Chicago Bears NFL Draft: 3 first round mistakes to avoid

In six days, the Chicago Bears take center stage as one of the more intriguing teams to watch in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

With their future hinging on Justin Fields, the team is set at quarterback and has no need to draft one. But, rumors are swirling as of late, and some of those rumors could end up truly altering the way Chicago looks at their no. 9 pick.

One of the most recent reports which could alter the entire first round of the draft comes from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, when he stated that he doesn’t anticipate a quarterback drafted at picks two or three, meaning only two could go in the top four picks.

Between that possibility, and some others, the Bears might be in prime position to make another move that strengthens the future of this team. If they’re not careful, though, Ryan Poles and the Bears could wind up making one of these mistakes.

First round mistakes the Chicago Bears should avoid in 2023 NFL Draft: Targeting a skill player too high

It is easy to get hooked on a skill player, whether you’re a fan or an NFL general manager. This year’s draft has a couple, in particular, that are game-breaking talents. One of them is Texas running back Bijan Robinson.

If the Bears wanted Robinson, he wouldn’t be a bad pick. But, he’d be a bad pick at no. 9. If he’s their guy, then moving back and getting him is the better option.

The same could be said for Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Although the Bears don’t need a wide receiver at this moment, next year could change things with Chase Claypool and Darnell Mooney entering free agency. Smith-Njigba is arguably the best wideout in the draft, but at no. 9, it might be too soon.

Adding more draft capital, while getting your skill player, should be Poles’ main priority if that’s the direction he wants to go.