Chicago Bears 2023 Mock Draft: ‘Keep Justin Fields alive’ edition

The Bears will continue to build their defensive line here in the fourth round when they select Alabama defensive tackle Byron Young at pick no. 97. Young is a 6-foot-3, 300-pound lineman who excels against the run. He is a big, strong frame who maintains excellent gap control and is able to stop the run at the point of attack.

He’s strong enough to shed blockers. He possesses great power. The only glaring weakness is his lateral movement, so he’s more of a one-way type of player. He can go forward, but struggles with anything laterally, making him less effective as a pass rusher. But, the Bears need desperate help against the run, so Young is a strong pick here.

In the fifth round, it’s to the trenches yet again, but reverting back to the offensive side of the ball. The Bears need to overhaul their offensive line, which they will likely do in free agency as well. But, continuing to add youth and versatility up front is key. That’s why they take Michigan center Olusegun Oluwatimi at pick no. 129.

Oluwatimi is an athletic lineman who moves real well. He has impressive balance and doesn’t get mowed over too often. He isn’t the strongest, but has good core strength and base. The athleticism and his willingness to always keep his head on a swivel are two of his best traits. Oluwatimi is very rarely caught without work. He’s constantly working, constantly moving.