Ranking 5 sleeper centers Chicago Bears must consider in 2023 NFL Draft

Oct 8, 2022; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Alex Forsyth (78) against the
Oct 8, 2022; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Alex Forsyth (78) against the / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 1, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson
Jan 1, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

3. Could Chicago Bears go back to the Notre Dame well with Jarrett Patterson

The Chicago Bears went hard with Notre Dame linemen as UDFAs back with Alex Bars and Sam Mustipher. Fans do not love the results, but both of them started last season, Bars with the Las Vegas Raiders. For where they were selected that is pretty good value.

All of that is to say that Jarrett Patterson may come into the NFL with a higher floor than your typical prospect. He is a four-year starter and a three-year player at center for the Fighting Irish. Patterson was also a team captain there, so you know you are bringing in a locker-room character.

Still, the play is up and down and he actually moved out of center his last season. He lacks the NFL size and athletic ability that you want and probably comes in with the idea that his versatility as guard and center can at least have him stick on rosters. Could this be a slight upgrade for a younger version of Sam Mustipher? At least he has more versatility.