Chicago Bears 7-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft: First chance post-Ryan Pace
By Ryan Heckman
With just their second of five picks in this draft, the Bears have to choose wisely. They have to find a player they can start right away at a position of need, and ideally, that is cornerback. If Kyler Gordon is available at pick 71, which he was in this mock, the Bears have stolen him.
The Bears’ cornerback room may as well be empty beyond Jaylon Johnson. The team desperately needs depth there, including one starter. Gordon could be that guy from Day 1, as he does a lot of things well.
Lowest career yards allowed per coverage snap at outside cornerback among 2022 NFL Draft CBs, per @PFF:
— Austin Gayle (@austingayle_) January 8, 2022
1. Trent McDuffie (0.6)
2. Kaiir Elam (0.7)
3. Kyler Gordon (0.7)
The 6-foot corner out of Washington does a little bit of everything. He is a longer body, giving him an advantage when it comes to ball skills. He’s also strong in addition to having those long arms. Gordon makes plays in the run game and is willing to make contact, which would give the Bears some flexibility if they wanted to play him inside.
One of the major pain points for the Bears over the past two seasons has been a lack of tackling effort from the secondary, and Gordon would help shore that up immediately.
Gordon’s athleticism seeps into every area, including his quickness. He is fast enough to keep up with most receivers and has tremendous closing speed.