Discussing the Bears’ 2022 NFL draft class
The 2022 NFL draft is in the books, and the Chicago Bears have welcomed 11 new rookies to the fold.
For general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus, their first NFL draft is in the books, and they’ve added some intriguing names to the roster.
The consensus among NFL experts is that Chicago’s draft was decent but not great — mostly because the lack of early help for quarterback Justin Fields. But the Bears added two immediate starters in cornerback Kyler Gordon and safety Jaquan Brisker, as well as a speedster at receiver in Velus Jones Jr. There are some potential late-round gems to get excited about, including edge rusher Dominque Robinson and offensive linemen Braxton Jones and Ja’Tyre Carter.
It’s hard to judge this rookie group before they’ve even hit the practice field. But our Bears Wire staff are sharing their immediate thoughts on Poles’ first draft class.
Alyssa Barbieri
AP Photo/Butch Dill
Ryan Poles certainly made good on his promise to acquire more draft capital, turning six picks into 11 by Day 3. The Bears found two immediate starters in cornerback Kyler Gordon and safety Jaquan Brisker, addressing the defense’s biggest weakness in the secondary from a year ago. But it’s hard not to be concerned that the Bears didn’t do enough to help quarterback Justin Fields. Sure, Poles did draft four offensive linemen – all on Day 3 – but only one receiver in Velus Jones Jr., who’s unproven but has the speed and intangibles to potentially become an impact player, in Round 3.
There are some exciting developmental players in the mix, including offensive tackle Braxton Jones, edge rusher Dominique Robinson, running back Trestan Ebner and offensive lineman Ja’Tyre Carter. Heck, the Bears even addressed the punter position with Trenton Gill, who’ll have an opportunity to beat out Ryan Winslow. All-in-all, we got a glimpse of exactly what Poles believed to be the team’s biggest concerns – the offensive line and secondary – and he put together a group with some potential late-round gems in the mix. But it’s hard to judge this group until they actually hit the field.
Brendan Sugrue
AP Photo/Ted S. Warren
I feel like a broken record when I say it is so difficult to feel one way or the other about a draft class when they haven’t even had their rookie minicamp yet. But overall, I feel better about Ryan Poles’ process more so than the actual selections. He went into the draft with just six picks and came away with 11, the most the Bears have had since 2008. Poles found ways to maneuver through the final day to acquire more picks to fill many holes. Nothing is ever guaranteed in the NFL Draft, but Poles gave himself more chances and for a team in the position the Bears are in, that’s all you can ask for right now.
As for the actual selections, I feel very good about Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker. While I wanted a receiver with that 48th overall pick, like most Bears fans did, you cannot deny what Brisker can do at the safety position. He and Gordon should revitalize the secondary. I also love the push to add linemen that Poles made. He saw the need for competition and brought in athletic players to develop and possibly push the starters this year. I don’t have a favorite yet, but you can bet at least one player will rise to the top from that group.
Finally, it comes as no surprise that I wish Poles would have taken a swing at one more receiver. Velus Jones Jr. might become a valuable weapon for Justin Fields and the offense, but like with the linemen, it would have been nice to create more competition at that position. For example, the Bears could have selected Khalil Shakir out of Boise State with their first pick in the fifth round before trading down. Hopefully, the group isn’t as barren as some think, but that’s my only major gripe in an otherwise decent first draft for the first-year general manager.
Ryan Fedrau
AP Photo/Rick Scuteri
Ryan Poles impressed me this draft, but I’ll wait to see who makes the team and how these players turn out. Turning six picks into 11 is pretty impressive, especially when you take in count that Chicago didn’t have a first-round selection.
I like this draft, but before calling it great, we have to see how these players perform. Currently, I’ll give it a B+ rating. In October, it could be higher or lower. Still, Poles did a solid job in his first draft as a general manager. He’ll only get better as the years go on. If he can knock a few drafts out of the park, he’ll be a long-term solution in Chicago, as they’ve kickstarted the rebuild.
Nate Atkins
USA Today Sports
Conceptually, it was a great draft. The Bears drafted the best players available in Round 2, drafted the guy they wanted in Round 3, and created additional picks in Rounds 6 and 7.
Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker are first-round players depending on the scout. Velus Jones is an odd pick, in my opinion, but it sounds like Justin Fields likes him. Also, Kansas City has a knack for making household names out of unorthodox receivers. For example, the Chiefs took a former running back and converted him into a receiver that just signed a $120M contract. So while the other prospects haven’t hit like Tyreek Hill, maybe there’s something here with Velus Jones.
The rest of the picks are great for filling out the roster. But to echo everyone else, until the players come in and prove it on the field, it’s hard to know how great this draft was. Although, on paper, it looks excellent.
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