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

Round 6 via Trade, 188th overall: Chris Braswell, DE, Alabama

You can never have too many pass rushers. Matt Eberflus understands that. In this day and age, where offenses are flying up and down the field faster than fighter jets, something is required to get to the quarterback, i.e. pass rushers.

So, why not take a flier in the late round on a player from a prominent school?

That would happen to be Chris Braswell from Alabama. If he was taken in the first round or so, then there would be some eyebrows raised. However, here in the sixth, it’s fair to assume that Nick Saban wouldn’t be totally shocked.

Braswell was one of the top defensive ends in high school when he came to Tuscaloosa and this past season, while playing sparingly, had 13 total tackles.

Again, why is he on this list? It is well documented that when given opportunities, most Alabama bench players tend to take advantage. Moreover, in a limited role, Braswell can continue to refine his skills, and plus, what do the Bears have to lose?

It’s a low-risk and high-reward type of deal. Again, this team needs all the help they can get if they want to stick to their tough, violent, and fast mantra.

Round 6 via Trade, 189th overall: Zak Zinter, OG, Michigan

In case no one reads bloggers, newspapers, social media, or anything sports-related in general, the Chicago Bears need help with their offensive line. Period. It cannot be avoided.

That’s why Ryan Poles should be heard when he says he has a plan to fix the offensive line. He is a former lineman himself and he understands what one looks like.

So, with this spot, he makes a wise decision in bringing in Michigan’s Zak Zinter. Before becoming a Wolverine, Zinter was a four-star prospect by ESPN at guard.

Over the past few seasons, Zinter’s skill set has played a role in Michigan returning to college football prominence including a Big Ten Championship and berth in the College Football Playoff.

Moreover, he is a strong run blocker with above-average upper-body strength that helps in pass protection.

At 6’6 320 pounds, he may be a bit heavy for what the Bears would like to run. Still, it would be worth noting that Zinter has shown that he has the football IQ to do what’s best for the team while also adhering to his own strengths.

Additionally, his mean streak is what the Bears have been lacking for a while and would be nice to have as a rotational piece, and, with enough work, more cracks at getting on the field quicker.