It is too soon to make any firm assessments on what the Chicago Bears will do in the 2023 draft. The season isn't over yet. While the team currently controls the #2 overall pick, that grip is far from secure. One victory in their remaining three games could drop them to the fourth spot. Two would sink them to the bottom of the top 10. That is why making projections is somewhat dangerous. Still, it is educational how fascinating draft predicting can be with the order constantly changing.
Discussions center around two possibilities right now for the Bears. If they keep their #2 pick next April, the consensus is they'll take one of the two best defensive prospects on the board. The heavy favorites are Will Anderson of Alabama and Jalen Carter of Georgia. However, many fans believe this roster needs a ton of work. More than eight picks can fix. Perhaps the best course of action for GM Ryan Poles is trading down to stockpile more selections.
So let's presume this is the plan. When looking at the current lineup of teams behind them, here are three scenarios that make the most sense for Chicago and what they could get.
The Chicago Bears have some exciting possibilities on the table
#2 pick to the Colts for the #6 pick, a 3rd in 2023, 1st in 2024, and WR Michael Pittman
The goal for Indianapolis is obvious. They've tried half-measures for years at quarterback since Andrew Luck abruptly retired. Philip Rivers got them to the playoffs, but it only lasted a year. Carson Wentz was a flop. Matt Ryan is an even worse flop. Owner Jim Irsay is growing impatient. He already canned the head coach. GM Chris Ballard might be next unless he promises to finally fix the quarterback problem. Moving up for one is his only realistic chance. The goal is to find a way to do it without giving up too many picks. That is accomplished by giving the Bears another legitimate weapon for Justin Fields in Pittman.
#2 pick to the Falcons for the #7 pick, 2nd in 2023, 4th in 2023, 1st in 2024, and 3rd in 2024
The irony is staggering. Ryan Pace leaves the team he spent years trying to get a quarterback with right as it became clear he'd finally achieved that goal. Now he's on a new team searching for a quarterback. Marcus Mariota isn't the guy for Atlanta. They're trying to see if Desmond Ridder can be. The Falcons become an easy trade-up option if he doesn't show enough flashes during the final stretch. They understand the gravity of having a franchise QB. It comes down to whether GM Terry Fontenot will be willing to pay the price.
#2 pick to the Panthers for the #8 pick, a 2nd in 2023, a 4th in 2023, a 1st in 2024 and WR D.J. Moore
Basically the same situation as Indianapolis. Carolina had great years with Cam Newton, but he finally broke down. Since then, they've tried several options outside the draft to fix the position. Teddy Bridgewater didn't work. Trading for Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield didn't work. They have no option on the roster to be excited about right now. The frustrating part is they have a pretty solid team. It's time to take a big swing. GM Scott Fitterer gives up a nice cache of picks and throws in Moore as a sweetener. The wide receiver has posted over 1,000 yards three times in the past four years and is only 25 years old.
