Heading toward the 2023 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears now have a lot of their positional needs filled thanks to free agency.
General manager Ryan Poles has done a phenomenal job over the past month or so. Whether it was his trading the 1st overall pick and netting a haul of draft capital, plus D.J. Moore, or his countless free agent signings, the second-year general manager is putting on a clinic.
Transitioning to more focus on the draft, the Bears do have a few key needs. One of those needs lies up front on offense at right tackle. By all accounts, their offensive line should be set otherwise, assuming the team keeps Cody Whitehair and Lucas Patrick in their spots.
This year’s first round has a few strong tackle prospects, but the Bears don’t necessarily need to take them at pick no. 9. In fact, they could move back again and still land a starting tackle. At the same time, they’ll acquire even more draft capital. How do they do that? Here are a few scenarios.
The Chicago Bears could take advantage of quarterback-needy teams and still end up with a starting tackle, plus additional picks
First up, the Bears look to one of the hottest topics in football right now: the Baltimore Ravens.
Baltimore might end up either trading Lamar Jackson, or losing him to an offer they refuse to match. If that’s the case, then they’ll be in the quarterback market just like a handful of other teams.
The Trade
The Pick
Trade Number 2
The Detroit Lions have not shied away from making deals within the division, even as of late. Just look at last year’s T.J. Hockenson trade with the Minnesota Vikings. It doesn’t happen often, especially if the trade might net one of the teams a franchise quarterback. But, here we are.
The Lions move up from no. 18 to select another top-10 prospect. This time, they’ll go with either Florida’s Anthony Richardson or Kentucky’s Will Levis with the ninth overall pick.
The Trade
In this deal, the Bears might end up being more fortunate than they would have if it was a non-divisional team they’re trading with. In order to give up a top-10 pick to a divisional foe, Chicago would want a hefty package in return. They move back nine picks, but get a first rounder in 2024 to go along with a pair of third rounders.
The Pick
At no. 18, the Bears would draft Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright, who would also come in right away and start opposite Braxton Jones.
Wright stands 6-foot-5, weighing 330 pounds and is an absolute mauler in the run game. Because the Bears are going to run the ball more than just about any other team in the league, Wright’s presence becomes invaluable to Luke Getsy’s offense.
Trade Number 3
Lastly, the Bears could opt to work out a deal with a former Chicago legend, Ron Rivera, and his Washington Commanders.
Washington is in need of a quarterback, as well, and could wind up being the perfect trade partner if there’s one on the board at no. 9.
The Trade
In this deal, the Bears move back to no. 16 while netting a pair of second rounders and a fourth rounder next year. The Commanders, like the previous two teams mentioned, would take a quarterback to end up developing into their franchise guy. It would likely be Levis, here, as the other top three quarterbacks would be gone by now. Still, there’s a chance Richardson is on the board.
The Pick
Now, for those clamoring about the fact that Paris Johnson Jr. could already be gone by now, let’s just calm down a minute. If you ask Pro Football Focus, Johnson’s rank on their big board comes in at no. 19 overall. So, for the Bears to take him with the 16th pick isn’t too far fetched.
As for Johnson, himself, he’s the ideal pick for the Bears in the first round. Some fans would even be thrilled to see him selected at no. 9 overall, myself included. If the Bears stood and took Johnson right where they were at, it would be a great pick.
But, as the first round moves on into the teens, you’ll start to see more corners, edge rushers and a couple of wide receivers go as well. Johnson very well could last until pick no. 16 overall, which would put the Bears in a great position.