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Chicago Bears way-too-early 2023 Mock Draft: Get Justin Fields help

By Sravan Gannavarapu

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 24: Rakim Jarrett #1 of the Maryland Terrapins tries to escape the tackle of Junior Colson #25 of the Michigan Wolverines after a first half catch at Michigan Stadium on September 24, 2022 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 24: Rakim Jarrett #1 of the Maryland Terrapins tries to escape the tackle of Junior Colson #25 of the Michigan Wolverines after a first half catch at Michigan Stadium on September 24, 2022 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Chicago Bears
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 24: Calijah Kancey #8 of the Pittsburgh Panthers reacts after sacking Kasim Hill #8 of the Rhode Island Rams (not pictured) during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium on September 24, 2022, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Round 6 Pick 186 VIA TRADE: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh

The Bears need a force on the defensive line. Recent painful memory recalls back in 2014 when the Bears were one selection away from taking Aaron Donald, only for the Rams to snatch him. Chicago took Kyle Fuller instead but still. That said, it’s not a bad idea to go to Donald’s alma mater and see if his talent has rubbed off on future defensive linemen.

That’s where you see Calijah Kancey. In no way is he Aaron Donald and never will be. That said, he does play with a level of violence and explosiveness that No.99 can look at and nod his head in approval. Moreover, it’s worth the shot, with the Bears needing anyone to help them at the defensive tackle.

Though undersized, Kancey makes up for it with a strong motor and high athletic skills. His quickness off the snap will be salivating for defensive line coach Travis Smith. While he may need to put on a bit more weight, his skill set makes him worth a worthy flier pick in Round 6. Also, he is more reward than risk, which should appeal to Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus.

Round 6 Pick 191 VIA TRADE: Deuce Vaughn, RB, Kansas State

It sucks to see David Montgomery go down, but what if Chicago decides to move on from him next season. As much as that would suck, running backs in the wide zone scheme can be found quite easily. That said, the Bears have a reputation, with the exception of Curtis Enis, of finding running backs that can play.

Deuce Vaughn is an intriguing prospect here. Though he recently had a large hand in helping upset Oklahoma, there’s more to him than that one game. Vaughn has the ability to take one cut and accelerate, which is the main focal point of the wide zone scheme. Additionally, the concepts he runs in college are similar to what the Bears run.

The only concern would be his height. He’s only 5’6″. That is very short for a running back. Still, he is explosive with the ball in his hands. He would likely be used as a gadget player who, when in space, can easily make defenders miss. Again, a flier in the late round with good athletic upside sounds promising.

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