3 Moves the Chicago Bears should make to fix the defensive line in 2023
The Chicago Bears must draft a defensive lineman early in 2023
The Chicago Bears’ defensive line is the biggest need heading into 2023 — offensive line and wide receiver a close second and third. As of now, the team is sitting with the second-overall pick. The Houston Texans beat the Titans this week and are an inch closer to giving up the top spot to the Bears. With the first or second-overall pick, the Chicago Bears could trade down and receive a haul. The hope would be they land another first round pick from a team that holds two. Then, the team could draft a defensive lineman and one of a wide receiver or offensive lineman to pair up.
Jalen Carter is probably the top option at defensive tackle. Will Anderson is viewed as a generational talent, but doesn’t truly fit the Bears’ 4-3 scheme. He’d be fine if selected, but probably better in a 3-4 defense. Beyond these top two players, the team could look at Myles Murphy (DE), Bryan Bresee (DT), or BJ Ojulari.
If I were a betting man, I’d expect that the Chicago Bears take Jalen Carter or Will Anderson. However, as I mentioned, I would hope they can trade down a few spots and still land Carter. Again, these aren’t guarantees and I’m sure that if both free agents hit the open market, Ryan Poles would be in on both of them. I’m also confident they will be looking at a defensive lineman early in the 2023 NFL Draft.