LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- The Bears concluded their first NFL Draft led by new general manager Ryan Poles with a flurry of picks Saturday, completing an 11-man 2022 draft class.
The Bears traded down four times Saturday, bringing their pick total from three to eight to use on the third day of the draft. It was part of Poles' goal to stockpile the roster with younger players.
Here's a look the Bears' draft class, what each prospect had to say and how the scouts feel about the selections.
Round 2, No. 39: CB Kyler Gordon, Washington
Analysis: The Bears had a high grade on Gordon but didn't believe he'd be available at No. 39 overall. In Gordon, the Bears have added an immediate starter with the potential to make a big impact. The Bears hope he can form a formidable tandem with fellow cornerback Jaylon Johnson for years to come.
In his own words: “I'm definitely going to bring a lot of energy. I want you to know that when I come to Soldier Field and I'm there, I just want it to be live and poppin.' I want to interact with (fans). I want to get turnt. I just want them to know I'm bringing the energy, and I want them to match it.”
From the scout: "I just know we have a player that we all love and were excited to be there at that time. Personally, I didn't think he was going to be there at that time."
-- Francis Saint Paul, Bears national scout
Round 2, No. 48: S Jaquan Brisker, Penn State (from Chargers)
Analysis: Though there were greater needs for the Bears on offense, Poles went with the best player available on the board with the team's second pick. That was Brisker, who proved to be a versatile safety during his time at Penn State. Like Gordon, he also projects as an instant starter in Chicago’s secondary.
In his own words: “This moment is just really unbelievable. It’s crazy, but I’m really thankful and humbled that I’m a Chicago Bear.”
From the scout: "A guy that we think has speed, range, ball skills, plus he brings the physical side of the game that we like with (Matt Eberflus) and this defense."
-- Chris Prescott, Bears national scout
Round 3, No. 71: WR Velus Jones Jr., Tennessee
Analysis: Though Jones will be a 25-year-old rookie when he takes the field for the Bears’ offseason program, his age didn’t scare Chicago’s brass away. The Bears were drawn to the 4.31 speed of Jones, who projects as a gadget for the team's offense. Whether he can become a reliable every-down receiver will depend on how he develops as a route runner.
In his own words: "Don’t take anything for granted. I’ve faced a lot of adversity to get here, and I’m definitely not going to take it for granted. I’m ready to get to work. If I could come in tomorrow, I would. I know who I am, and I know what I’m going to do. I’m definitely ready to put on a show for this upcoming season."
From the scout: “The more I watch him, the more I saw him improve. Even going through this season, you see a different player end the season than what you saw earlier.”
-- Sam Summerville, Bears national scout
Round 5, No. 168: OL Braxton Jones, Southern Utah (from Bills)
Analysis: The Bears brought in competition for their offensive tackle position in Jones, who made a strong impression at Southern Utah and then proved he belonged at the Senior Bowl. While second-year tackles Teven Jenkins and Larry Borom have the inside track to earn back their starting spots, Jones should push them for their jobs.
In his own words: “I’m just excited to be able to come in and make an impact, and I think I’m a guy who’s going to be able to develop well and make an impact in his first year. So, I’m very coachable. And I’m just ready to learn and get better.”
From the scout: "He has the talent to compete for a position, for sure. He’s got the bend, he’s got the footwork, he has the prerequisite length and frame that you look for in a tackle."
-- David Williams, Bears area scout
Round 5, No. 174: Edge rusher Dominique Robinson, Miami of Ohio (from Bengals)
Analysis: The Bears brought in an intriguing pass rush prospect in Robinson, who was a developmental selection in the fifth round. A converted wide receiver, Robinson seems to have a raw skill set with plenty of room for growth.
In his own words: "I was a one-dimensional player. I only had one move throughout college. I wanted to add some power. I wanted to add some things that come off of power, and I think I've been doing that pretty well."
From the scout: “The athlete stands out the most. I think there's only upside with this kid, which is what we're betting on and what we invested in."
-- Brendan Rehor, Bears area scout
Round 6, No. 186: OL Zachary Thomas, San Diego State
Analysis: Thomas adds more depth for the Bears' offensive line. He primarily played tackle at San Diego State but could slide over to guard in the NFL.
In his own words: “I hang my hat on just being a player that plays through the whistle on every play. I love putting guys on their backs, and I think I'm going to fit in this system really well. Real excited to get to Chicago.”
From the scout: "He does have the football intelligence, the height, weight, arm length to play tackle, but he also can play guard because he's done it before and he has the body type."
-- David Williams, Bears area scout
Round 6, No. 203: RB Trestan Ebner, Baylor (from Bills)
Analysis: Ebner should be a Swiss army knife for the Bears, as he can contribute at running back, as a receiver out of the backfield and as a returner on special teams. That’s what he did at Baylor.
In his own words: “I like to be versatile. I think I'm good at a lot of different things, and it adds value to my game.”
From the scout: “You feel the passion, and that’s what makes him tick. It shows on him, and it matches when you meet him in person.”
-- Breck Ackley, Bears area scout
Round 6, No. 207: OL Doug Kramer, Illinois (from Texans)
Analysis: The Bears were badly in need of depth on the interior of their offensive line, so Kramer's addition made sense. The Hinsdale Central product and Illinois product grew up a Bears fan and has interesting potential.
In his own words: "Dream come true for sure. I don't think I've fully wrapped my head around that the Bears just took me.”
From the scout: "He stays so low. He keeps good leverage. And he can work low really well. If he was the typical high blocker, I would say, ‘Man, this guy’s going to have trouble.’ But he stays so low. And he’s just so steady.
-- Jeff Shiver, Bears executive scout
Round 7, No. 226: OL Ja’Tyre Carter, Southern (from Bengals)
Analysis: Hey, another offensive lineman! Carter is the first draft pick from Southern since 2004 and was a player the Bears were drawn to at the Senior Bowl, where it became clear that he could hang with prospects from major schools.
In his own words: “My versatility is what got me to this point, just being able to play multiple position on the O-line, it gets you in the league and it keeps you there for a long time. I’m just glad i can be that versatile for a team."
From the scout: “The first thing you notice is he walks in the room to meet you, and he looks the part. That's kind of step one. Well put together, looks like an NFL lineman and just seeing him move, you go to practice and see him move live, that's the next check box. Then obviously, you turn on the film after that, and he's holding his own.”
-- Breck Ackley, Bears area scout
Round 7, No. 254: S Elijah Hicks, Cal (from Chargers)
Analysis: Converted from cornerback to safety during his time at Cal, Hicks developed into a strong presence in the secondary. He recorded 72 tackles and three interceptions last season.
In his own words: "It was a natural fit. I was really thankful that that transition happened. I'm more versatile now."
Round 7, No. 255: P Trenton Gill, NC State
Analysis: The Bears added to their special teams unit with Gill, who averaged 45.1 yards per punt last season. He'll compete with Ryan Winslow, the lone punter on Chicago's roster.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.