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Chicago Bears 2023 Mock Draft: Trade and build for the future

By Sravan Gannavarapu

Chicago Bears: Jalen Carter #88 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts after a defensive stop against the LSU Tigers during the second quarter in the SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 03, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Chicago Bears: Jalen Carter #88 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts after a defensive stop against the LSU Tigers during the second quarter in the SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 03, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 22: John Michael Schmitz #60 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers lines up against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half at Beaver Stadium on October 22, 2022, in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 22: John Michael Schmitz #60 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers lines up against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half at Beaver Stadium on October 22, 2022, in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Round 2 via trade (CAR): John Michael Schmitz, OC, Minnesota

Call this a homer pick if you wish, as it’s been repeated in several mock drafts. That being said, it cannot be stated enough that the Bears need a new center for their offensive line. Sam Mustipher is not getting it done, and it doesn’t matter what the burner Twitter accounts say, whoever runs them.

It’s time for a new face, and the team needs to protect Justin Fields. It’s better to draft a center and develop him as a leader on the line. Schmitz, a local product, has a high football IQ and can be a menace in the middle. While Teven Jenkins has shown he might be the only current starter that will return to the OL next year, yes, that includes Braxton Jones, it’s going to take a new face.

Jones is still a good player, but if a better option comes, Chicago needs to consider it. That said, there is no choice for the center position. Mustipher will go, and Chicago will need new centers. One through FA that can be reliable, and the other will be Schmitz, who can start Day One and not look back.

Round 2 via trade (BAL): Rashee Rice, WR, SMU

It may seem a bit high for a wideout like Rashee Rice, but in case anyone didn’t notice, the Chicago Bears receiving core isn’t exactly the greatest show on turf. It needs new bodies with explosiveness, sharp route-running, and the ability to catch the football and make a play. In the case of Rice, it’s check, check, and check.

Rice is far from a finished product but brings a lot to the table. He may not take the top off the defense, but if he gets in space, he can make plays, and while his route running may be limited due to the scheme he ran while in college, it’s still strong enough to make an impact right away in the NFL. Plus, given the situation with the Bears, he has an excellent chance to get on the field right away.

The trick will be unlocking his ability to be a blocker in a run-heavy scheme. That said, the Bears need someone to catch passes for Fields and boost his confidence in throwing the football instead of relying heavily on his athleticism. Rice can help with that, so the Bears should do the right thing and add him to their roster.

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