Why the Chicago Bears could take Jaxon Smith-Njigba at nine in the 2023 NFL Draft
My next Chicago Bears mock draft will likely include Jaxon Smith-Njigba (maybe). If I was Ryan Poles, I could see a reason to draft Smith-Njigba if he trades back and acquires more draft capital. Heck, I could see him taking him at No. 9.
Many would ask why when Justin Fields needs to stay upright. Well, I can answer that with a question. Do you believe Justin Fields is a franchise quarterback? If not, grab Paris Johnson Jr. and stop reading. If you believe Fields is the real deal, then listen up. I need to remember if I wrote about it already, but we will do it again. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), these were the top offensive lines in the NFL:
- Philadelphia Eagles (14-3)
- Baltimore Ravens (10-)
- Green Bay Packers (8-9)
- Kansas City Chiefs (14-3)
- Atlanta Falcons (7-10)
- Clevland Browns (7-10)
- San Fransico 49ers (13-4)
- Detriot Lions (9-8)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
- Las Vegas Raiders (6-11)
Should the Chicago Bears go offensive line over position
Now you might be thinking; they are at least .500 teams. I only did the top 10 but the Raiders, Patriots, Browns, and Saints have been in the top 10 a lot over the past three years. Those teams have been solid but nothing too special.
Now let's talk about teams with players who were top 10 in receiving yards commonly over the last three years. (no particular order)
- Buffalo Bills
- Miami Dolphins
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Minnesota Vikings
- Dallas Cowboys
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Baltimore Ravens
- San Fransico 49ers
The Rams won a Super Bowl the year Cooper Cupp went off, but that was about it for them. I am not suggesting the Bears shouldn't improve the offensive line, but what is more critical during this specific draft? Do you agree that the WR depth is lacking in this draft? What about the offensive line prospects? I am a fan of some receivers that could be found in the later rounds but only a few.