7 Draft prospects who can help attain a Chicago Bears Super Bowl
Chicago Bears 2023 NFL Draft Prospect: One of these offensive linemen
NFL big boards are going to change drastically between this point in the year and the month of April 2023. That said, I think Peter Skoronski might end up the top OL prospect heading into the draft. I’m not 100% certain of that and therefore, I think if Ryan Poles were to walk away with any of these three options then the Bears are easily on a path to making Justin FIelds’ life easier which in turn will make the Chicago Bears better.
Going offensive line now and taking a WR with the second-round pick — or trading back into the first — might be the best path for this team in 2023.
Peter Skoronski, OT/G – Northwestern
When a team looks at an offensive lineman, they will typically grade them out at their collegiate position, but also might grade them out if they show key attributes at one of the other offensive line spots. Peter Skoronski stepped in to replace Rashawn Slater. I’m not putting Skoronski on Slater’s level, but if he can produce remotely close to it then Bears fans would be happy. Skoronski could be seen as an interior lineman though. If that’s the case he isn’t worth the top spot on Ryan Poles’ big board but could end up being Cody Whitehair’s replacement at guard.
Paris Johnson, Jr., OT/G – Ohio State
Paris Johnson, Jr. is in a bit of a different boat here. Some may see his 2021 film at guard and think he should be one in the NFL too. Others, might see his potential as a tackle and put him higher up on their boards. Personally, I think he will be better suited as a tackle than a guard, but I will need to hold final judgment until I dive deep into prospects after the 2022 season ends.
Johnson was on the team when Justin Fields was still the quarterback at Ohio State but wasn’t really a part of that offense. Maybe this is the reunion that the Bears need instead of Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Broderick Jones, OT – Georgia
I would have to assume that at least one of these three linemen would be available for the Chicago Bears. It’s hopeful that a few other names will also emerge to give Ryan Poles more flexibility. If there are more options available at OL and WR, then he can potentially trade back and add more draft capital. Broderick Jones looks to fit the left tackle mold best out of these three but comes with more question marks. He isn’t as technically sound as Johnson or Skoronski, but he exudes elite potential. The problem is, not every prospect hits their ceiling.
The Chicago Bears need help. They need talent at wide receiver, offensive line, defensive line and probably linebacker. If David Montgomery isn’t re-signed, then the team will need to look for help at the running back spot too. Khalil Herbert is fine, but you need more than one RB in the NFL these days. Any one of these players would help propel the Chicago Bears into Super Bowl contention, but Ryan Poles will need to do way more than count on one addition. These are just the ones that could help make his job easier in 2023.