Sometimes it can be difficult for Chicago Bears fans to get a grasp on what specific draft prospects are capable of each year. Experts can describe their styles of play and how high their ceilings are, but even then, it's not quite clicking. So in these situations, the best thing to do is offer a comparison with a player already in the NFL. This player represents both the style of game the prospect has and perhaps their eventual ceiling in the league if things progress as many hope. More often than not, it's proven relatively reliable.
Cole Kmet was compared to Tyler Higbee coming out of Notre Dame. Their stat comparisons line up. Velus Jones was compared to Devin Duverney in Baltimore. Duvernay didn't do much as a receiver but is now a Pro Bowl returner. Jones ranked among the best in the NFL on kick returns as a rookie. These comparisons came from top NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein. It appears his reports on the 2023 class have begun coming out, along with his pro comparisons.
Here are the ones for every prospect the Bears may consider taking in the 1st round.
The Chicago Bears may have to take note of these comparisons.
Georgia DT Jalen Carter: Jeffery Simmons
"When assessing a player’s draft grade, we take into consideration areas like traits, toughness, explosiveness, skill level, potential for growth and positional projections. Across the board, Carter checks out in a big way."
After two decent years to start his career in Tennessee, Simmons has morphed into one of the two or three most dominant defensive tackles in the NFL. He's made back-to-back Pro Bowls with 16 sacks and 30 quarterback hits over the past two seasons.
Alabama EDGE Will Anderson: DeMarcus Ware
“Power Five players with traits who get sacks in college are going to get sacks in the pros. Anderson is way more likely to succeed than any of these quarterbacks (in the draft). It’s not even close.”
The 11th overall pick in 2005, Ware became a 9-time Pro Bowler and arguably the best pass rusher of the 2000s. He racked up 138.5 sacks in his career and was instrumental in helping the Denver Broncos win the Super Bowl in 2015. He is a virtual lock to end up in the Hall of Fame.
Northwestern OL Peter Skoronski: Zack Martin
“He’s a Pro Bowler at guard but just an average tackle if a team keeps him there.”
Martin was a standout tackle at Notre Dame but shifted inside to guard, where he became dominant. Dallas took him in the 1st round and now he might be the best interior blocker in the NFL. He's an eight-time Pro Bowler and likely to end up in the Hall of Fame after he retires.
Texas Tech EDGE Tyree Wilson: Ezekiel Ansah
"Long-limbed defender who figures to turn into a full-blown nightmare for opponents if he continues to grow into both his frame and his game."
Ansah is one of the great what-ifs in NFL history. Through his first five seasons, he had a case for being his generation's next great pass rusher. He was almost unblockable between 2015 and 2017. Sadly, injuries piled up, and he was forced into retirement before turning 32.
USC WR Jordan Addison: Tyler Lockett
"Inside/outside wideout with the speed and agility to work confidently on all three levels of the field, but lacking the size and catch strength generally associated with high-impact performers on the next level."
Locket fell to the 3rd round years ago because he was deemed too small at 5'10, 182 lbs. He's now crossed 1,000 yards in each of the past four seasons with 54 career touchdowns. Even now, he is criminally overlooked among the best wide receivers in the NFL.
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