Chicago Bears secure a haul in this recent 2023 mock trade

A recent 2023 first-round mock draft from The 33rd Team features the Chicago Bears trading back with the Indianapolis Colts. In the mock trade, the Bears give the first overall pick and a 3rd round selection (103rd overall). In exchange, they receive the Colts’ first-round pick this year and next year, as well as an additional second and third-round pick (35th and 79th overall). The Colts select Kentucky quarterback Will Levis, while the Bears select Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr.

So how would the rest of the Bears’ draft potential shake up with their new arsenal of picks? Using NFL Mock Database, I simulated how the Bears could approach the remaining rounds of the draft. I factored in no more additional trades, and I selected Will Anderson as this mock draft did. Here is how the Bears could walk away with a stellar 2023 draft class.

Chicago Bears Mock Draft

Round 1, Pick No. 4 (via IND): Will Anderson Jr

Despite moving down in the draft, the Bears are able to secure arguably the best defensive player in the entire 2023 NFL Draft. Anderson fills in the gap left behind by Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn and gives the Bears a much-needed core piece to a new-look defense.

Anderson’s accolades speak for himself. He’s the two-time winner of the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, given to college football’s best defensive player. In his junior year alone, he accounted for 10 total sacks and 24 solo tackles. It was his sophomore season, however, that landed him in Heisman contention with almost 18 sacks and almost 35 tackles for loss.

There’s very little weakness to his game, providing the Bears with a true day-one starter on defense. He can fend for himself against the run and is a menace off the edge, suffocating the quarterback’s vision and passing lanes even when he doesn’t get home. The Bears don’t need to overthink this pick.