Chicago Bears trade a surprise player in this 2022 mock draft
By Ryan Heckman
The Bears likely have two of their three linebacker spots filled in Roquan Smith and Nicholas Morrow, but will need another starter on the strong side if Morrow plays in the middle and Smith on the weak side.
At pick no. 76, the Bears get exactly what they want in a strong side linebacker with Cincinnati’s Darrian Beavers.
Beavers stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 255 pounds, but he’s one heck of an athlete for his size. At the Combine, Beavers posted a 36.5-inch vertical.
Beavers has that old school type of feel to him. He’s one of those rugged, tough linebackers that can bang with anyone. He’s got the strength to work around and through blockers to make plays quickly in the run game. It’s mostly for these reasons why he’ll be a great fit in Eberflus’ system. He fits the mold as an athletic, strong player who goes hard on every snap.
His size will allow him to stay matched up well with tight ends, too, which will be of significant value to this defense that will end up playing a lot of zone. Beavers is a high football IQ player who hasn’t gotten a ton of pre-draft love, but he’ll prove to be a valuable player in Chicago.