to watch after the catch.
This is a receiver who is great at getting himself open and ensuring the quarterback sees his eyes quick enough. Moore uses his body and footwork to get open off his releases and is quick to turn towards the quarterback, giving him an open target.
Last season, Moore caught 95 passes for 1,292 yards and 10 touchdowns in his biggest season yet. He’s always been productive, no matter how he’s used. This is a sure fire, impact player from Day 1. And, now, the Bears are set to add another one right away.
