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 –…