Sunday, March 24, 2024

Players The Chicago Bears May Land With Current 2023 Draft Slot

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The Chicago Bears losing to the Detroit Lions did carry one advantage. It puts them closer to a guaranteed spot in the top 10 of the 2023 NFL draft. Right now, they are projected to hold the 6th overall pick next April. That would be their highest selection since 2017, when they took Mitch Trubisky. It’s a safe bet that GM Ryan Poles won’t be targeting a quarterback this time. Justin Fields has cemented himself as the starter moving forward. This opens up the door to a world of different possibilities.

It raises a fun question. Who might Poles target a few months from now if that pick position holds? I took to researching the incoming draft class. Things can obviously change. Certain players may choose to stay in school. Others may suffer an injury or get into trouble off the field. Presuming things remain steady, here is a short list of prominent talents the Bears may have to choose from when they go on the clock.

The Chicago Bears will have plenty of options.

Jalen Carter (DT, Georgia)

Every great 4-3 defense in history has always had a dominant interior pass rusher. The Bears know this. They had Dan Hampton and Steve McMichael in the 1980s. They had Tommie Harris in the mid-2000s. If Eberflus’ system is going to work as intended, they have to find that kind of force. Carter has showcased absolute game-wrecking ability at times for Georgia. His last two games against Tennessee and Mississippi State prove that. They couldn’t block him. He’s quick, strong, and relentless.

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Myles Murphy (DE, Clemson)

Losing Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn in one year sucked the Bears’ pass rush dry. They need a new building block on the edge. Murphy has classic defensive end size (6’5, 275 lbs). He has long arms, solid power and demonstrates the necessary speed and quickness to beat tackles with alarming consistency. His 14.5 sacks and 24.5 tackles for loss in the past 20 games offer proof of that.

Tyree Wilson (DE, Texas Tech)

Don’t be fooled by the early projections of Wilson being a Day 2 pick. Those are changing rapidly. The guy has 14 sacks and 27.5 tackles for a loss in his past two seasons with the Red Raiders. His 6’6 size, long arm, jolting power, and underrated quickness make him a nightmare to contain. Sooner or later, he’s getting his hands on the quarterback.

Peter Skoronski (OT, Northwestern)

Preserving Justin Fields should be a priority for the Chicago Bears. That means investing in the offensive line. Skoronski will conjure images of Jimbo Covert with size and nasty disposition. His technique has made great strides this year in pass protection. Run blocking won’t be an issue, either. He may not be flashy, but he’ll be a rock solid starter for years wherever he lands.

Olu Fashanu (OT, Penn State)

If Skoronski is the high-floor guy, then Fashanu is the high ceiling. Draft experts are drooling over him, and for good reasons. He’s big and long and might be the best athlete at his position in the entire draft. He can stonewall guys repeatedly in pass protection and doesn’t lack power in the run game. The craziest part is he’s only 20 years old. If he is this effective now, imagine what he might become in the future.

Quentin Johnston (WR, TCU)

Would Poles select a receiver that high? Anything is possible. It may depend on what he does in free agency. It’s clear how lacking in firepower the Bears are. Johnston is the one receiver in this class with the athletic profile of a freak. He’s 6’4 but runs with real vertical speed. He can take over games at the drop of a hat. All a quarterback has to do is put it in his vicinity, and he’ll make a play. That is what Fields needs.

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A2John
A2John
Nov 15, 2022 1:30 pm

Hard no on any WRs in this draft. Argument can be made for OL help, but with teams projected in top 10, Bears could possibly take the top defensive player in the draft. Get a beast for the 3-tech DT or a DE that needs to be double-teamed… DT probably needed more since the Tampa-2 really needs a good one. Or trade down and get both DT and DE.

Rich
Rich
Nov 15, 2022 11:50 am

Surprised you left JSN off this list

Gator Joe
Nov 15, 2022 8:35 am

This team is averaging 30 points a game lately but giving up more. STOP the RUN. RUSH the PASSER. We need 2 solid D linemen, preferably one superstar. Go BIG or stay home.

repnice
repnice
Nov 15, 2022 8:16 am

@jester – I agree with your analysis of the WRs that will be available in FA. They are average at best. I’ve watched 4 TCU games so far and think Johnson is arguably the best WR coming out. However, this doesn’t mean he’s worthy of a top 10 pick. Supply and demand may come into play. The ideal scenario from a draft perspective would be to finish with a top 5 pick and trade down to end up with 2 firsts and possibly a 2nd in 24, depending on the desperation of the trading partner. I do believe there will… Read more »

Jester
Jester
Nov 14, 2022 8:37 pm

Don’t be surprised if it is the WR. The Bengals selected Chase over what was considered the best OT in the draft by a wide margin. They were mocked for it and ended up in the SB. Also the Bears have good options for D and O line in free agency. Nothing in the WR market.

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