Chicago Bears Draft: 7 Positional needs in the 2023 Draft
By Evan Bruner
Chicago Bears Draft Need No. 5: Wide Receiver
Let’s be clear; the Bears have already done a lot to better their receiver room. Adding Chase Claypool and D.J. Moore makes the unit infinitely better than the group that was trotted onto the field to open 2022. Still, there is more work to be done.
Possible Targets
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
If the Bears were to pull the trigger on a receiver at No. 9, the only reasonable option would be Smith-Njigba. As far as technical ability goes, it doesn’t get better than the Ohio State product. Smith-Njigba is remarkably smooth and fluid and impressed scouts with his Combine numbers.
The D.J. Moore trade makes this selection less than likely, but if Chicago is still set on grabbing a receiver early on, there isn’t a better fit than Smith-Njigba.
Josh Downs
Before the Moore acquisition, the notion of drafting Downs was outrageous. However, since the Bears finally have the elusive X receiver they’ve been searching for a slot specialist like Downs is plausible.
Yes, Downs is incredibly undersized, but he is crafty, explosive, and aggressive. In summation, the 5’10, 175-pound Downs doesn’t let his diminutive stature limit his game and plays much bigger than his measurements suggest.
Rashee Rice
The Bears currently have a receiver room filled with explosive players. Darnell Mooney, Claypool, and Moore all obtain splash play ability. This is where a receiver like Rice would fit nicely.
Rice isn’t a burner, but he can be sudden and does a good job of getting off the line. He also displayed a strong feel for zone coverage, regularly finding the soft spots.
Rice’s projection as a savvy possession receiver would add diversity to the Bears, and as a likely third or fourth-round pick, Chicago could still attack the more pressing needs.