The Chicago Bears are heading into the 2022 NFL Draft with some of the least draft capital in the league. That is in large part due to the trade that was made during the 2021 NFL Draft when the Bears traded up with the New York Giants to select Ohio State quarterback, Justin Fields.
If Fields turns out to be their franchise quarterback, no one will bat an eye at that trade and it will be earmarked as a success. But, it leaves the first-year regime of general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus in a tough spot.
Those two are taking over for Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy, respectively, who were both fired after the 2021 season concluded. Poles and Eberflus have their work cut out for them, as the Bears have only six selections in this year’s draft. They will have to hit on what they have, as they won’t be on the clock for the first time until the 39th pick.
That is their second-round selection, but they will have another one a little while later when they come back on the clock with the 48th selection. That pick is conveyed via the Los Angeles Chargers, who acquired Khalil Mack from Chicago earlier this offseason.
The Bears have a few areas of need heading into the draft, including the secondary. One NFL scout that spoke to NFL Analysis Network believes that cornerback is where they should be targeting with one of their second-round picks.
“As of right now, the Bears need a lot of help in their secondary. In the second round, a guy like Auburn’s Roger McCreary makes a ton of sense. Chicago should already be planning to pursue him in the draft.”
McCreary more than held his own in the loaded SEC playing for the Auburn Tigers collegiately. He was targeted 75 times, but allowed only 34 receptions, and had 13 pass breakups. He has 39 games of experience from college, so he will be ready to contribute right away.
McCreary is very physical, as he will get up into wide receivers in press coverage. That is where he is at his best when he can get his hands on opponents, as he has incredible strength. But, his lack of length could pose a problem at times at the next level as he is only 5’11” with 27 ⅞ inch arms.
He will struggle in jump ball and 50/50 situations, especially against taller receivers, but his physicality at the line of scrimmage can neutralize that. He can dissect routes and when the space is closed, McCreary is tough to beat.
Those are all attributes that a defensive coordinator can work with. McCreary would present a good building block for the rebuilding Bears to have defensively as they will look to upgrade in a major way during the 2023 offseason.
