Chicago Bears 2023 Mock Draft: Trades solidify the whole roster

With the Chicago Bears trading Roquan Smith at the trade deadline in 2022, they have a hole at linebacker. Undrafted rookie Jack Sanborn did a good job as middle linebacker before an injury cut his season short.

It still remains to be seen whether Sanborn has the skills to be a starting middle linebacker. He did, however, earn a shot to be considered. At any rate, the Bears still need to add quality depth at linebacker. They lacked that depth last season.

Poles likely adds a veteran or two to the linebackers unit. He’ll also need someone from the draft. That someone could be Owen Pappoe.

Pappoe has the experience you want in a prospect. He has starting experience since 2019. He showed to be a leader as well, having been named a team captain for the last two seasons.

At 6-foot-1, 225 pounds Pappoe has good size. Additionally, he has good athleticism. He also communicates well with his teammates to set up the proper alignments. He does a good job of working into the quarterback’s passing lanes.

Pappoe has good speed/quickness. He is able to chase down ball carriers easily and has good range. While he needs to work more on shedding blockers. He uses his speed to avoid them. However, he has long arms so if he does a better job of shedding blockers and using those long arms to keep them at bay he would be dangerous.

Pappoe will be an athletic and versatile defender in the NFL. He will be a dependable defender and a good blitzer to put pressure on the quarterback. As mentioned earlier, the Chicago Bears need to pressure the quarterback more than they did in 2022.