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

Chicago Bears mock draft: Round 2, #48 — Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa

Ok, so we get back somewhat to normal. The Chicago Bears pick up someone to help protect Justin Fields and open holes for the running game.

With all that’s happened (or not happened) with free agency so far, let’s not forget that the Bears need to provide Fields with whatever help they can to put the second-year quarterback in a position to succeed. They feel they finally have their franchise quarterback so they need to help him.

Poles might not be convinced that having Teven Jenkins and Larry Borom as bookend tackles is the way to go. That might be the reason why he allowed James Daniels, arguably the most consistent offensive lineman the Bears had, to walk away.

Here he drafts Tyler Smith, a seasoned left tackle, to take his place as Fields’ blindside protector. That way, Jenkins and Borom battle for the right tackle spot and the loser goes to the right guard. My bet is on Jenkins moving to guard. That is where most scouts believed he’d end up anyway.

One of the things Poles said that was lacking from the Bears’ offensive line unit was toughness and nastiness. Smith brings that. He was the tone-setter at Tulsa and played with high energy. He is aggressive and tenacious and loves being called a mauler.

In the run game, Smith has the power to overwhelm defensive linemen and open gaping holes. As a pass blocker, he is a wall that is difficult to penetrate. Adding him to the line automatically makes the Bears unit tougher and more physical.