Since the Chicago Bears season has wrapped up, it has been questions on if they should draft a quarterback, but the Bears have more important positions that need to be addressed.
It is no secret that the Chicago Bears’ defense was lackluster this past season. Losing Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, and Robert Quinn before and during the season didn’t help; the Chicago Bears ended this past season with the fewest sacks in the NFL. As we look ahead at this team’s top needs for the 2023 NFL Draft, it’s hard to ignore the defensive line at the top.
Chicago Bears 2023 NFL Draft need no. 1: Defensive line
Stopping the run was a problem for them, as they gave up the 2nd most rushing yards per game. The Chicago Bears were also 6th in yards per carry, but the Bears’ run-stop win rate was ranked 15th in the NFL, with a win rate of 30%. Though that seems good, the defense pass-rush win rate is ranked 23rd in the NFL, with a win rate of 37%
Since the Chicago Bears have the number one pick, they have options, and the top two should be Jalen Carter and Will Anderson Jr. Carter, a defensive tackle from Georgia. In 2022 Carter racked up 32 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three sacks, three pass deflections, and two forced fumbles.
Anderson is an outside linebacker from Alabama; though Anderson Jr. is an outside linebacker, he primarily rushes the passer. In 2022 Anderson Jr racked up 51 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, one interception, and one touchdown.
If the Bears decide to trade down to a later pick inside or outside the top 10, they can draft Tyree Wilson from Texas Tech or Lukas Van Ness from Iowa. Both players being edges, would take care of losing Akiem Hicks. Between these four players, the Bears can’t go wrong.