Chicago Bears Draft: Can’t-miss Day 2 prospects worth trading up for
By Ryan Heckman
The first round of the 2023 NFL Draft was a wild one for the NFC North. Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears were active, and like many predicted, traded out of their spot.
The Bears traded back just one spot from the ninth overall pick to no. 10 with the Philadelphia Eagles and selected Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright. Getting a sure fire starter at right tackle was a brilliant move by Ryan Poles, while also adding a fourth-round pick in 2024, in the process.
Wright helps round out Chicago’s offensive line and brings the thunder with his style of play. The 6-foot-5 mammoth is the perfect addition to Chicago’s line.
From here, the Bears won’t pick until pick no. 53, which is the 22nd pick in the second round. However, there are some great players available on Day 2 who would be worth Chicago trading up for. Which players should Poles consider moving up for?
Day 2 prospects the Chicago Bears should trade up for in the 2023 NFL Draft: Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin
After addressing the offensive line in Round 1, it would only be appropriate for the Bears to go defensive line early on Day 2. Wisconsin defensive tackle Keeanu Benton would be well-worth spending extra capital to move up for.
He has some powerful hands, but also a stout base and can power through some of the toughest anchors in front of him. Benton is a 4-year starter coming out of Wisconsin and is widely looked at as an early second-round talent.
As an interior lineman, Benton is disruptive. He stands 6-foot-4 and 309 pounds, and finished last season with 10.0 tackles for loss, including 4.5 sacks. He fits the aggressive, powerful style that the team is missing on the inside of this defensive line.