Chicago Bears Way Too Early 2023 Mock Draft: Phase 2 of the Poles Plan

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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 11: Brian Branch #14 of the Alabama Crimson Tide stands on the field during the College Football Playoff National Championship football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 52-24. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

Chicago Bears 2023 mock draft, Round 4,104th overall: Brian Branch, CB, Alabama

Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon will likely be locked in as starters. However, the nickel cornerback position is of great essence, and having extra depth for the outside corners is a must.

As such, the Bears are not entirely out of the woods with addressing their secondary. That is why they go with Alabama’s Brian Branch.

A former four-star recruit, Branch had 55 total tackles in 2021.

While he did not intercept a pass last season, he showed that when on the field, he will get to the football and is not afraid to get tough and physical with the opposition, traits that Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus will love. But don’t expect him to start right away.

Branch will still be a developmental prospect, despite his ties to the University of Alabama. Nonetheless, the Bears need all the help they can get to fill out their roster.

Yes, Tavon Young and Thomas Graham Jr are excellent players, but Graham is still raw and will likely be a role player while Young is on a short-term deal. Having Branch locked in for a few years would be a plus and value to the team.

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