3 Local draft prospects who could end up on the Chicago Bears
By Evan Bruner
Chicago Bears Draft Target: Devon Witherspoon, CB - Illinois
Current projection: Early first round
From the limited sample size we have of Ryan Poles as a drafter, we know that he values the secondary. The Bears used their first two picks in last year’s draft on cornerback Kyler Gordon and safety Jaquan Brisker.
Most would argue that the Chicago Bears have more pressing needs than corner, but that hasn’t stopped the Illinois star from landing in Chicago in several mock drafts.
Devon Witherspoon and Oregon corner Christian Gonzalez have solidified themselves as the top two corners in the draft and are likely to go in the first half of round one.
Witherspoon has great physicality and mirroring ability and played both zone and man coverage at a high level in 2022. Even though he only came down with one interception, Witherspoon made numerous plays on the ball throughout the season, displaying great instincts and ball skills.
If Georgia’s Jalen Carter is off the board by the time Chicago picks, the Bears may opt to go for the best player available, and that could very well be Witherspoon. It’s not flashy and wouldn’t be well-received by the fans. Still, a little over a week out, this remains a possibility.