We are 14 days away from the 2023 NFL Draft. The Chicago Bears have seen plenty of excitement and movement already as they fleeced the Carolina Panthers into trading up from nine to first overall. The trade landed D.J. Moore in Chicago along with a second-rounder (61). On top of that, Ryan Poles received a 2024 first-round pick and a 2025 second-round pick. Poles went from not having a first-round pick in his first draft last season to having two in what will be his third season next year.
As of now, this trade is the only pre-draft trade we have seen that affects the first round. There have been a few others that involve players and later-round picks, but nothing involving Chicago. Here is a look at how the first round order looks as of April 13, 2023. I will update this between now and Draft Day should anything change.
1. Panthers (via Bears)
2. Texans
3. Cardinals
4. Colts
5. Seahawks (via Broncos)
6. Lions (via Rams)
7. Raiders
8. Falcons
9. Bears (via Panthers)
10. Eagles (via Saints)
11. Titans
12. Texans (via Browns)
13. Jets
14. Patriots
15. Packers
16. Commanders
17. Steelers
18. Lions
19. Buccaneers
20. Seahawks
21. Chargers
22. Ravens
23. Vikings
24. Jaguars
25. Giants
26. Cowboys
27. Bills
28. Bengals
29. Saints (via Broncos)
30. Eagles
31. Chiefs
There are plenty of strong options for the Chicago Bears to take at nine. However, with so many needs, I don't believe anyone knows what direction Ryan Poles will take. There are a handful of players worthy of the pick at nine. Some are now even saying Darnell Wright - an offensive tackle prospect who does not fit the profile of the Bears could be the guy at nine. I don't see it, but even my logical thinking could be completely wrong.
The other option of course, and it is picking up steam on the rumor mill again, is that Ryan Poles is willing to trade down from nine depending on how the draft board falls. Reports are out that the Steelers and the Bears are already in preliminary Draft Day trade talks. There are a few other teams I could see potentially wanting to move up to nine as well - Titans (11), Texans (12), Commanders (16) and the Buccaneers (19). Honestly, the Jets (13) and Patriots (14) could also be options.
If the draft board falls a certain way and a quarterback is there, then Ryan Poles could fleece yet another team. If the trade is for a different position, Poles should still "win" the trade. Ideally, the return will include a higher second-round pick in this year's draft or a future first or second-round pick in next year's draft. Buckle up and enjoy the ride Bears fans!