The 2022 NFL draft is in the books, and the Chicago Bears welcomed 11 new rookies to the roster. Even now, it’s hard to know exactly what this team will look like with an entire offseason ahead of us.
General manager Ryan Poles entered the draft with plenty of needs, including wide receiver, offensive line and defensive back. And he addressed those in some form with the additions of four offensive linemen, three defensive backs and one wideout.
Chicago used its first two draft picks to find two immediate starters in cornerback Kyler Gordon and safety Jaquan Brisker, which has provided more clarity on the defensive depth chart.
After 2022 NFL draft, we’re predicting what the Bears starting defense will look like this season.
DE Robert Quinn
AP Photo/Duane Burleson
Robert Quinn is coming off an impressive season, where he broke the Bears’ single-season sack record with 18.5 total sacks and was a disruptive force off the edge. It doesn’t sound like Quinn is going anywhere anytime soon — despite interest from around the league — and he’ll now be the top edge rusher in Chicago with Khalil Mack traded to the Chargers.
DE Trevis Gipson
AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson
While the Bears signed Al-Quadin Muhammad, Trevis Gipson projects to get an opportunity to start at edge rusher opposite Quinn. Gipson had an impressive 2021 season, where he saw significant action in place of an injured Mack.
DT Justin Jones
AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh
After not signing Larry Ogunjobi due to a failed physical, Justin Jones is in line to serve as the three-technique on the defensive line. Jones is coming off an impressive season with the Chargers, where he had career highs in tackles (37), sacks (3.0) and QB hits (5).
DT Khyiris Tonga
AP Photo/David Banks
With Eddie Goldman’s release, Khyiris Tonga is next in line as the 1-technique (nose…