Chicago Bears 2023 Mock Draft: Trade and build for the future
The Chicago Bears are now 3-10 and need to look ahead to next year, but this mock draft, combined with a disciplined free agency, can change fortunes.
Losing to the Green Bay Packers and watching them become the winningest franchise in the NFL has to hurt for the Chicago Bears. It’s even worse knowing that the club has a 3-10 record this year and will soon be eliminated from playoff contention.
That said, it’s not too late to look forward to next season, and at this point, the team needs to focus on building their roster to get better for not only 2023 but beyond that. It’s going to take time to become a consistent contender, but the amount of cap space the Bears have going into next year, combined with the draft capital they currently have, means there is hope.
It comes down to whether or not they can find the right player to pick in the draft or if they trade down and acquire enough of a haul to succeed in future drafts. There is a chance, but only if the cards are played right.
Many will point to the defense as the weakest link on the team, but that is primarily the defensive line. That is the core area that needs the most reinforcements. However, until the Chicago Bears offense becomes truly elite in both passing and rushing, that will always be the top priority.
So let us look at this mock draft that does exactly that, attack the defensive line and boost the offensive personnel to ensure elite-level status.
2023 Chicago Bears mock draft with trades
TRADE: Chicago Bears trade their 2023 1st round pick to Carolina for a 2023 1st, and 2nd round pick and a 2024 1st and 4th round pick.
DT. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Georgia. Jalen Carter. 1. player. 814
Round 1 via trade (CAR): Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Nowadays, trades up the draft board often center around going after a high-profile quarterback. Where the Bears stand, they have their franchise quarterback, and all they need to do is surround him with an elite-level talent to help him reach his potential. But Justin Fields also needs someone on the other side of the ball to become a leader.
Thankfully, they can do that with this haul from the Carolina Panthers. By moving down a few slots, the Bears get two premium picks this year and two for next year’s class. With the trade down, Chicago is still able to take Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, a genuine blue-chip prospect that, along with Fields, can change the fortunes of a franchise.
Granted, we want offense if we were Bears fans, but the reality is until they get a dominant force on the field in a defensive player, the Bears will have nothing to gain. It’s offense always, but a great interior game-wrecker is worth investing a premium pick on, and the Bears get that. If the SEC Championship didn’t tell you what Jalen Carter is, the College Football Playoff will do just that. Chicago needs a game-changer and a defensive leader. Carter is that, and he’s locked in for the future.