Chicago Bears land two future picks in 2023 mock draft trade with Panthers

Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears continue to add to the trenches

2nd Round | 62 Overall | Cody Mauch, OG – North Dakota State

Another player who has some nasty to his game is North Dakota State offensive lineman Cody Mauch. Mauch may have shown too much at the Senior Bowl to remain a late second-round pick. That said, he still has some work to do and I don’t think he’s shown enough to be a first-rounder despite what some fans and even analysts are saying. The second round is perfect for him, but I’m just not sure he falls to 62. If he does, Ryan Poles should look to replace Cody Whitehair with another Cody.

If the Chicago Bears were to follow this mock draft in April/May, then the offensive line could look very different. It isn’t often that a team relies heavily on rookies to start, but with five picks inside the top 75 (after the trade with Carolina), Poles will need to see a large portion of them succeed. Cody Mauch could take over at left guard, John Michael Schmitz can be the new starting center and Dawand Jones can push to start at right tackle. This doesn’t even include what they may do in free agency.

Cutting Cody Whitehair and designating him as a post-June 1st cut would save the team an additional $9.9 million in salary cap space. They don’t need that money but Whitehair to me is replaceable — especially at his current cost. Mauch has fantastic technique with his footwork. He can be a mauler for this team and brings some versatility with him seeing he’s been a tackle during his collegiate career. Teams (and I) view him as an interior lineman though due to his shorter arms. Having him, Schmitz and Jenkins on the inside would be a nasty trio.