Chicago Bears (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
The next couple of weeks are going to be filled with anxiety and anticipation for Chicago Bears fans. As we near closer to the 2022 NFL Draft, reality sets in more and more.
These Bears need to have one heck of a draft. First-year general manager Ryan Poles must hit a home run in his initial draft with the team. There is a lot of pressure on him, especially after a mediocre free agency period thus far.
The notion that Poles has “done nothing” to improve this roster in a significant way is not wrong. Although, fans can choose to be optimistic if they see the bigger picture.
Poles has remained calm, collected and patient during free agency. That’s led to some frustrated fans, but Poles has the chance to make everything right again if he nails this draft.
The 2022 NFL Draft is crucial for the Chicago Bears, and some risks may need to be taken.
With only six picks and none in the first round, Poles may have to get creative and work some deals. One of the most popular ideas is to trade back with one of their second-round picks and acquire another selection in either the third or fourth round.
Now, the Bears would likely still end up with two picks in the second round, but if there are a handful of second-round favorites that are selected before the Bears’ first pick, things could get somewhat hazy.
The Bears have a few glaring needs, and if Poles is in love with a few select players, he may reach for them. The late-second and third rounds are filled with many similarly graded players.
If Poles sees something in any of the following five players, he could reach for them in the second round — and it just might be worth it.
