We are just two weeks away from the 2022 NFL Draft in Las Vegas as the NFL world descends on Sin City for the three-day event.
For the Chicago Bears, they still have a few big needs to fill out their roster including at wide receiver, defensive back, offensive tackle and linebacker among others. With two picks in the second round, the Bears are likely to find some instant impact players as the Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus era begins. But who should they target?
In his updated two-round NFL mock draft, ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has the Bears going with defensive back Kyler Gordon (Washington) at No. 39 overall and then offensive tackle Tyler Smith out of Tulsa at No. 48 overall. Here is what Kiper Jr. said about Gordon:
The Bears could go several ways here, including offensive tackle, wide receiver and guard. With Gordon still available, though, I’d pounce. He has lockdown traits and didn’t allow a single touchdown in coverage last season. There has been a great history of teams finding starting corners in the second round, and Gordon has a great chance to play early.
And the report on Smith out of Tulsa:
I mentioned Chicago’s offensive line need at No. 39, and Smith could play a role at guard or tackle. He played left tackle for the Golden Hurricane, but some teams view him as a better guard at the next level. He has to be more consistent and work on his technique — he was called for a whopping 12 penalties last season — but the tools are there.
I should note that Kiper Jr. has wide receiver George Pickens at No. 47, right before the Bears pick at No. 48. It’s interesting to see the Bears not going wide receiver in the second round and opting to go with two other needs instead.
This is a deep receiver class and there should be a good talent available in the third round or potentially day 3.
Make sure to check out our Bears forum for the latest on the team.
