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5 NFL teams that can’t afford to have a bad 2023 NFL Draft

By Brendan Danaher

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: A general view of a video board as the New York Giants pick is announced during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: A general view of a video board as the New York Giants pick is announced during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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2023 NFL Draft
2023 NFL Draft; Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

Team #2 – Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears can control not only the NFC North in 2023 but they could create a dynasty the city of Chicago hasn’t witnessed in a long time. The Bears positioned themselves nicely for the 2023 NFL Draft after trading away the 1st pick overall to the Carolina Panthers. The Bears received a plethora of draft picks as well as a top 15 receiver (DJ Moore) to help quarterback Justin Fields advance his passing abilities.

Bears general manager Ryan Poles’ made a number of selections in the 2022 NFL Draft, several of which were immediate contributors. Most of these were on the defensive side of the ball however the Bears’ defense still ranked at the bottom at the conclusion of the season. Fields dazzled the league with his feet but was less impressive in the air. Poles has an opportunity many general manager would salivate at in 2023.

Poles has 10 draft picks in 2023, four of which are in the first three rounds. Poles will have several chances to find exciting young talent in this draft but will have to be careful as the talent pool drops significantly in the early rounds.

Other NFL teams with multiple early-round picks have failed despite the talent available. For example the Oakland* Raiders in 2019. They have three first-round picks and only of which, Josh Jacobs, ever played at a level consistent with his draft selection. The other two selected with Jacobs, Clelin Ferrell and Johnathan Abram, are no longer on the roster.

Poles had an interesting free agency with most of the immediate contributors being on the defensive side of the ball. In order for the Bears to have long-term success they will have to build off of the players they select in this draft. Poles can secure his place as the long-term general manager in Chicago with a home run or two in this draft. However, if he whiffs on more than one of his early picks the criticism will be insurmountable.

Bears 2023 NFL Draft Picks:

Round 1, Pick 9 (From CAR)
Round 2, Pick 53 (From BAL)
Round 2, Pick 61 (From SF via CAR)
Round 3, Pick 64
Round 4, Pick 103
Round 4, Pick 133 (From PHI)
Round 5, Pick 136
Round 5, Pick 148 (From NE via BAL)
Round 7, Pick 218 (From CAR via MIA)
Round 7, Pick 258*

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