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

TRADE: Chicago trades 2023 5th round pick to Atlanta for 2023 5th and 7th round pick

Round 5: Charlie Jones, WR, Purdue

As stated in the last slide, the more help Justin Fields gets, the better it is for his development, and in this case, the Bears stay a bit close to home and take a flier on an underrated prospect in Purdue’s Charlie Jones. Typically, this would be the type of pick by the New England Patriots during the Tom Brady era for reasons we do not wish to express, but we know why.

The reality is Jones can catch the ball and move the chains. Not only that, he has a twitch in his game that allows him to effectively cut in and out of routes, forcing defenses to pay more attention. The Iowa transfer had over 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns this past season, and 13 catches for 162 yards in the Big Ten Championship Game.

It may not scream elite numbers, as Jones isn’t necessarily an elite athlete, but he can make plays and move the chains when the ball comes to him. Chicago needs those kinds of players on their team if they wish to run the Outside Zone West Coast system. Get the ball in the playmakers’ hands and let them work. That sounds like Charlie Jones right there.

Round 5 via trade (BAL): Kendre Miller, RB, TCU

TCU’s run to the College Football Playoff is impressive, considering the turnaround that Sonny Dykes has given the program. Despite Stephen A. Smith’s tantrum that a loss to Kansas State should have knocked TCU out in favor of his beloved Alabama Crimson Tide, the Horned Frogs have sent the analyst home to weep.

But back to the story about Kendre Miller, and if the Bears were to land him, several qualities about his game would add a different wrinkle to the offense while keeping with the theme. A one-cut-and-go type of running back is required for this offensive scheme, and Miller has that in him. Not to mention, his production in purple is hard to miss.

Over 1,300 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns? That’s a good reason he and Max Duggan have the Horned Frogs in the Final Four. That said, if he can get past Michigan and get to the biggest stage in college football, Miller might go even higher.

That said, the fifth round seems appropriate for now because of some tiny flaws in his game, such as a lack of true explosiveness and the inability to overwhelm defenders. That can be fixed, though; plus, for all their faults, Chicago usually finds good running backs. Miller should fit in well.