When general manager Ryan Poles was hired back in January of 2021, he made several promises to the city of Chicago regarding his approach to the Bears. One of those promises included building the team through the draft, with a specific emphasis on the offensive and defensive lines.
With the 2023 NFL Draft approaching fast, Poles can now make good on those promises. Already we've seen his rapid improvements develop in free agency. Add on the additions made with trading back with the Carolina Panthers, and it seems what's left is an important 2023 draft class that will help shape the future of this franchise one way or another.
Luckily, Poles is entering this draft loaded with assets. Even without the trade down, the Bears were looking at multiple selections outside of the standard seven picks each team gets. Here's a look at what the Bears are working with later in April as of today (Poles did recently mention that moving around again could be in play!)
Round 1 | Pick No. 9 (via CAR) |
Round 2 | Pick No. 53 (via BAL) |
Round 2 | Pick No. 61 (via CAR) |
Round 3 | Pick No. 64 |
Round 4 | Pick No. 103 |
Round 4 | Pick No. 133 (via PHI) |
Round 5 | Pick No. 136 |
Round 5 | Pick No. 148 (via NE) |
Round 7 | Pick No. 218 |
Round 7 | Pick No. 258 (compensatory) |
With all of these picks set, we simulate a mock draft using NFL Mock Draft Database. Despite what we saw last year, there are no trades with this particular mock draft. In short, this draft addresses several alarming needs on the offensive and defensive lines, while adding a few talented skill position players and even a kicker!