The 2022 NFL Draft is nearly here and the Chicago Bears have positions they need filled.
While the team addressed some issues during the offseason, they still have holes to fill.
One of those holes comes at the offensive tackle position.
The Bears offense needs an overhaul.
They were the worst in the NFL for 2021, with 58 sacks allowed on their quarterbacks.
With Justin Fields entering his second season in Chicago, a good offensive line can help him this season.
However, the Bears don’t have a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
That means they need to trade for a first-round pick to gain an elite tackle for the team.
How Can The Bears Move Into The NFL Draft’s First Round?
The team doesn’t have any player they want to trade to net them a first-round pick.
That then leaves Chicago with draft capital to use for trade negotiations.
Teams willing to trade out of the first-round would want a first-round pick plus additional picks as compensation.
Chicago would miss out on the 2023 first-round by moving up in this year’s draft.
However, if they want to fix the line this season, the trade would be worth doing.
But finding a team willing to move out of the 2022 first-round could prove difficult.
Eight teams hold multiple first-round picks in this year’s draft that Chicago could approach for a trade.
The Detroit Lions might offer a trade with Chicago, as they have the second and 32nd overall picks in the first-round.
The trade also wouldn’t hurt the Bears as much with draft capital.
Here’s what Baltimore traded to move up to 32 for Lamar
“In order to move up, the Ravens sent their 52nd, 125th picks and a 2019 second-round selection to Philadelphia in exchange for the 32nd and 132nd selections this year.”
— Mark Young (@Youngmay0131) April 4, 2022
However, getting a 32nd overall pick wouldn’t be helpful for Chicago in the draft.
They would need a top 15 pick if they want their tackle of the future in Chicago.
Four Teams Give Chicago A Chance At A Top 15 Pick
Of the eight teams that have multiple first-round picks, four of them give Chicago a chance to move up.
Those four are the Houston Texans, the New York Jets, the New York Giants, and the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Eagles already showed they will turn a 2022 first-round pick into a 2023 first rounder.
That could make Philadelphia’s 15th overall pick an excellent choice for Chicago.
The Texans have both the third overall and 13th overall picks, but have needs at every position on their team.
Yall.. @pff is cookin the Texans in the draft simulator.
Needs.. Every Position ???????? pic.twitter.com/hmxSV5gKSw
— Moonshine Throwdown (@MoonShineTD) February 11, 2022
That takes them out of the picture, leaving the Jets and Giants in the trade running.
However, their picks might cost the Bears too much in draft capital, making an Eagles trade the best option.
Which Offensive Tackle Should Chicago Take In The First Round?
If the Bears can land a high first-round pick, they should go after Ikem Ekwonu.
Ekwonu is an excellent tackle and could fill in a guard if needed.
Snagging him would require the Bears to get a top-five draft pick.
However, if they land a deal with the Eagles, Trevor Penning is the guy to get.
Penning has tons of upsides as a blindside blocker.
But he will need to clean up his penalties when he gets to the NFL.
With him, the Bears would give Fields great protection in 2022.
