While the NFL league year doesn’t officially start until next Wednesday, the Chicago Bears have already made some moves to bolster their stock of 2022 NFL Draft picks. As announced by multiple sources on Thursday afternoon, the Bears have agreed to trade outside linebacker Khalil Mack to the Los Angeles Chargers. How could they replace the three-time All-Pro pass rusher in April?
Chicago Bears trade Khalil Mack
The whirlwind week of NFL action continued Thursday with the announcement of Mack’s trade from the Chargers to the Bears. Chargers head coach Brandon Staley had spoken early in the offseason about addressing the defensive front, with many assuming that Los Angeles would be in the market for one of the draft’s premier defensive prospects.
Instead, the Chargers pair Mack with Joey Bosa to provide a frankly terrifying pass-rush threat for the rest of the NFL. The cost? The Chargers sent the Bears a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Los Angeles was in possession of the 48th overall pick, which the Bears now inherit and pair with their own second-round pick — the 39th overall selection.
It is, of course, not the first time that Mack has been traded. The Bears originally acquired the productive pass rusher via a trade with the then-Oakland Raiders. That package of picks included a first-round choice in both 2019 and 2020.
While the Raiders used those selections on Josh Jacobs and the already departed Damon Arnette, the Bears have certainly had their money’s worth out of Mack. He’s tallied 35 sacks, 36 tackles for loss, and 14 forced fumbles during his stint in Chicago. Furthermore, he’s added multiple accolades to his résumé including a share of the 2018 AP Defensive Player of the Year.
Possible replacements for Khalil Mack
So, how will the Bears go about replacing Mack? While free agency is certainly an option, there is a deeply talented pool of 2022 NFL Draft prospects for them to choose from. While the class has earned a reputation as being “bad” due to the murkiness of the quarterback situation, the defensive side of the ball has talent running all the way from Day 1 to Day 3. But, who might be available with the 39th or 48th overall selection?
Boye Mafe, Minnesota
After a sensational performance at the Senior Bowl and a commanding presence at the NFL Combine, Boye Mafe might be slightly out of Chicago’s reach. However, if he’s still there at pick 39, the Bears should run the card up to the podium. An explosive pass rusher, Mafe has the speed and bend to be a terror off the edge. Furthermore, he has the strength to be disruptive while his athleticism ensures he can drop into coverage. At 6’3″ and around 260 pounds, he’s more than a match to fill the jersey vacated by Mack.
Sam Williams, Mississippi
While Sam Williams has encountered some off-field issues that may impact his stock, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more disruptive pass rusher within the range the Bears will pick at in the 2022 NFL Draft. He wreaked havoc in the SEC this fall, tallying 15 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles. An incredible athlete, Williams also possesses a powerful bull rush, vicious hands, and the ability to be disruptive both inside and outside.
Myjai Sanders, Cincinnati
While his flip-flopping weight has caused some concern amongst scouts, on his day, Myjai Sanders is a dangerous pass rush prospect as a true 3-4 outside linebacker. A slightly taller prospect than the aforementioned edge rushers (and Mack), Sanders has the benefit of disruptive length, which — combined with his explosiveness and ability to bend around the edge — makes him a dangerous proposition for any offensive coordinator to account for. As we saw at Cincinnati, some just chose to actively scheme away from him.
