Finally, we have an answer. This Chicago Bears 2023 mock offseason and each one moving forward will operate with the knowledge they hold the #1 overall pick. It is a surreal feeling. The Bears haven't sat in this spot for 76 years. George Halas and Sid Luckman were prowling the sidelines when it happened. GM Ryan Poles thankfully isn't inexperienced in this situation. He was with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013 when they held the #1 pick. So he has a good idea of what's coming regarding evaluations and decision-making.
This is a golden opportunity. If Poles plays his cards right, he can infuse the roster with a wealth of front-line talent, laying the foundation for a contender. It won't be easy. There will be some tough choices ahead. Many players from last season won't be back. He must make sure he's doing the right thing at quarterback. The worst thing he can do is overthink this. Get the best players possible without sacrificing the future. Here is how he might go about it.
This Chicago Bears 2023 mock offseason finally has some clarity.
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
- David Montgomery – 3-year deal for $21 million
- Cole Kmet – 4-year extension for $32.4 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 Da’Ron Payne – 5-year deal for $95 million
- OT Jawaan Taylor – 4-year deal for $70 million
- WR D.J. Chark – 3-year deal for $30 million
- LB Bobby Okereke – 3-year deal for $24 million
- DT Poona Ford - 3-year deal for $21 million
The interior pass rush was non-existent for the Bears until the end. That is why Payne is the obvious target. The difference this time is Ford. While he had a career year in sacks with three, his greatest strength is stopping the run. Chicago's run defense was one of the worst in the NFL this past season. Okereke should also help by joining the linebacking corps alongside Sanborn and Morrow. Taylor is overlooked as a right tackle, allowing only 16 pressures the entire regular season for Jacksonville. As for Chark, he's been a low-key hero for Detroit and is still under the age of 30. He has playmaking skills worth investing in.
The Draft:
- Trade: Bears send #1 pick and #55 pick to Texans for #2 pick, #12 pick, and 4th in 2024
1st Round (via HOU): Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
As far as ideal trade scenarios, this is undoubtedly one. The Bears scoop up an extra 1st round pick by only moving down one spot and still secure the best edge rusher in the class. Anderson may not have elite bend, but he's powerful, quick, violent, and absolutely relentless. He can change the landscape of a defense.
- Trade: Bears send #12 pick and 4th in 2023 to Commanders for #16 pick, #47 pick, and 5th in 2023
- Trade: Bears send #16 pick to Ravens for #23 pick, 3rd in 2023, and 3rd in 2024
1st Round (via BAL): Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
If you're going to take a calculated risk at wide receiver, then Smith-Njigba is the one to do it. He was unstoppable in 2021 for the Buckeyes. Unfortunately, injuries ruined this past year for him. He's not blazing fast but is a terrific route runner and very strong before and after the catch.
2nd Round (via WAS): Andre Carter II, EDGE, Army
There is no such thing as too many pass rushers. It's not like the Bears have a lot. Carter is an absolute freak of nature at 6'7 with long arms, power, and athleticism. He was dominant in 2021. While he regressed somewhat this past year, all of his issues are due to lacking polish. With proper coaching, he can be a star.
3rd Round: John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
If he weren't turning 24 years old this year, the center would be in the conversation for the 1st round. Teams don't like drafting older players. Poles has already shown that it doesn't bother him. Michael Schmitz is intelligent, athletic, and strong enough to handle bigger defensive tackles in the middle.
3rd Round (via BAL): Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
Injuries cut out most of his September and October, but he returned to still post 341 yards and three TDs in his final seven games. Kraft is the new-wave tight end with a 6'5 frame and enough speed to create matchup problems all over the field. He'd be a terrific combo option alongside Cole Kmet.
4th Round (via PHI): Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
Battle was never the center of attention at Alabama. That's a shame because he played really well for them. He has good size, a physical mentality, and reliable ball skills. He also demonstrates high intelligence with his ability to line up everywhere and sniff out opposing plays before they happen.
5th Round: Riley Moss, CB, Iowa
Length and ball skills. Those are two big priorities for Eberflus and his staff. Moss has both. He's 6'1 with long arms with 11 interceptions in his college career. He isn't the fastest cornerback on the field, but he gets by. He can thrive in a classic zone scheme where everything is kept in front of him.
5th Round (via WAS): Owen Pappoe, LB, Auburn
This Bears 2023 mock offseason couldn't conclude without the team adding at least one linebacker in the draft. Pappoe is one of those classic types. He's athletic, fast, and has excellent instincts. The problem is he's smaller at 6'1, 225 lbs. The good news is this defense understands how to utilize such types.
5th Round (via BAL): Stetson Bennett, QB, Georgia
Everything points to Justin Fields getting another year in Chicago, as he should. He showed considerable improvement under tough circumstances in 2022. That said, he's not there yet. The Bears should at least keep their options open. Bennett is an average talent but an incredible leader and ice-cold under pressure. A true winner.
7th Round: Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland
Chicago had some good fortune when they took a calculated risk on a big, athletic tackle in the 5th round last year with Braxton Jones. So they decide to do it again. Duncan gives off similar vibes. He's big, long, and moves well for his size. Most of his issues stem from fundamental problems.
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