5 players Chicago Bears could reach for in Round 2 of 2022 NFL Draft

The Chicago Bears could reach for receiver John Metchie III in Round 2

Every year, it seems like we find one of the draft’s best route runners coming out of Alabama. This year is no different, as John Metchie III holds that title. Coming off an ACL tear suffered late in the year, Metchie’s draft stock dropped a bit. But, as long as his recovery goes well, Metchie should be able to contribute in his rookie season.

At six feet, 195 pounds, Metchie offers prototypical size as a slot receiver. But, he can line up anywhere, and he has proven it. The Bears wouldn’t necessarily get a number one guy in Metchie, but they would be getting a receiver who can get open — and that’s almost better than any other trait there is.

He does offer fairly good speed, but the fact that he can run pro routes is a huge advantage to Metchie’s game. Justin Fields needs guys who can get open, especially after Matt Nagy’s offense did such a poor job scheming players open. Metchie can do just that and possesses footwork to die for.

As a prime run-after-catch candidate, Metchie would give the Bears a guy who they could be creative with in getting him the football. He is smooth and sneaky with the ball in his hands, just as he is running routes. Metchie is profiled as a third rounder, mostly, but would not be a bad pick in the second round.