Chicago Bears: 2023 Mock draft after first wave of free agency

Poles continues to pull the trigger on deals. He trades the ninth pick and not only picks up an additional second-round pick but also another 2024 first-round pick.

With the trade, the Bears now have three first-round picks. Poles has said on a number of occasions that he wants to build a consistent contender. Spending wisely and amassing draft picks is a great way of doing that. He could either pick up some quality players in 2024 or could make some more trades to build an even stronger roster.

With the 19th pick, the Bears get edge rusher Lukas Van Ness. Van Ness gives the Bears help at getting after the quarterback. The Bears ranked last in sacks and were awful at putting pressure on quarterbacks in 2022. They constantly allowed opposing quarterbacks to sit in the pocket for too long. By doing that, the wide receivers could eventually get open.

Van Ness measures 6-foot-5 and weighs 275 pounds. Additionally, his arms are more than 34 inches long. In addition to his size and length, he also has a lot of strength. He can give defensive coordinator Alan Williams some options by moving inside on some plays because of his strength.

Van Ness’ athleticism is off the charts as well. He is explosive off the snap and has great footwork. With his explosiveness and speed, he is able to produce a lot of force that shocks would-be blockers.

Van Ness has the length, strength, and speed to be an elite pass rusher. This is exactly what the Bears need. With the free agent signings, the linebackers unit is vastly improved. Over the past couple of years, the Bears have solidified the secondary. Now, with Van Ness, they can put more pressure on the quarterback, and that could result in not just sacks but turnovers as well.