Chicago Bears make huge trade in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft

With their third pick in the top 100, the Bears go for another huge need by selecting Cincinnati cornerback Coby Bryant — yes, that is going to be quite the name to live up to in pro sports, although spelled one letter differently than the late, great Kobe.

The Bears’ cornerback room might have been their biggest blunder in 2021 in terms of a position group’s success — or lack thereof. Jaylon Johnson is the only one, in the entire group, who looked the part.

Kindle Vildor started the majority of the year and was statistically one of the worst cornerbacks in all of football. Late in the year, the Bears finally chose to play rookie sixth rounder Thomas Graham Jr. Thankfully, he provided a bright spot as well. In his second season, Graham should take another step forward and provide some depth.

Bryant, though, could come in and start right away next to Johnson. He’s one of the best corners in the draft, and the Bears would feel extremely fortunate to land him here. Again, for the sake of this mock, Pro Football Focus’ simulator had him available at this pick.

Bryant’s length and physicality make him a nice pairing with Johnson, who offers similar traits. Over his five years at Cincinnati (only appeared in three games as a freshman), the fifth-year senior tallied nine interceptions and 35 passes defended in 50 games.