Bears 2022 Draft Order Finalized

• 2-39
• 2-48 (acquired from the Chargers in the Khalil Mack trade)
• 3-71
• 5-148 (acquired from the Texans in the Anthony Miller trade)
• 5-150
• 6-186

First and foremost, GM Ryan Poles will be seeking help at wide receiver and offensive line as he seeks to continue adding weapons to Luke Getsy’s offense. Poles and coach Matt Eberflus, along with Getsy, are building an offense best-tailored to the strengths of second-year quarterback Justin Fields.

Poles would probably like to add a linebacker and get some help in the defensive backfield. After signing DeAndre Houston-Carson to a one-year deal earlier Sunday, the Bears have just two safeties under contract, the other being Eddie Jackson. The team inked former Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow to a one-year, #3 million deal last week.

On the offensive side of the ball, Poles signed two wide receivers last week to add to a room that included Darnell Mooney and Dazz Newsome. The GM picked up wide receiver Byron Pringle from the Chiefs as a depth receiver, but he has a great chance of starting in the slot. Poles also signed Equanimeous St. Brown, who worked with Getsy as the Packers’ No. 4 wideout the last two seasons.

As far as the offensive line is concerned, the Bears signed center Lucas Patrick from the Packers after resigning long snapper Patrick Scales. Though none of the new players are of the marquee variety, each brings the type of aggressive skillset Poles has been seeking as he puts his stamp on Chicago’s roster.

That’s not for lack of trying, however. Poles initially signed DT Larry Ogunjobi to a three-year deal that was scrapped when the former Bengals defensive lineman failed his physical.

“As I said before, Larry Ogunjobi embodies everything we are looking for in a Bear, “Poles said when announcing the failed deal. “He is a special person and player. During the league’s negotiating window earlier this week, we agreed to terms with him, subject to him passing a physical here. After a standard and thorough physical and medical review with Larry yesterday afternoon, our medical team deemed him to have failed his physical and therefore, unfortunately, we are not signing him today. This is difficult and it is emotional for everyone involved, but ultimately is what is in the best interest of protecting the Chicago Bears.”

The newly-minted GM quickly pivoted, signing DT Justin Jones and DE Al-Quadin Muhammad, who played under Coach Eberflus with the Colts. Bears Insider feature writer Sean Holland broke down the Muhammad signing.

Though a move or two may yet come in free agency, Poles and his staff can now finalize preparations for this year’s draft. Though Chicago now owns six picks, it’s possible the GM could move one of his second-round picks to add to his 2022 stockpile. He could trade down from No. 71 (Round 3) as well, especially if he bypasses offensive lineman with his earlier picks. It wouldn’t be shocking if the Bears selected a pair of wide receivers in the second round, though this week’s signings are a pretty good indicator that they’ll use at least one of those picks for help at another position.