2022 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears 7-round mock

Round 5: Zakoby McClain

McClain is the sort of late-round prospect who could turn into a high-quality starter early in his professional career or wash out of the league entirely. It’s just the sort of gamble the Bears should be looking to take in Round 5.

No one questions the former Auburn star’s effort from the linebacker position. He’s got elite speed and runs hard from sideline to sideline. The negative side to his game is his lack of functional strength. If McClain can add weight at the next level and maintain his speed he’s got a chance to turn into a real playmaker.

Round 5: Cade Otton

The Bears need to let Jimmy Graham ride off into the sunset this offseason. If he does depart, it opens up playing time for a new tight end in Chicago. Cole Kmet will be the team’s No. 1 option, but he needs a partner to balance out his workload.

Otton doesn’t have exceptional speed or athleticism but he projects as a plus in-line blocker from the tight end spot. That doesn’t mean he can’t make plays in the passing game. He’s got good hands and does a nice job utilizing his size to shield smaller defenders from the ball in coverage. He doesn’t have star potential, but his high floor gives him nice value in Round 5.

Round 6: Danny Gray

Gray will require patience at the next level to make a successful transition from SMU’s spread system to a more traditional NFL offense. Chicago should roll the dice on him in Round 6 and trust him to transition his athletic ability to production by the time the end of his rookie season rolls around.

Gray has the size required to thrive on the outside once his route-running ability gets up to par. If that happens, he can become a big-play option for Fields on the outside.