Chicago Bears (David Banks-USA TODAY Sports)
We are now less than three weeks away from the 2022 NFL Draft, and this could be a monumental weekend for the Chicago Bears.
This is a team that, under new general manager Ryan Poles, is depending on a smart, creative draft class this year in order to significantly improve the roster — and they’ll need to do it without a first-round pick.
Poles has added a decent amount of free agents thus far, but none have been anywhere near top-tier names. The strategy is clear. He’s going to take it slow in his first year, while gearing up for a big 2023 offseason.
Still, Justin Fields needs a supporting cast. The draft is where Poles could do the most damage, especially if he wheels and deals a bit.
In the 2022 NFL Draft, Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles should think outside the box in pulling off a trade or two.
Having signed a starting center in Lucas Patrick, along with a slot wideout Byron Pringle and a second string tight end in Ryan Griffin, Poles has added a couple of key pieces. But, none of these players are going to have the long-term impact on Fields that, say, a second-round wide receiver or offensive lineman might.
Chicago still needs a starting guard, and maybe a tackle, depending on whether Larry Borom has the team’s confidence in year two. This team certainly needs a playmaker at wide receiver, too.
Defensively, one better believe that Matt Eberflus will not ignore that group. He’s still a defensive guy, and he knows that side of the ball has holes as well. So, if he and Poles are going to effectively address the entirety of the Bears’ needs, a few trades should be on the way.
In this mock, Poles does something that just might shock and unnerve a few fans. But, it all comes together in the end.
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