The 8-best options for the Chicago Bears should they draft someone at ninth overall

Chicago Bears Draft Target: Paris Johnson, Jr., OT - Ohio State

Arguably the best left tackle prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft is Paris Johnson, Jr. Johnson is a tall, lean, and strong prospect. He stands 6'6" and weighed 313 pounds. He has extremely long arms at 36-1/8" long. When you look at what a prototypical left tackle looks like in the NFL, Johnson fits that bill. His footwork is sound. He has an aggressive mentality and does not let up until he hears the whistle. He can be too aggressive at times though and if the Chicago Bears select him at nine, I'd expect the coaching staff to feel comfortable with a few late hit penalties each season.

Johnson is mobile and athletic though too. I think if the Bears draft him, he'd be the clear answer at left tackle while the coaching staff moves Braxton Jones over to the right side. This wouldn't be a lock though. Paris Johnson played a little guard early in his career at Ohio State. He too could see a switch to right tackle. That would be up to Matt Eberflus, Luke Getsy and Chris Morgan to decide.

Adding a player like Paris Johnson would shake the offensive line up even more. As of now, I don't think anyone, including Poles or Eberflus, knows exactly how this starting group will shake out. A player like Johnson would help give fans some reassurance that this unit will be better in 2023 than it was in 2022.