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.
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.
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.
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.
Round 4 via trade (PHI): Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
As much as Cole Kmet has shown this year that he has the potential to be the go-to tight end in this offense, behind him, there is no option, and maybe out there, a better option awaits. But the Bears need to use what they can in order to get some help. That’s why the Robert Quinn trade to the Eagles is a blessing for the Bears as they take Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid.
General manager Ryan Poles has clearly stated that he wants to see a tough, violent, and fast team. All three elements work in modern football and not losing football. Despite not being a national powerhouse or a big-time dynasty, the Utah program thrives on those principles, as do their players.
Kincaid may not be the prototypical tight end that the team needs for the offense, but his size and abilities are only a plus for this team. Additionally, if teamed with Kmet, it opens up the passing game more, and with Kincaid’s ability to block as well, the running lanes open up just a bit more. You can never have too many weapons, and the more that come to Chicago, the better it is for Justin Fields.
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.
Round 6 via trade (ARI): Anthony Johnson, CB, Virginia
The University of Virginia has been through a challenging time. Before we go any further, we must send our condolences to the Charlottesville community, the Cavalier program, and the loved ones who lost a family member in the deadly shooting.
Now, let’s get to Anthony Johnson. The former Louisville transfer made an impact on the team this season despite a poor record. In 2021 Johnson had three picks while recording just two in 2022, but Johnson’s intensity and leadership were evident throughout the team. Also, Johnson was not afraid to make tackles and get physical, traits that are sure to please head coach Matt Eberflus and defensive coordinator Alan Williams.
The downside is that Johnson can get a bit lost when it comes to sticking with receivers. That’s not entirely his fault. Also, his footwork needs a bit more tweaking, but that’s something good coaching can do. If nothing else, Johnson can be an effective gunner on special teams and slide into specific defensive packages utilized to showcase his strengths.
Round 7: Ali Gaye, DE, LSU
Typically, pass rushers in the SEC are drafted high because of one breakout game or a long period of success, or even just based on hype. But no matter where they are selected, good pass rushers, regardless of where they are from, tend to find a way to at least make the roster with their work ethic and desire to win.
That’s Ali Gaye in a nutshell. Strong hands and explosive first step stand out when you look at the tape. Also, he has good closing speed that allows him to get through last-minute blocking and bring down the quarterback. Those traits are not coachable, which gives him a leg up. There is a reason Gaye goes in the 7th round.
The issue is that he tends to play tall too often and can’t really set the edge consistently. His balance is also questionable. That doesn’t deny the athleticism that he shows. In terms of speed rush, he’s got enough to manage, but he will need to develop other ways of attacking the quarterback if he’s going to stick around. That said, he’s worth the flier in this part of the draft.
Round 7 via trade (ATL): Hunter Luepke, FB, North Dakota State
A fullback? Yup, and at this point in the draft, you are just looking for guys to put on your team to ensure no one else gets them before you do. Not to mention, in this offense, having a versatile fullback helps. Usually, Hunter Luepke would be an undrafted player, but because of the mock trade, the Bears get a chance to get back on the board in Round 7 and secure his services.
Playing at North Dakota State doesn’t sound too glamorous, but the Bison have been a standard of FCS football and have put players in the NFL. In other words, the boys in Fargo can play, and Luepke has that going for him. Nine rushing touchdowns and four receiving scores thus far showcase versatility, and the Bears need that.
While Luepke isn’t a vicious blocker, he’s not afraid to make contact. He also has to work on getting into space, but that can be coached. Additionally, he will have to work on said blocking to help his quarterback. That said, it’s not uncoachable because Luepke is a guy that is willing to learn, which makes it easy for the Bears to take a flier on this kid and potentially secure him for the long haul and end their draft on a positive note.