Chicago Bears wheel and deal, add 12 players in this 2022 mock draft
By Todd Welter
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles has been bargain shopping his way through free agency.
The NFL has seen a flurry of big names moved this offseason but Poles has chosen not to pursue any star players. Although, he has used the trade route to move the Chicago Bears’ best defensive player in Khalil Mack for a second-round pick.
Free agency and trades are just two of the three ways to put together an NFL roster.
It keeps looking more and more like the third way to build up a roster will be what Poles uses, that being the NFL Draft.
Poles acknowledged the best way to build a roster is through the NFL Draft.
By trading Mack, Poles heads into the draft with three of the top 75 draft picks.
The Chicago Bears still lack a first-round pick as it was traded away in the last draft by previous general manager Ryan Pace to acquire quarterback Justin Fields. The first-round pick the Bears could have had was a top-10 pick, but that is the price you have to pay to get a potential franchise quarterback.
The bargain-free agency shopping still has left the Chicago Bears roster with holes or the need for impact players.
Poles’ prudent spending still has left the roster with a lot of needs and issues.
The Bears still need depth at safety and possibly a starter depending on how you view DeAndre Houston-Carson or Dane Cruikshank, who was recently signed.
The cornerback position still has not been upgraded. Other than Jaylon Johnson, the Chicago Bears’ corners struggled mightily last season.
The wide receiver signings still have left the Bears needing more at the position. Bryon Pringle has the ability to be a good third wide receiver. Equanimeous St. Brown is familiar with offensive coordinator Luke Getsy’s scheme but he was rarely used in Green Bay. Maybe Getsy sees something in St. Brown where he can develop into a good receiver, but the Bears still need to add weapons around Fields.
More players could be used at tight end. Cole Kmet and Jesper Horsted are the only players at that position currently on the roster. Horsted had trouble getting a jersey during most games last year.
Lucas Patrick is a solid signing for the offensive line but the Chicago Bears still need to replace James Daniels at guard who departed via free agency. Dakota Dozier was signed but he is more of a depth piece and not a starter.
The Chicago Bears signed restricted free agent Ryan Bates to an offer sheet but the Buffalo Bills matched the offer.
The defensive line and linebacker can always use depth as well. It looks like the only position the Bears are set at is running back and quarterback.
The bottom line is this team still needs players and lots of them if the Chicago Bears want to own the NFC North and never give it back. That is why it would not be shocking to see Poles wheel and deal in the draft to acquire more draft picks.