Chicago Bears 2022 NFL Draft: Poles Wheels And Deals

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles used his middle-round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft to wheel and deal his way to added picks.

One of the questions for the Chicago Bears in the 2022 NFL Draft was whether general manager Ryan Poles would be able to add more picks. Well, he certainly did so.

While many thought Poles would trade at least one of his two second-round picks to acquire more picks, he decided to use his middle-round picks to do it. He pulled the trigger on four trades to acquire an extra five picks.

Poles and the Bears went into Day 3 of the draft with three picks. He added those extra five picks and finished with 11 overall picks for the draft.

The Bears ended up with the 168th, 174th, 186th, 203rd, 207th, 226th, 254th, and 255th on Day 3.

With those picks, Poles selected: offensive lineman Braxton Jones, EDGE Dominique Robinson, offensive lineman Zachary Thomas, running back Trestan Ebner, center Doug Kramer, offensive lineman Ja’Tyre Carter, safety Elijah Hicks, and punter Trenton Gill.

Jones projects as a developmental player, though he says he’s ready to make an impact quickly. He played at Southern Utah State and didn’t see a lot of quality competition. Still, at 6-foot-5, 310 pounds, and with 35 5/8 in arms, he has the size and length to develop into a good lineman.

Jones explodes out of the snap and always stays square to the defender. He has quick hands and slides well to pick up gap runners.

Robinson likely has the highest upside. He is a converted wide receiver so he is still learning the position. With his receiver speed, he has an incredibly quick first step. He has a good change of direction that will kill unathletic blockers.

Robinson makes it difficult for blockers to center him. He does, however, need to add to his repertoire to counter blockers.

Thomas adds to the offensive line unit. He’ll be another depth piece. He is broad across his chest and has room to add more bulk. He comes off the snap with great pad level. Also, he has great body control and is very athletic.

Ebner is the most likely to take over the spot Tarik Cohen had before the Chicago Bears cut him. He was a former receiver and uses those skills coming out of the backfield. Also, at nearly 6 feet tall and 206 pounds he’ll create some mismatches. He could even line up at the slot. With his 4.41-40 speed, he could break away from defenders once he has the ball.

Once Ebner is going, he is difficult to bring down. This is the same as it is with David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert. The trio could effectively wear down the defense.

Ebner could also provide help with special teams. He can be an effective punt returner or be a good gunner.

Kramer is a local kid. He graduated from Hinsdale Central and went to Illinois. He provides depth to the interior of the line. While he primarily played center, he has the ability to play either guard spot.

Kramer is incredibly competitive. He maintains his blocks even when he’s being overmatched. On the second level, he is able to locate, drive, and finish smaller defenders.

While Kramer won’t be a starter, he could provide good depth for the offensive line.

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Carter is 6-foot-3 and weighs 311 pounds. He has the frame, strength, and competitive nature to compete for a job. Poles loves players like Carter, a hard-working and high motor player.

Carter needs to work on his hand placement and not lean when run blocking. His hands are paws so if he could improve there he’ll be in good shape.

Hicks gives the Bears some flexibility. He can play either the free or strong safety. Additionally, he can spend some time at cornerback. He is a smart, physical player.

Against the run, Hicks does a good job of running up and knocking blockers out of the way to get to the ball carrier. Once he gets there, he is a hard hitter who tackles well. He is a good open-field tackler. He could be a contributor on special teams to start his career.

Gill will compete for the starting punter job. The Bears signed Ryan Winslow but Chicago is the sixth team he played for in his three-year career.

Gill is a good-sized punter. He measures 6-foot-4 and weighs 220 pounds. He has the tools but hasn’t put it together yet, having trouble controlling his punts, and a lack of a booming leg. However, he has improved as his college career progressed. Also, he has good hangtime on his punts.