6 Linebackers the Chicago Bears could add in 2023

Linebackers the Chicago Bears could select in the 2023 NFL Draft

Trenton Simpson, Clemson

Likely the first off-ball linebacker who will be taken in the 2023 NFL Draft, Clemson’s Trenton Simpson is an athletic freak who could seriously wreak havoc at the next level. At 6’3″ and 240 lbs., Simpson runs a 4.39 40-yard dash, and his size and speed make him one of the most athletic players coming out of this draft class.

Physically speaking, Simpson is almost a carbon copy of former Clemson linebacker and 2020 NFL Draft top 10 pick Isaiah Simmons. On the field, Simpson is much more of a natural linebacker, who uses his intangible abilities to plug gaps in the running game, and cover space in coverage. In the past two seasons in college, Simpson accumulated over 50 tackles per year, and played well in coverage, especially as a junior where he allowed only an 82.2 passer rating when targeted.

Owen Pappoe, Auburn

At 6’1″, 225 lbs., Auburn’s Owen Pappoe is a prototype for the new era of linebacker. Despite being “undersized” compared to a traditional linebacker, Pappoe runs a 4.32 40-yard dash, and is active in both the pass and run game. In coverage, Pappoe possesses the size and speed of a large defensive back, but shares some of the same instincts, often meeting receivers at the top of their routes when they are expecting the ball.

In the run game, Pappoe is consistently productive, with over 165 tackles for Auburn, despite being undersized for a front-seven player. While Pappoe can get overpowered by offensive linemen at times, he has an incredibly natural feel for running lanes and seems to rely on his physical traits and instincts to stay involved on the defense.

Dee Winters, TCU

Likely a later-round draft pick in 2023, TCU’s Dee Winters is an undersized linebacker who has been productive despite a lack of physical ability. Originally a three-star recruit coming out of high school, Winters is only 6’1″ and 230 lbs., and while he can struggle to get off blocks in the run game, he shined this past season as a situational pass rusher.

Rangy, aggressive, and quick, Winters plays above his size at the linebacker position and has the versatility to stop the run, cover the pass, and rush the passer. With a date versus Georgia for the national championship, Monday will be another opportunity for Winters to prove himself as an NFL prospect.