Chicago Bears 2022 Mock Draft: Final mock before the real thing

Chicago Bears mock draft: Round 2, #39 — Jalen Pitre, CB, Baylor

Ok, so many people will groan with this pick. The Chicago Bears have a huge need at wide receiver and offensive line, how could they pick someone on defense. Well, A: they have a huge need at cornerback as well.

Too many times last season we saw the secondary give up big plays late in games to snatch defeat out of the jaws of victory.

Jaylon Johnson was a good pick in 2020, but with the lack of talent around him last season, opposing quarterbacks didn’t target him much. They preferred to go elsewhere, somewhere easier to get completions.

Jalen Pitre gives the Bears a lot of versatility. He played the “Star” position with the Baylor Bears. That is like a hybrid DB/LB who can do it all. Pitre can cover passes, play the run, and rush the passer from the slot, linebacker, or safety spot.

Under head coach Matt Eberflus and defensive coordinator Alan Williams, the Bears want to be more aggressive and move players around to keep offenses guessing. They can do that with Pitre.

In 14 games in 2021, Pitre had 75 tackles (18.5 for loss), 3.5 sacks, 3 fumbles forced, 7 passes defended, and 2 interceptions. He is a stat stuffer.

Pitre has a high football IQ and processes info quickly. Additionally, he is a tough player who plays a physical game, something that Poles and Eberflus said they wanted in their players.

If the Bears want to return to being the Monsters of the Midway and terrorize offenses, picking up Pitre helps.