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

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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MADISON, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 02: Ryan Hayes #76 of the Michigan Wolverines pass blocking against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on October 02, 2021, in Madison, Wisconsin. Michigan defeated Wisconsin 38-17. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) /

TRADE: Bears trade 2023 3rd round pick to Cardinals for 2023 3rd and 6th round pick

Round 3 via trade (ARI): Ryan Hayes, OT, Michigan

There’s a reason that Michigan running back Donovan Edwards has been a force when running the ball. The Wolverine offensive line is doing a lot of the work for Edwards and JJ McCarthy to operate relatively efficiently. Moreover, the Maize and Blue have a reputation for putting offensive linemen in the league. Using a minor trade down with the Cardinals, Chicago gets a later pick for depth and still snags a quality prospect.

Tackle Ryan Hayes has been a violent presence on the Michigan offensive line this season while helping the Wolverines get back to the College Football Playoffs. They have a date with TCU in the Fiesta Bowl before possibly going on to face Georgia or Ohio State in a national championship. That has a lot to do with the line-of-scrimmage play, which has been strong up until this point.

Additionally, Hayes plays like a bully on the offensive line, uses violent hands in the run game, and is relatively smooth in pass protection with a few minor areas for improvement. Nonetheless, he is a quality player that can play any position on the offensive line outside of center. His big body and athletic frame should allow him to be a starter sooner rather than later. It’s a pick with more reward than risk.

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