Ryan Poles‘ first big move as Chicago Bears general manager was not very popular amongst the fans. Poles traded fan-favorite pass rusher, Khalil Mack, to the Los Angeles Chargers for a 2022 second-round pick and a 2023 sixth-round pick. That gives the Bears six draft picks this year including two in the second round. However, as most are aware, the Bears will be without their first-round pick after using it to move up for Justin Fields last season. This draft is very important for Poles, as he looks to turn over the roster Ryan Pace left him.
To help with this mock draft, I used The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Team Mock Drafts.
Round 2, Pick 39: George Pickens, WR, Georgia
The Bears are likely to attack wide receiver early in the draft after only signing a couple of depth guys in free agency. Pickens’s height and speed would make him the perfect X receiver to complement Darnell Mooney. He would vastly improve the wide receiver room. Although, he may have done enough at the combine to prove worthy of a first-round pick. However, if he slips Pickens would be a home run for Poles as his first pick as Bears general manager.
For more on Pickens, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 2, Pick 48: Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota
To the disappointment of many fans, the Bears did not bring in one of the top free agent’s tackles. However, if they were able to get Faalele, that would be a huge win for Chicago. Especially, considering the front office doesn’t seem very high on Larry Borom. Faalele is a huge body with good speed and he would be a great bodyguard for Fields. He along with Teven Jenkins would give the Bears two good young tackles to develop.
Round 3, Pick 71: Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati
The Bears sent wide receiver coach Tyke Tolbert to Cincinnati’s pro day to scout Pierce. He is a local product out of Illinois. Pierce has good speed and used his 6’3” frame to be the big play guy for Cincinnati this past season. He scored eight touchdowns and had 884 receiving yards. Furthermore, Pierce is versatile, so he can play on the outside and in the slot, making him a very good target for the Bears.
For more on Pierce, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 5, Pick 148: Haskell Garrett, DL, Ohio State
On the first day of free agency, the Bears made a big move signing three-technique defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi. However, he then failed his physical resulting in the Bears looking elsewhere. They shifted focus and signed former Chargers tackle, Justin Jones, to a two-year deal. Jones has had injuries in the past so Garrett would provide some much-needed depth early in his career. That would hopefully transition into Matt Eberflus and the defensive staff developing him into a full-time starter by year three.
Round 5, Pick 150: Matt Araiza, P, San Diego State
The Bears let eight-year veteran punter Pat O’Donnell walk in free agency this March. Yes, the Bears roster has a lot of holes to fill, and picking Araiza may upset some fans. However, he would lock in a big part of their special teams for years to come. He has a huge leg, a ton of potential, and can truly flip the field which would be a big game-changer for the Bears. He showed that potential in college with a couple of punts of over 80 yards.
Round 6, Pick 186: Matt Hankins, CB, Iowa
The Bears will likely bring in a few cornerbacks from now until training camp. However, they should still use one of their picks on a corner in the draft. They need depth and competition for the No. 2 cornerback opposite Jaylon Johnson. That was a huge hole for the defense last season, and Hankins would be an excellent option with this pick. He is good against the run, is athletic, and has solid speed making him a great developmental prospect for the future.
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