Chicago Bears wheel and deal, add 12 players in this 2022 mock draft

The Chicago Bears were back on the clock for pick 71 in the third round. It would not be surprising to see Poles look to trade back. In the mock draft simulation, the Cleveland Browns were willing to give up their two, third-round picks.

It did cost the Bears the fifth-round pick acquired in the earlier trade with San Francisco but the chance to add more top-100 picks was too good to pass up.

Back on the clock at pick 78, the Chicago Bears addressed the secondary with a player who starred at the University of Illinois.

The Chicago Bears currently only have Jackson and Houston-Carson under contract. Joseph would fit in nicely in Bears head coach Matt Ebeflus takeaway defensive scheme.

Joseph had five interceptions last season for the Illini.

He played well against Wisconsin with nine tackles and a pick. He was also part of a team effort that limited Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson’s effectiveness in Illinois’ win over the Nittany Lions.

He excels in pass coverage.

He showcased his leaping ability at the Senior Bowl.

He proved his jumping ability was no fluke at the NFL Combine when he matched his Senior Bowl vertical jump. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlien’s scouting report captures why Joseph has starter potential but why he is a third-round picks.

"Free safety with average size and speed, good athleticism and only one season as a full-time starter at Illinois. Joseph worked for all five of his interceptions in 2021, using both his length and range over the top. He lacks prototypical instincts as a single-high safety but that might be due to a lack of experience. He’s fluid in space but needs to play with better anticipation. Joseph is missing the demeanor and tackle strength for the box and is likely to be viewed as less versatile than some other safeties in the class, but he has potential in single-high and split-safety alignments. “I think he will keep speeding up his processing once he gets in the league. I like the ball skills.” — Scout for NFC team"

Ball skills are something Eberflus likes out of players in his secondary. Joseph has a good highlight reel and he can also help on special teams.

Profootballnetwork.com likes Joseph’s length and his game tape but feels he still needs to get more consistent in his decision-making and tackling.

If he fixes those two areas, he could be a starter in the Bears’ defense for a long time.