Every Chicago Bears 2023 mock offseason must have some basis in reality. At the risk of sounding like that cliche overworked, alcoholic father in every movie, it can't be all about sunshine at rainbows. GM Ryan Poles must craft a viable plan to make his team better than they were in 2022. He doesn't have to hit a series of home runs to do so. Simply getting multiple hits with one or two going over the fence would be ideal. If he has an intelligent approach, things should work out in his favor.
The good news is Chicago has lots of resources. They have more cap space than anybody and the most valuable pick in the 2023 draft. It would be difficult to screw this off-season up. Let's take a look at another way things might go down.
This Chicago Bears 2023 mock offseason involves tough decisions.
Cuts:
- OG Cody Whitehair – $5.8 million saved
- DE Al-Quadin Muhammad – $4 million saved
Re-signings/Extensions:
- Jaylon Johnson – 4-year extension for $70 million
- Cole Kmet – 4-year extension for $48 million
- Darnell Mooney – 4-year extension for $60 million
- Nicholas Morrow – 2-year deal for $10 million
- Armon Watts – 1-year deal for $1.08 million
- N’Keal Harry – 1-year deal for $1.08 million
- Trevon Wesco – 1-year deal for $1.08 million
- Matthew Adams – 1-year deal for $1.08 million
- Dane Cruikshank – 1-year deal for $1.08 million
- DeAndre Houston-Carson – 1-year deal for $1.165 million
- Patrick Scales – 1-year deal $1.165 million
- Josh Blackwell – ERFA deal for $750,000
Free Agency:
- DT Dre'Mont Jones – 5-year deal for $85 million
- LB Bobby Okereke – 3-year deal for $24 million
- OT Kaleb McGary – 4-year deal for $70 million
- OG Connor McGovern - 4-year deal for $48 million
- RB Tony Pollard - 4-year deal for $32 million
Poles doesn't want to make free agency a permanent part of his roster-building strategy. However, if he wants to improve in 2023, he must spend some money. Jones is an excellent fit for the interior pass rusher spot, while Okereke provides much-needed help at outside linebacker. McGary is a great run blocker who improved his pass protection this past year. He also has ties to offensive line coach Chris Morgan. McGovern has loads of versatility, having played tackle, center, and guard for Dallas. He started at left guard and gave Dak Prescott reliable protection. Pollard is everything the Bears had hoped Trestan Ebner could be and more. A dynamic weapon out of the backfield.
The Draft:
Trade: #1 pick and 4th in 2023 to the Colts for #4 pick, 2nd in 2023, 3rd in 2023, 1st in 2024, and 2nd in 2024
1st Round (via IND) - Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
There are some reasons to have concerns about Carter. His productivity doesn't match his talent. There are stretches of games where he disappears and questions linger about his conditioning. Yet one thing is undeniable. He's a freak. The guy has boatloads of power and quickness. When he's on, nobody can block him. Period. If Matt Eberflus can get him to play under control and disciplined, this kid can be a Hall of Famer. That is no joke. He and Jones could be devastating.
2nd Round (via IND) - Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
If he'd stayed healthy in 2022, Smith-Njigba would likely would be a 1st round lock. However, he didn't. Throw in the fact he doesn't have game-breaking speed and the chances of him falling to the early 2nd round are very real. That would be great news for the Bears. Smith-Njigba is a lethal receiver out of the slot, using his elite quickness and sharp route-running to create constant separation.
2nd Round (via BAL) - Felix Anudika-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
Some guys are just born quarterback hunters. Anudika-Uzomah is one such type. He isn't the ideal size for a 4-3 defensive end, but he's big enough and showcases the necessary power to set the edge. His burst off the snap is very good and shows great closing speed to finish plays. Chipping him doesn't work too often. He has a natural instinct for the position that can't be taught.
3rd Round - Tuli Tuipulotu, DL, USC
Modern defensive coaches like versatile players. Tuipulotu is a perfect example. He has the length and acceleration to play outside and the strength and size to reduce inside. This makes him a headache to block because coaches can move him anywhere to create matchups.
Trade: #79 pick to the Falcons for #99 pick, 4th in 2023, and 5th in 2023
3rd Round (via ATL) - Joe Tippman, C, Wisconsin
Size and length. Those were two things Eberflus said he wanted in players. Tippman checks both boxes. He's 6'6 with long arms. He also moves surprisingly well for his size and boasts plenty of starting experience. Wisconsin is an offensive line factory, and he's the latest future starter off the assembly line.
4th Round - Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Iowa State
He isn't blazing fast. However, he has enough speed combined with his 6'3 size and underrated route running to give defensive backs headaches. He tracks the ball well through the air and can make the tough catches. Hutchinson is one of those receivers that a quarterback looks for on 3rd down.
4th Round (via ATL) - Roschon Johnson, RB, Texas
Bijan Robinson was the star of the show for Texas' running game. He will likely go in the 1st round. That makes it easy to miss how good Johnson was. He's got size and power, displaying good vision to find the hole and get through it. He also doesn't shirk his duties in pass protection, showing excellent blitz pick-up ability.
5th Round - Riley Moss, CB, Iowa
One thing you can't teach is ball skills. Moss had 11 interceptions and two forced fumbles in his college career. He understands how to force turnovers. Throw in his 6'1 size and physical mentality, and it's not a hard sell to see him as a great fit for this defense. As with any Bears 2023 mock offseason, it's about pieces to the puzzle.
5th Round (via ATL) - Quindell Johnson, S, Memphis
This keeps with the same idea. Johnson has an excellent track record for takeaways, boasting 10 interceptions and four forced fumbles in college. He also has 6'1 size and above-average athleticism. He can cover enough ground to play single-high while also being a factor around the line of scrimmage.
5th Round (via BAL) - Henry To'oTo'o, LB, Alabama
As is often the case with Alabama players, To'oTo'o is both smart and a great athlete. He reads plays very well and can cover enough ground to always be in on the action. He's a very effective blitzer and tackles consistently. There are size limitations, but that won't be a huge issue in the Bears' scheme.
7th Round - Josh Whyle, TE, Cincinnati
He was never the primary target in the Bearcats' passing game. That said, Whyle was a 6'6 guy that could run well. He was a constant presence in the red zone with 15 touchdowns across three years. His blocking isn't anything special, but if a team needs a receiving weapon at tight end, he is one to look at.
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