Chicago Bears' 2023 NFL mock draft: Justin Fields dilemma answered with possible draft selections
The Chicago Bears have eight selections in the 2023 NFL draft, and what the franchise does with those will determine if quarterback Justin Fields is their cornerstone for the future or if he will be going on the trading block.
Three of those picks are in the first three rounds, while five are set for Day 3 (two in Round 4, two in Round 5 and one in Round 7).
Chicago hired Kevin Warren as the new CEO and president this offseason, while it will be the second draft day for general manager Ryan Poles and coach Matt Eberflus.
The Bears have needs in both the edge and interior defensive line positions, so prospects Will Anderson Jr. and Jalen Carter would provide a great mix of adding talent and addressing needs. Anderson is known for his speed, violence and lateral agility, while Carter is a powerhouse with his bursts and powers.
The Bears have their original third-round pick, an extra fourth-round selection and an additional seventh-rounder they acquired in a trade.
The Bears also have a Round 5 choice they got in exchange for Roquan Smith. They traded their own Round 6 pick to acquire Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jakeem Grant. The Bears also sent their original Round 6 pick for an extra seventh-rounder in 2022. Chicago will close out the draft in Round 7.
Team needs:
- OT
- Edge
- WR
- LB
- DT
2023 NFL Draft picks:
- Round 1, Pick 1
- Round 2, Pick 53 (from BAL)
- Round 3, Pick 64
- Round 4, Pick 103
- Round 4, Pick 133 (from PHI)
- Round 5, Pick 137
- Round 5, Pick 159 (from NE)
- Round 7, Pick 220
Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 1: Will Anderson Jr. (EDGE, Alabama) – With all the noise surrounding this first selection, the wise option is to select the best player available. Will Anderson is not only in the position they need the most, but Anderson also checks the boxes in terms of athleticism and experience for that young defense.
Round 2, Pick 53 (from BAL): Warren McClendon (OT, Georgia) – Justin Fields, or whoever is playing quarterback for the team, needs protection regardless. Despite a solid rushing attack, the Bears still struggled to give their quarterback more than two seconds to throw the ball. A massive 6-foot-4, 300 pound tackle from a prestigous football school can solve problems immediately for Chicago.
Round 3, Pick 64: Marvin Mims (WR, Baylor) – After the departure of Allen Robinson and Anthony Miller, there was a void in the Bears' wide receivers room. Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool will ideally be the top targets, but adding a possession receiver with the ability to be a deep ball threat is something this offense desperately needs.
Round 4, Pick 103: Zach Harrison (EDGE, Ohio State) - Similar to Anderson Jr., Zach Harrison has experience playing in big games. Adding a historically solid coaching staff to learn from while in Columbus, the IQ and leadership upside to Harrison makes him a viable selection.
Round 4, Pick 133 (from PHI): Colby Wooden (DT, Auburn)
Round 5, Pick 137: Olusegun Oluwatimi (C, Michigan)
Round 5, Pick 159 (from NE): Charlie Jones (WR, Purdue) – Illinois native Charlie Jones was one of the top receivers last year in the Big Ten stat-wise. Jones was the most reliable target for Purdue, and with his age coming into draft day, it seems as though Jones is league-ready.
Round 7, Pick 220: Dorian Williams (LB, Tulane)