Chicago Bears 7-Round 2022 Mock Draft: Building Around Justin Fields

While offense was the focal point early, the Chicago Bears really just need help everywhere and defense is showing up more in these mid-to-late rounds. One area that is going to need addressed is the defensive line, specifically the edge.

Isaiah Thomas best translates as a 4-3 edge rusher, but has the ability to be versatile and move around a defense depending on where he lands. Despite a 6-foot-5 frame, he still lacks some intangibles, like power during counter moves and hip strength and movement. Those will cause him to fall a bit, but he can still be productive, like he showed at Oklahoma.

A two-time All-Conference selection at Oklahoma, Thomas tied for eighth in the entire FBS during the 2020 season with 8.5 sacks. He paired that with 12 tackles for loss. He wasn’t able to quite replicate that in 2021 with just 10.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks, but he did force three fumbles.

At this point in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, Thomas is a low-risk high-reward pick. He has the tools to turn into a strong player and has shown the ability to create havoc. However, there’s reasons to cause concern for how he could translate to the NFL with the possibility of being pushed around by NFL-level offensive linemen.