Debates continue to rage about what the Chicago Bears will do with their 1st round pick in the upcoming 2023 draft. Fans appear split into several camps. Some think GM Ryan Poles will target the best offensive tackle available, given it’s an obvious need. Others think head coach Matt Eberflus will urge Poles to target the best defensive lineman on the board to give his front four a possible difference-maker. Some think wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba could be a wild card on the table.
Anything remains possible. Much of this could depend on how the first eight picks unfold. However, sometimes it’s a good idea to remember the data. Poles is a big analytics guy. He would be away of the trends when it comes to which positions are better to take early in a draft and which can be saved for later. In that regard, recent history says the Bears will take an offensive tackle at #9 (or wherever they trade down to). The pass rushers will come on Day 2. Here’s why.
Pro Bowl offensive tackles taken in 1st round since 2012
- Lane Johnson
- Taylor Lewan
- Laremy Tunsil
- Eric Fisher
- Tristan Wirfs
- Jake Matthews
- Ronnie Stanley
- D.J. Humphries
- Matt Kalil
- Ryan Ramczyk
- Riley Reiff
- Jack Conklin
Pro Bowl offensive tackles taken in 2nd-3rd rounds since 2012
- Orlando Brown Jr.
- Terron Armstead
- Brian O’Neill
Pro Bowl pass rushers taken in 2nd-3rd rounds since 2012
- DeMarcus Lawrence
- Danielle Hunter
- Akiem Hicks
- Frank Clark
- Yannick Ngakoue
- Trey Hendrickson
- Harold Landry
- Chris Jones
Everything points to the Chicago Bears grabbing a top tackle.
Waiting until late in the 2nd round isn’t likely to get them the help they need. Conversely, they will have some solid options available at #9. Paris Johnson (Ohio State), Broderick Jones (Georgia), and Darnell Wright (Tennessee) are considered the three best in this class. Peter Skoronski (Northwestern) is another option, but most consider him a guard due to his length. All four of those players are considered plug-and-play starters. It depends on which one, if any, Poles thinks has the highest ceiling and fits what the team needs.
The heavy favorite right now is Johnson. He’s played with Justin Fields before. He has the size, length, and athleticism the Chicago Bears have constantly talked about. His performance down the stretch last season showcased his ability as a pass protector, and there’s still so much room to grow. Then again, Jones is the better athlete, while Wright dominated the best conference. It comes down to preference. Poles holds the final say. If he sticks to the analytics, it will be an offensive tackle.
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