Chicago Bears 2023 NFL Draft: Final seven-round mock draft leaves many fans excited

Chicago Bears Draft Pick No. 61: Keeanu Benton, IDL - Wisconsin

With the 61st pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears double-down in the defensive trenches and select Keeanu Benton out of Wisconsin. I was hoping to land Adetomiwa Adebawore, but he went a few picks earlier. Benton is a solid consolation prize though. He is versatile and can play both the 3-tech and the 1-tech, but I think his ability to penetrate through the offensive line makes him best suited for the 3-tech spot.

Keeanu Benton moves quickly for a big man and will cause plenty of disruption in the NFL. He is also very good at playing through the gaps or down the line in the run game. Benton is 6'3" and weighs 309 pounds. Benton has the skills to push to start at the 3-tech position almost immediately. Playing next to Andrew Billings can help Benton almost as much as the team's new linebackers.

With the addition of Tuli Tuipulotu and Keeanu Benton, the defensive line should be able to finish with better pressure and sack numbers in 2023 than they did in 2022. The leading sack holder on the defensive line was Trevis Gipson with only three, while Jaquan Brisker (a safety) led the team with four. This defense needs help up front and Ryan Poles delivered.