The Chicago Bears trade down multiple times in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft

Chicago Bears Pick No. 65: Brandon Joseph, S – Notre Dame

I couldn’t believe that Brandon Joseph was still available. It could be my Notre Dame bias that has me liking Joseph more than scouts and other analysts. However, there is just something about this kid and I feel like adding him to the roster in the third round would be a steal.

Joseph is 6’1″ and just under 200 pounds. He transferred to Notre Dame after playing three years for Northwestern. He had 10 interceptions over the last three years. He regressed a little after transferring to Notre Dame, but he’s showcased himself against some elite talent at wide receiver too. As a third-round pick and a guy to groom behind Eddie Jackson, this pick excites me.

Chicago Bears Pick No. 73: Steve Avila, OG/C – TCU

Selecting Steve Avila here was not my first choice. I originally wanted Jarrett Patterson out of Notre Dame. Again, my affection for Notre Dame comes into play, but I think Patterson is a better fit for this organization than Avila. That said, I do think that Avila has potential as a starting interior guard and could be a backup center. If he is able to drop 10-15 pounds, he might prove to be as good of a fit as Patterson. Avila weighs in at just over 330 pounds and that’s not the prototype Ryan Poles looks for in his offensive linemen.

That said, Avila has plenty of experience at both center and guard. His versatility is appealing and that says something too. He is a better pass blocker than a run blocker too — something this team desperately needs. He needs to find a way to take on countermoves without losing his anchor. He also needs to find a way to be a little lighter on his feet when moving from one level to the next. Overall, as a third-round pick, Avila would make a solid addition to this roster.

Chicago Bears Pick No. 101: Jack Campbell, LB – Iowa

The Chicago Bears already have a middle linebacker with the first name Jack. Jack Sanborn has been phenomenal for an undrafted free agent out of Wisconsin. Let’s be honest, he’s looked like a guy who should have been drafted no later than Day 2. That said, the Chicago Bears need help at linebacker both at the starting level and for depth. Selecting Jack Campbell gives them a starting middle linebacker for 2023. He will likely compete against a free agent acquisition but has the potential to take over in his rookie season.

As for Jack Sanborn, he should have every opportunity to compete to start too. However, it’s possible they move him to the strong side or back to the weak side spot should they take a player like Jack Campbell in the third round.