NFL Week 18: Packers always a disappointment waiting to happen
The Bears are gifted the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft
With a loss to the Vikings and the Texans’ miracle 32-31 win over the Colts, Chicago is now on the clock and has a lot of paths they can take with the first pick.
With Bryce Young as the coveted quarterback in this draft, there are some people who believe that the Bears could select the Alabama product. Fellow Alabama teammate Will Anderson is another player the Bears could be intrigued by. However, it is possible that the Bears could trade back and still get their guy.
Justin Fields still has a lot of room for growth, but it is also important to note that he is playing behind one of the worst offensive lines while possessing a weak receiving corps. It did not help that Darnell Mooney suffered a season-ending injury weeks ago and Chase Claypool has been a wasted acquisition. Chicago gave up its second-round pick for Claypool. With Miami forfeiting its first-round pick, that traded pick becomes the 32nd pick, which is a first-round selection in all other drafts.
The smart thing to do with this pick is to trade the first overall pick, accumulate picks, and continue to build around Fields.
General Manager Ryan Poles talked about Fields’ development and what he wants to see from the 23-year-old quarterback going forward.
"“We had good conversations. I’m excited for the direction he’s going,” Poles said. “As I mentioned before, he knows where he has to improve. I think he mentioned that the other day. So, we’re excited about his development and where he goes next.” Ryan Poles (via Yahoo! Sports)"
Poles also pointed to the fact that Fields needs to improve his passing.
"“He showed the ability to be impactful with his legs,” Poles said. “There are flashes with his arm. Now if we can put that together, I think we have something really good.”"
It is Fields’ job to improve in areas that need work, but it is the Bears’ front office job to build a strong roster around Fields. Having the first pick gives the Bears a lot of power in this upcoming draft, and with many needs on the roster, it is in the Bears’ best interest to shop the first pick with a potential bidding war to ensue.
This is a monumental offseason for the Bears. With $118 million in cap space and holding the first overall pick, Chicago has the chance to build a strong roster, giving Fields and this team a chance to improve and compete in 2023.