Chicago Bears 2023 NFL Draft: Ryan Poles proves rumors to be true in full mock draft

Chicago Bears Pick No. 9: Jalen Carter, DT - Georgia

We used the Pro Football Focus (PFF) mock draft simulator for our first two mocks. However, per a subscriber's request, we swapped that out for Pro Football Network (PFN) on this one and will also be using it on our final one next week. If I am being honest, I think the trades are more realistic on the PFF site than on the PFN site. That said, we refused to take a highly unrealistic trade and only allowed trades that fell closer aligned to the Jimmy Johnson trade chart values. Remember though, first-round trades were not allowed in the first three mock drafts. That changes in the next one.

With the ninth pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select Jalen Carter. Yep, I shocked myself. There are rumors floating around that the Bears are definitely in on Carter should he fall to nine. I'm not sure if that's a trade chip should he get there for other teams interested to leapfrog the Philadelphia Eagles - another team rumored to be in on him. Or, is it possible that Ryan Poles and his staff feel comfortable taking him after meeting with him on multiple occasions?

Obviously, Carter is a fit for this team as the 3-technique defensive tackle is highly important. He'd be an immediate impact starter and could help change the face of the defense for years to come. That is at least his upside. He has some big red flags though - both on the field and off the field. If I were the Bears, I'd be passing on him depending on who else was available, but that said, I don't have the privilege of meeting with him as the actual teams do. There is enough content on Carter on this site if you want to read up on all of his traits.