The Chicago Bears offseason approach and 2023 draft targets
Chicago Bears 2023 NFL Draft prospects
In no particular order, these players should be on the watch for the Chicago Bears 2023 draft class. (Stats are a bit outdated)
Lonnie Phelps, EDGE – Kansas
6’3″ 245 lbs junior
37 tackles, 6 sacks
Phelps is another guy playing thru injury. Energy energy energy. That is his best trait. Explosive energy. Did I say energy? Phelps is so raw. He has no pass-rush moves or counters. It’s like watching someone who has had zero training in the art of pass rushing, but he still gets to the QB. Phelps is the brawler of edge rushers. He will sack you no matter what.
Cade Hall, Defensive Line – San Jose State
6’3″ 270 lbs senior
24 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 1 interception
Hall is one of the better read-and-react linemen in this draft class. Athleticism isn’t his specialty, but football is more than being the best athlete on the field. If you want an intelligent player that will be in the right place at the right time, Hall is that guy. Hall is also incredibly built and strong.
Tuli Tuipulotu, Defensive Line – USC
6’4″ 290 lbs senior
25 tackles, 7 sacks, 1 forced fumble
With 12.5 tackles for loss, you would think he is a pure 3-tech. Muli-positon DL. He surprisingly uses fineness moves to get to the quarterback but does have speed-to-power to push the pocket. I would call Tuli a big edge like Reggie White. He’s not the same talent but has a similar playing style.
Jackson Mitchell, Linebacker, Uconn
6’1″ 229 lbs junior
100 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception
Mitchell is another Eberflus type of player. Playing thru off-season thumb surgery and still racking in the tackles. He plays all defensive phases of football, including special teams. This guy doesn’t run from contact, he runs thru contact.
Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
6’3″ 255 lbs junior
28 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
This guy has some long limbs. He knows how to use them. AN-U mixes up his speed-to-power and his length in a very positive way to get to the passer. He will see double-digit sacks by the time the season is over.
Will McDonald, EDGE, Iowa State
6’4″ 245 lbs senior
18 tackles, 3.5 sacks
Mcdonald’s production is lower this season, but he is one of the NCAA’s best pure pass rushers. His last two seasons were almost identical with 13 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks in 2020 and 11.5 in 2021. Teams have taken notice and have been double and triple-teaming Mcdonald this season. He has already done enough to take notice.
Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
6’4″ 251 lbs sophomore
23 tackles, 4.5 sacks
Verse is that young, high, upside-pass rusher. A Juco transfer who came on the scene very quickly. He is the man if you want a guy with a high motor. Verse is injured and still playing thru it. He is a Matt Eberflus kind of guy.
Tyree Wilson, Defensive Line, Texas Tech
6’6″ 275 lbs senior
51 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 1 force fumble
My favorite edge rusher not named Will Anderson. Wilson is long and athletic and uses a variety of moves to win. Just like you can’t teach speed, you can’t teach length. He has speed-to-power and finesse. He’s almost like if Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn had a baby.
Next. Justin Fields thru 10 games. dark
In my opinion, the Chicago Bears should draft BPA like always. With this draft class being heavy on the defensive line, the Bears should grab a game-changer early. That was Tyree Wilson, but now that he is hurt, my runner-up is Tuli Tuipulotu. If the Bears are drafting in the top 10, eight, or five, they need to swing on a defensive disruptor. Many will say a receiver. But Ja’Marr Chase is not in this draft class. He is in the next one (Marvin Harrison, Jr).