For context, the Carolina Panthers have a 1-12 record this season after losing their sixth straight game on Sunday. They have a two-game cushion over the New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals for the top selection in the draft, which would convey to the Bears thanks to the trade that sent Carolina the No. 1 pick in 2023.

As for the Bears, they have four games left, and are the owners of a 5-8 record after consecutive wins over the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions.

Fields had another solid day on Sunday, throwing for 233 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He also rushed for 58 yards on 12 carries, adding another rushing touchdown to his ledger.

In his last five full games, excluding the contest against Minnesota where he suffered a thumb injury, Fields has thrown for 1,226 yards, including 10 touchdowns and two interceptions. He has completed 66.8% of his passes in those games.

 He has also rushed 57 times for 303 yards and a touchdown, averaging 5.3 yards per carry.

Now, with the top pick growing more likely by the week and with just four games left in the regular season, what is Fields’ status with the team?

On NBC Sports Chicago’s “Football Aftershow,” the panel discussed that status, and they offered some cautious optimism.

“He did a great job. He did a really good job today,” Alex Brown said about Fields’ future. “I thought the offense was really good. Yes, we can win with that type of football that we saw today. Now we need to see it in back-to-back-to-back games.”

Dave Wannstedt said that Fields’ recent performance has been good, but still expressed caution due to the full body of his work.

“In his last 18 games, he’s thrown for 26 touchdowns and thrown 12 picks. And he’s rushed for 8 TDs. That’s over 4,000 yards his last 18 games,” he said. “That’s really good football. Is it Tom Brady football? No, but it’s really good football. There’s something there.

“Still, if you look at the whole body of work, he has 17 turnovers in the fourth quarter, which is tied for the most in the National Football League over that period of time,” he added.

The big key for the panel was how Fields compares to the top-available quarterbacks in this year’s draft class. That will likely include USC quarterback Caleb Williams and North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye, but Brown cited Fields’ playmaking ability, on display on his lead-extending rushing touchdown, as something he holds over both Williams and Maye.

“When people tell me where the kids that are coming out of college aren’t as good as him, those kids can’t do that,” he said. “Maybe (Heisman Trophy Winner Jayden) Daniels from LSU can make that run to the pylon and score, but Caleb, he’s not going to do that. Drake Maye is not going to do that. He is a dynamic player.”

Lance Briggs said that Fields’ ability to withstand pressure and impacts in the pocket also give him a positive feeling about his future.  

“I think of Ben Roethlisberger,” he said. “One of his strengths is that a guy can be hanging on him, trying to tackle him and he’ll sit there and he’ll buy more time for his receivers. They won Super Bowls like that.”

If the Bears do end up with the top draft pick and decide to keep it, odds are strong that they will draft a quarterback. Should they decide to keep Fields, then there are numerous other top options at other positions of need. Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. will likely be a top-end pick if he decides to leave college. Several left tackles will also be available at the top of the draft, including Penn State’s Olu Fashanu, Notre Dame’s Joe Alt, and Alabama’s JC Latham.

The Bears could also draft UCLA pass rusher Laiatu Latu if he’s available.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

The Panthers have now lost six consecutive games after they fell 28-6 to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Carolina got just 137 passing yards on 36 attempts from Bryce Young, and they lost two fumbles en route to another defeat.

They now have a two-game cushion over the New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals in the race for the top pick, but that selection will go to the Bears when the season ends.

Here’s where things stand after Sunday afternoon’s games.

1 Chicago (via Carolina) 1-12

2 New England 3-10

3 Arizona 3-10

4 Washington 4-9

5 New York Giants 4-8

6 Tennessee 4-8

7 Chicago 5-8

8 New York Jets 5-8

The Panthers, thanks to six straight losses, are in the driver’s seat for the No. 1 pick in the draft. That selection would go to the Bears thanks to the trade that sent the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft to Carolina, leaving the 1-12 Panthers without a first-round selection.

The Panthers will play their next two games at home, with the Atlanta Falcons and Green Bay Packers coming to town. After a road trip to Jacksonville on New Year’s Eve, they’ll wrap up their season against the Buccaneers in Charlotte.

Despite a Thursday night win over the Steelers, the Patriots would still land the No. 2 pick in the draft if the season ended now. Their remaining schedule features trips to Denver and to Buffalo, along with home games against the Chiefs and Jets.

The Cardinals will have some tough games down the stretch after their bye week, with home tilts against the 49ers and Seahawks, as well as road games against the Bears and Eagles.

For the Bears’ own pick, they still have a superior strength-of-schedule tiebreaker over the Jets, as well as the Giants, Titans, Raiders and Chargers.

The Titans will take on the Miami Dolphins on Monday night, while the Giants will take on the Green Bay Packers.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

Quarterbacks will dominate most conversations, but unique generational talents at other positions, like a wide receiver (Marvin Harrison Jr.) and tight end (Brock Bowers), will create more buzz than last year’s initial draft night. 

Several marquee prospects with household name appeal and a litany of skill position players will be available on day one of the draft. Speculatively speaking, this may be one of the most impactful first rounds of the last ten years.

Check out this week’s mock and see which future star is headed to your favorite team.

NOTE: For the draft order, we used tankathon.com’s projected draft order.

1. Chicago Bears (via Carolina): QB – Caleb Williams, USC

Choosing Williams makes sense both fiscally and structurally regarding roster viability, especially at the sport’s most important position (quarterback). Combining his productivity from Oklahoma and USC, Williams completed 67 percent of his passes for 10,000 plus yards, throwing 93 touchdowns to just 14 interceptions. These are hard numbers for the Bears to ignore.

2. Arizona Cardinals: WR – Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State

 Harrison Jr. is a phenomenal talent with stratospheric potential and little, if any, downside to his game. A tremendous downfield weapon, Harrison averaged 16.9 yards per catch on 155 career receptions with 31 receiving scores.  Targeting Marvin Harrison, an elite can’t-miss prospect, and pairing him with Murray, could expedite Arizona’s designs to be Super Bowl-worthy.

3. New England Patriots: QB – Drake Maye, North Carolina

Former first-round pick (15th overall, 2021 draft) Mac Jones is in danger of being labeled a quarterbacking bust. Jones has been benched four times this season, creating uncertainty in the main position. It’s possible the Patriots select quarterback Drake Maye in hopes that his above-average passing ratio (61 TDs/14 Ints) can translate into future wins for New England.

4. Chicago Bears: TE – Brock Bowers, Georgia

There’s a strong possibility the Bears will miss out on the Marvin Harrison Jr. sweepstakes. Yet, they may still be in a position to draft Bowers, arguably the most impactful offensive talent in the draft. Bowers possesses an enviable blend of size, power, athleticism, and seam-splitting speed that most defenses struggle game planning against.

5. Washington Commanders: Edge – Laiatu Latu, UCLA

Latu is a no-nonsense pass rusher who attacks the offensive perimeter with determined focus and purposefulness. More quick than fast, Latu creatively sheds blocks and possesses an innate ability to maneuver between offensive linemen efficiently, slipping into opposing backfields and disabling plays. Latu’s 13 sacks lead the Pac-12 and is tied for fourth throughout the entire FBS.

6. New York Giants: OT – Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Alt possesses uncommon athleticism and agility for a man his size (6’8”, 315 lbs). Impressive lateral quickness helps Alt gain leverage at the point of attack, while his balance and grip strength allow him to manipulate pass rushers away from the quarterback. Last season in over 800 plus snaps, he never surrendered a quarterback sack.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR – Rome Ondunze, Washington

Longtime Bucs wideout and all-time leading receiver Mike Evans (11,275 yds / 90 TDs) is an unrestricted free agent. Odunze, who possesses excellent size (6-3, 201 lbs) and speed (4.35 40-time) could be an affordable replacement. His ability to track long passes over either shoulder makes him a deep threat defenses shouldn’t underestimate. 

8. New York Jets: OT – Olu Fashanu, Penn State

An extremely athletic lineman with an impressive six-foot-six, 321-pound frame, Fashanu moves lithely but powerfully when engaging defenders. His rugged grip and long arms decisively maneuver pass rushers away from their intended targets. When attacking downfield, Fashanu’s agility allows him to maintain blocks onto the second level of defense.

9. Los Angeles Chargers: CB – Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

McKinstry excels in disrupting a receiver’s route tempo and negatively affecting the rhythm of any team’s passing attack. Like many of his Alabama predecessors at defensive back, McKinstry competes with a consistent physicality buoyed with solid coverage techniques. 

10. Tennessee Titans: DL – Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois

Recently named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Newton embodies the definition of perseverance and discipline with his consistency and productivity on the gridiron. An indefatigable defender, Newton’s relentlessness on the field should translate well at the NFL level.

11. Las Vegas Raiders: QB – Jayden Daniels, LSU

Daniels may be the most dangerous offensive weapon within this draft class. A true dual threat, he is extremely sudden when running and displays an elastic-like arm that can sling passes downfield with accuracy. Over the course of this season, Daniels generated 3812 passing and 1134 rushing yards with 50 combined touchdowns.

12. New Orleans Saints: WR – Malik Nabers, LSU

Nabers is a tactical route-runner who unfailingly catches passes away from his body with confident hands. His ability to exploit defensive backs, combined with executing precise angled cuts, makes Nabers a reliable option for third-down conversions. 

13. Green Bay Packers: OT – Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State

One of the fastest risers on many draft boards is offensive lineman Talises Fuaga. According to PFF metrics, Fuaga is one of the highest-rated overall offensive tackles, combining run and pass blocking with an 88.3 rating. In over 1500 plus snaps, Fuaga has never surrendered a sack and provides immediate impact as a run-blocking mauler.

14. Los Angeles Rams: Edge – Dallas Turner, Alabama

Turner is a quick-twitch athlete with excellent length and bendability off the edge when rushing the passer. He is decidedly more explosive from a two-point stance, but his athleticism allows for some schemed alignment versatility. Turner has already exceeded last season’s totals in tackles for loss (12.5) and sacks (8) throughout the 12 games he’s played.

15. Cincinnati Bengals: WR – Keon Coleman, Florida State

Coleman’s ability to create separation and leverage his wide catching radius against defenders projects favorably at the next level. Currently, Coleman is catching passes at a rate of 13.9 yards per reception while having caught 11 touchdown passes in 11 games.

16. Buffalo Bills: Edge – Jared Verse, Florida State

A speed-to-power pass rusher, Verse attacks with improving counter moves and purposefulness, making him less predictable and difficult to block. He competes with a tenacity that matches his production over the past 24 games. His 26.5 tackles for loss and 16 sacks illustrate how effective and impactful he can be for a defense.

17. Arizona Cardinals (via Houston): CB – Nate Wiggins, Clemson

The Cardinals play hard defensively yet are ineffective when forcing interceptions (9 picks in 12 games) and struggle to make impact plays to close out games. Both of Wiggins’ career interceptions resulted in defensive returns for scores. His length, sinewy strength, and football IQ make him a viable target for Arizona’s future defensive designs.

18. Denver Broncos: DB – Cooper DeJean, Iowa

Extremely versatile and skilled, DeJean is an athletic defensive back who could literally play any secondary position and be a difference-maker (7 career interceptions) wherever he’s lined up. Denver’s skill and depth in its secondary, especially the cornerback position, needs immediate improvement to seriously compete against the elite receiving talent in the AFC.  

19. Atlanta Falcons: CB – Josh Newton, TCU

Newton is an extremely experienced defensive back, having appeared in 58 games to date. A transfer from Louisiana-Monroe, over his last 27 games, Newton registered 52 solo tackles while boasting a career 35.4 average in interception return yards. 

20. Minnesota Vikings: QB – Bo Nix, Oregon

Aside from the fact that veteran signal-caller Kirk Cousins is a 35-year-old, 35 million-a-year unrestricted free agent, he’s also done for the season due to an Achilles tendon injury. It’s increasingly hard to ignore the consistent production Nix provides on a weekly basis. He leads the nation in pass completion percentage (78.6) and has thrown 37 touchdowns with just two interceptions on the season.

21. Indianapolis Colts: DL – Leonard Taylor III, Miami (FL)

Taylor is a disruptive, thick-bodied interior defender with a good initial burst off the snap of the ball. His ability to shed blocks and penetrate behind the offensive line is evident by his 22.5 tackles for loss over the course of 28 collegiate games.

22. Seattle Seahawks: QB – Michael Penix Jr., Washington

Among the top five leaders in the room for this season’s 2023 Heisman Trophy, Penix is leading his undefeated Huskies for a run at the National Championship. Penix’s injury history prior to arriving at Washington (two torn ACLs in 2018, 2020) could be the main reason he’s not considered a top-five draft prospect.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers: CB – Kalen King, Penn State

One of the Big Ten’s more formidable tacklers, King has registered 43 solo tackles in his last 25 games played. He is adept at zone coverage as well as providing sticky man-to-man defense regardless of the offensive formation and/or personnel. King’s twitchy short-area quickness and astute spatial awareness propelled him last season into leading the Big Ten Conference with 18 passes defended.

24. Houston Texans (via Cleveland): CB – Kamari Lassiter, Georgia

Lassiter’s ability to cover deep vertical routes makes him attractive to NFL scouts looking for athletic defensive backs with long speed. A true boundary cover corner, he also displays an elevated awareness that makes him a strong zone defender. 

25. Miami Dolphins: TE – Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas

The Dolphins’ passing attack is already lethal by NFL standards, but adding a pass-catching threat like Sanders could make it the deadliest in the league. Sanders is a quality route-runner who is surprisingly elusive after the catch. His size and speed demand attention, especially with his ability to threaten the seams of a defense.

26. Dallas Cowboys: OT – J.C. Latham, Alabama

Latham allowed only one sack and six hurries this season and performed at an above-average rate (79.4), according to PFF. Veteran offensive tackle Tyron Smith’s salary (12 million) may have outpriced his production, possibly opening the door for Latham to become an economical solution.

27. Detroit Lions: CB – Denzel Burke, Ohio State

Burke is an ideal press-cover corner with excellent change of direction and field awareness. His ability to anticipate plus click-and-close when breaking in on a pass is NFL caliber. 

28. Jacksonville Jaguars: Edge – J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State

Tuimoloau is a game-wrecking edge rusher who is just grazing the tip of his potential. His ability to diagnose screen-plays is advanced, as is his knack for penetrating behind offensive lines. Impressively, Tuimoloau registered 21 tackles for loss and 11 sacks in just 36 games played. 

29. Kansas City Chiefs: DL – Maason Smith, LSU

When completely healthy, there may be no one currently in the college game equally stout against the run, and troublesome to passing schemes as Smith. On the season, Smith registered 13 hurries and two sacks from the interior.

30. San Francisco 49ers: S – Kamren Kinchens, Miami (FL)

Kinchens is the type of versatile defensive back San Francisco covets. An intelligent surveyor of the field, Kinchens’ instincts and preparation are integral to his success. In his last 22 games played, Kinchens has tabulated 11 interceptions and 11 defended passes.

31. Baltimore Ravens: WR – Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State

Egbuka is a strong route-runner and pass catcher, and over the past 21 games he’s tallied 14 receiving scores with a career average of 14.7 yards a reception. Ohio State wideouts have excelled in the pros, and Egbuka may have the most untapped potential of them all.

32. Philadelphia Eagles: Edge – Bralen Trice, Washington

Trice is a handful for pass blockers to contend with when attacking the edges of an offensive line. A power pass rusher, Trice attacks with purpose employing counter moves that make him unpredictable and difficult to block. 

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

The Bears are now 4-8 on the regular season, and if the campaign ended after Week 12, they would own the fourth-overall pick in the draft.

What’s more, they would also own the No. 1 pick in the draft thanks to the Carolina Panthers, who are currently on a four-game losing streak and who just fired their head coach Frank Reich amid one of their worst stretches of play in team history.

The 2023 trade that sent the No. 1 pick to Carolina continues to bear fruit for Chicago, as they got a huge reception from wide receiver DJ Moore that set up a Cairo Santos game-winning field goal against the Vikings.

Here is the current NFL Draft order as the Bears head into their bye week.

1 Carolina 1-10

2 Arizona 2-10

3 New England 2-9

4 Chicago 4-8

5 Washington 4-8

6 New York Giants 4-8

7 Tampa Bay 4-7

8 New York Jets 4-7

9 Los Angeles Chargers 4-7

10 Tennessee 4-7

The Bears hold the advantage over Washington and the Giants due to a superior strength of schedule tiebreaker, with a .464 opponents’ winning percentage. They also have a superior strength of schedule over all four of the 4-7 teams, giving them a leg up even as they head into their bye week.

After their bye week, the Bears have five games remaining, including against current playoff teams like the Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons. The Green Bay Packers, the Bears’ final opponent of the season, are just one-half game out of the playoffs.

The Bears also have a Christmas Eve tilt against the Cardinals, who are currently trailing the Panthers by one half game for the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.  

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

Currently, the Bears have the first pick in the draft via their trade with the Panthers. So, would Chicago choosing a quarterback with its initial selection be “disrespectful” to incumbent starter Justin Fields? In Denver, have the fans and the Broncos’ front office garnered a newfound respect for embattled quarterback Russell Wilson? Wilson successfully led Denver to a four-game winning streak after beginning the season with one win in its first six games.

The college and NFL seasons are long, unpredictable, and nuanced. So, in creating these mock drafts, we just ask that you respect the process and enjoy the presentation.

NOTE: For the draft order, we used tankathon.com’s projected draft order.

1. Chicago Bears (via Carolina): QB – Caleb Williams, USC

A spectacular athlete, Williams has individually averaged three scores a contest (3.2), combining passing and rushing touchdowns with a Heisman Trophy Award to his credit. The allure of Williams might entice Bears’ general manager Ryan Poles to reset fiscally, drafting the Heisman winner and starting anew with a rookie contract.

2. Arizona Cardinals: WR – Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State

A unique talent, Murray is still extremely young but experienced, with his greatness potential still pointing upwards. Offensively, the Cardinals could be one dominant receiver away from competing consistently at a playoff level. Targeting Marvin Harrison, an elite can’t-miss prospect, and pairing him with Murray, could expedite Arizona’s designs to be Super Bowl-worthy.

3. New England Patriots: QB – Drake Maye, North Carolina

The Patriots may have to make several hard choices sooner than later, revolving around its head coach/general manager and third-year starting quarterback, Mac Jones. It’s possible the Patriots select quarterback Drake Maye in hopes that his four-to-one passing ratio (61 TDs/14 Ints) can translate into future wins in New England. Taking Maye might signify the end of the “Belichick Era” and signal the Patriots’ commitment to change. 

4. Chicago Bears: OT – Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Alt possesses uncommon athleticism and agility for a man his size (6’8”, 315 lbs). Impressive lateral quickness helps Alt gain leverage at the point of attack, while his balance and grip strength allow him to manipulate pass rushers away from the quarterback. Chicago could solidify its bookend blockers by obtaining the 2023 Lombardi Award Finalist (top college lineman).

5. New York Giants: OT – Olu Fashanu, Penn State

An extremely athletic lineman with an impressive six-foot-six, 321-pound frame, Fashanu moves lithely but powerfully when engaging defenders. His rugged grip and long arms decisively maneuver pass rushers away from their intended targets. When attacking downfield, Fashanu’s agility allows him to maintain blocks onto the second level of defense.

6. Tennessee Titans: TE – Brock Bowers, Georgia

Bowers is a matchup conundrum for most defensive coordinators attempting to curtail his effectiveness on the field. His ability to block in-line and then release down the seam of a defense compromises many defensive coverages. An athletic pass catcher, he can also align anywhere on the field, leveraging his size against smaller pass defenders.

7. Washington Commanders: Edge – Laiatu Latu, UCLA

Latu is a no-nonsense pass rusher who attacks the offensive perimeter with determined focus and purposefulness. More quick than fast, Latu creatively sheds blocks and possesses an innate ability to maneuver between offensive linemen efficiently, slipping into opposing backfields and disabling plays. Latu’s 13 sacks currently lead all Power Five athletes and is tied for third throughout the entire FBS.

8. Atlanta Falcons: QB – Bo Nix, Oregon

Atlanta’s front office may be willing to move on from head coach Arthur Smith and the underwhelming Desmond Ridder at quarterback. If so, then targeting Bo Nix may make sense when restarting the clock on the Falcons rebuild. It’s increasingly hard to ignore the consistent production Nix provides on a weekly basis. He leads the nation in pass completion percentage (78.1) and has thrown 35 touchdowns with just two interceptions on the season.

9. Green Bay Packers: CB – Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

The Packers struggle with inconsistencies in their secondary, allowing teams to complete 64.2 percent of their passes and only intercepting five passes in 10 games. McKinstry displays top-tier coverage skills and competes with the tenacity needed at the professional level. In addition, McKinstry also provides punt return skills, having averaged 15.8 yards a return last season.

10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR – Rome Odunze, Washington

Longtime Bucs wideout and all-time leading receiver Mike Evans (11,205 yds / 88 TDs) is an unrestricted free agent. Odunze, who possesses excellent size (6-3, 201 lbs) and speed (4.35 40-time)  could be an affordable replacement. His ability to track long passes over either shoulder makes him a deep threat defenses shouldn’t underestimate. 

11. New York Jets: OT – Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State

One of the fastest risers on many draft boards is offensive lineman Talises Fuaga. According to PFF metrics, Fuaga is its highest-rated overall offensive tackle, combining run and pass blocking with a 90.2 rating. In over 1500 plus snaps, Fuaga has never surrendered a sack and provides immediate impact as a run-blocking mauler.

12. Los Angeles Chargers: DB – Cooper DeJean, Iowa

Extremely versatile and skilled, DeJean is an athletic defensive back who could literally play any secondary position and be a difference-maker (7 career interceptions) wherever he’s lined up. Los Angeles’ skill and depth in its secondary, especially the cornerback position, needs immediate improvement to seriously compete against the elite receiving talent in the AFC.  

13. Los Angeles Rams: Edge – Dallas Turner, Alabama

Turner is a quick-twitch athlete with excellent length and bendability off the edge when rushing the passer. He is decidedly more explosive from a two-point stance, but his athleticism allows for some schemed alignment versatility. Turner has already exceeded last season’s totals in tackles for loss (10.5) and sacks (7) throughout the 11 games he’s played.

14. Las Vegas Raiders: QB – Michael Penix Jr., Washington

A strong candidate for this season’s 2023 Heisman Trophy, Penix is leading his undefeated Huskies for a run at the National Championship. Penix’s injury history prior to arriving at Washington (two torn ACLs in 2018, 2020) could be the main reason he’s not considered a top-five draft prospect.

15. Indianapolis Colts: DL – Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois

Arguably the best pro prospect on any given game day, Newton is an explosively quick interior defender with powerful hands and a knack for disruption. Throughout a disappointing season for the Illini, Newton compiled 47 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks in 11 games to date.

16. Denver Broncos: CB – Denzel Burke, Ohio State

Burke is a classic Ohio State defensive back whose coverage skills mix well in man-to-man or zone schemes. His long arms and active hands allow him to stymie receivers in press coverage, while his length and speed provide enough athleticism to stick closely with pass catchers downfield.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: WR – Malik Nabers, LSU

Cincinnati has already enjoyed amazing success with a receiver from LSU, two-time Pro-Bowler Ja’Marr Chase. Potentially targeting another LSU standout receiver like Nabers would offer position alignment versatility and an elite route-running element the Bengals could utilize. His ability to exploit defensive backs, combined with executing precise angled cuts, makes Nabers a reliable option for third-down conversions.

18. Buffalo Bills: Edge – Jared Verse, Florida State

A speed-to-power pass rusher, Verse attacks with improving counter moves and purposefulness that make him less predictable and difficult to block. He competes with a tenacity that matches his production over the past 23 games. His 23.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks illustrate how effective and impactful he can be for a defense.

19. New Orleans Saints: WR – Keon Coleman, Florida State

Coleman’s ability to create separation and leverage his wide catching radius against defenders projects favorably at the next level. Currently, Coleman is catching passes at a rate of 13.7 yards per reception while having caught 11 touchdown passes in just 10 games.

20. Minnesota Vikings: QB – J.J. McCarthy, Michigan

Aside from the fact that veteran signal-caller Kirk Cousins is a 35-year-old, $35 million-a-year unrestricted free agent, he’s also done for the season due to an Achilles tendon injury. McCarthy is an athletic quarterback built similarly to former first-overall pick Alex Smith (2005) and plays with a veteran’s poise and leadership. Statistically, McCarthy is completing 73.8 percent of his passes with a four-to-one (18:4) touchdown to interception ratio.

21. Arizona Cardinals (via Houston): CB – Nate Wiggins, Clemson

The Cardinals play hard defensively yet are ineffective when forcing interceptions (8 picks in 11 games) and struggle to make impact plays to close out games. Both of Wiggins’ career interceptions resulted in defensive returns for scores. His length, sinewy strength, and football IQ make him a viable target for Arizona’s future defensive designs.

22. Seattle Seahawks: Edge – J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State

Tuimoloau is a game-wrecking edge rusher who is just grazing the tip of his potential and may yet develop exponentially over the course of the season. His ability to diagnose screen-plays is advanced, as is his knack for penetrating behind offensive lines. Impressively, Tuimoloau registered 20.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and seven passes defended in just 34 games played. 

23. Pittsburgh Steelers: CB – Kalen King, Penn State

One of the Big Ten’s more formidable tacklers, King has registered 43 solo tackles in his last 23 games played. He is adept at zone coverage as well as providing sticky man-to-man defense regardless of the offensive formation and/or personnel. King’s twitchy short-area quickness and astute spatial awareness propelled him last season into leading the Big Ten Conference with 18 passes defended.

24. Houston Texans (via Cleveland): DL – Leonard Taylor III, Miami (FL)

Head coach DeMeco Ryans is a former inside linebacker (Texans) and coached within a 49ers system that believed in rotational depth along its defensive front line. Taylor is a disruptive, thick-bodied interior defender with a good initial burst off the snap of the ball. His ability to shed blocks and penetrate behind the offensive line is evident by his 22.5 tackles for loss and six sacks over the course of 28 collegiate games.

25. Miami Dolphins: S – Kamren Kinchens, Miami (FL)

Kinchens is the type of versatile coverage defender defensive coordinator Vic Fangio desires for his schemes. An intelligent surveyor of the field, Kinchens’ instincts and preparation are integral to his success. In his last 21 games played, Kinchens has tabulated 11 interceptions along with 11 defended passes.

26. Dallas Cowboys: OT – J.C. Latham, Alabama

Veteran offensive tackle Tyron Smith’s effectiveness as a bookend protector has trailed off a bit, plus his age (32) and free agency status dampen his chances of being retained. Latham is a limber 326-pound pass protector whose knee-bending flexibility allows him to stay leveraged behind his pad level. He’s improved overall as a blocker and significantly decreased the amount of penalties called against him.

27. San Francisco 49ers: S – Calen Bullock, USC

Bullock provides an immediate injection of athleticism and explosive game-breaking coverage skills. His ability to intercept passes (nine career picks) and flip field position (averages 23.7 yards on interception returns) makes him a threat across the gridiron. An intelligent surveyor of the field, Bullock’s instincts and preparation are integral to his success. 

28. Jacksonville Jaguars: WR – Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State

Egbuka is a strong route-runner and pass catcher, and over the past 21 games, he’s tallied 13 receiving scores with a career average of 13.3 yards a reception. Over the past several years, under the tutelage of former Buckeyes’ wide receiver coach Brian Hartline, Ohio State wideouts have excelled in the pros. Egbuka may have the most untapped potential of them all.

29. Kansas City Chiefs: DL – Maason Smith, LSU

Statistically speaking, quarterback pressures consist of all plays that create hurries, knockdowns, and sacks. When completely healthy, there may be no one currently in the college game equally stout against the run and troublesome to passing schemes as Smith.

30. Detroit Lions: CB – Josh Newton, TCU

Newton is an extremely experienced defensive back, having appeared in 58 games to date. A transfer from Louisiana-Monroe, over his last 26 games, Newton registered 50 solo tackles while boasting a career 35.4 average in interception return yards. 

31. Baltimore Ravens: WR – Xavier Legette, South Carolina

There have been durability concerns with Baltimore’s receivers over the past several seasons. Should the Ravens target Legette, they’ll be acquiring a physical six-foot-three, 227-pound boundary wideout with a playing style comparable to the Eagles’ primary receiver, A.J. Brown. An exceptional athlete, Legette set the school record for kick-off return yards averaging 29.4 per return last season.

32. Philadelphia Eagles: OT – Amarius Mims, Georgia

The Eagles basically employ the highest percentage of former Georgia Bulldogs currently playing in the NFL, so potentially acquiring Mims is just par for the course. Mims is a massive six-foot-seven, 330-pound behemoth of a man whose physical traits are attention-getting. He plays to his size, showcasing an unapologetic mean streak backed with powerful arms and a balanced base.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

The return of Arizona’s franchise quarterback Kyler Murray immediately produced a victory, dropping the Cardinals from the top pick down to the fourth spot. Whereas the Browns’ recent loss of starting signal caller Deshawn Watson may negatively impact their current 24th position, forcing a move into the top third of the draft.

The NFL is a capricious business, as is devising weekly mock drafts, so enjoy the process.

NOTE: For the draft order, we used tankathon.com’s projected draft order.

1. Chicago Bears (via Carolina): QB – Caleb Williams, USC

Once again, the Bears find themselves holding down the first overall pick in the draft, albeit due to last  Spring’s trade with the Panthers. Currently, Chicago owns two top-10 draft picks and has an opportunity to make significant talent upgrades to its roster. Uncertainty at the most important position may influence an organizational shift from incumbent starting quarterback Justin Fields to 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams.

2. New York Giants: QB – Drake Maye, North Carolina

Giants’ head coach Brian Daboll’s weekly exasperated looks of frustration along the sidelines will probably continue as New York manages the rest of the season with backup quarterbacks. However, as the losses mount, last season’s coach of the year could be in a position to draft a solution for his weekly blues. Maye is arguably the best overall quarterbacking prospect in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.

3. New England Patriots: QB – Bo Nix, Oregon

If the Patriots part ways with future Hall-of-Fame head coach Bill Belichick, then initiating a reset could start with Heisman hopeful Bo Nix at quarterback. Nix still leads the nation in completion percentage (77.7), is second in touchdown passes (25), and seventh overall in passing yards (3135). In addition, he may be the most experienced passer, leaving college with 50-plus career games played.

4. Arizona Cardinals: WR – Marvin Harrison, Ohio State

Star quarterback Kyler Murray looked rusty but electrifying in his first game back after overcoming last season’s knee injury. A unique talent, Murray is still extremely young but experienced, with his greatness potential still pointing upwards. Targeting Marvin Harrison, an elite can’t-miss prospect, and pairing him with Murray, could expedite Arizona’s designs to be Super Bowl-worthy.

5. Chicago Bears: OT – Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Many a Golden Domer has been a part of Chicago Bears lore, and Alt may find himself a part of that legacy if taken by the Monsters of the Midway. During the 2023 campaign, Alt’s monstrous six-foot-eight, 322-pound frame has successfully mauled opponents in the run game (166 yards per game) and in pass protection, allowing only one sack and four pressures.

6. Green Bay Packers: OT – Olu Fashanu, Penn State

Although the Packers are seventh in sacks allowed (19) after nine games, ironically, they rank 23rd in total offensive yards (2799), passing yards (1880) and rushing yards (919). Fashaun is a dominant offensive tackle who moves lightly but powerfully when engaging defenders. His ability to efficiently execute run and pass-blocking schemes could immediately impact Green Bay’s stagnant offense.

7. Los Angeles Rams: Edge – Laiatu Latu, UCLA

 An athletic force multiplier, Latu is a tremendous pass rusher with good acceleration and closing speed. Ten games into the 2023 campaign, the six-foot-four, 256-pound Latu generated 18 tackles for loss along with 11 sacks.

8. Tennessee Titans: TE – Brock Bowers, Georgia

Bowers is a matchup conundrum for most defensive coordinators attempting to curtail his effectiveness on the field. His ability to block in-line and then release down the seam of a defense compromises many defensive coverages. An athletic pass catcher, he can also align anywhere on the field, leveraging his size against smaller pass defenders.

9. Atlanta Falcons: Edge – Dallas Turner, Alabama

Turner is a quick-twitch athlete with excellent length and bendability off the edge when rushing the passer. He is decidedly more explosive from a two-point stance, but his athleticism allows for some schemed alignment versatility. Turner has already exceeded last season’s totals in tackles for loss (10.5) and sacks (7) in just nine games played.

10. Washington Commanders: Edge – J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State

Tuimoloau is a game-wrecking edge rusher who is just grazing the tip of his potential and may yet develop exponentially over the course of the season. His ability to diagnose screen-plays is advanced, as is his knack for penetrating behind offensive lines. Impressively, Tuimoloau registered 20.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and seven passes defended in just 34 games played. 

11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR – Rome Odunze, Washington

Longtime Bucs wideout and all-time leading receiver Mike Evans (11,162 yds / 87 TDs) is an unrestricted free agent. Odunze, who possesses excellent size (6-3, 201 lbs) and speed (4.35 40-time)  could be an affordable replacement. His ability to track long passes over either shoulder makes him a deep threat defenses shouldn’t underestimate. 

12. New York Jets: OT – J.C. Latham, Alabama

Latham is a limber 326-pound pass protector whose knee-bending flexibility allows him to stay leveraged behind his pad level. He is an experienced lineman, having already logged over 1,500 snaps. Latham improved overall as a blocker and significantly decreased the amount of penalties called against him.

13. Denver Broncos: CB – Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

The six-foot-one, 188-pound defensive back is an intelligent pass defender who wins with patient anticipation and quick feet. Mckinstry’s loose hips allow for easy transitions when mirroring pass catchers or squaring himself to break down for open-field tackles. 

14. Los Angeles Chargers: DB – Cooper DeJean, Iowa

Extremely versatile and skilled, DeJean is an athletic defensive back who could literally play any secondary position and be a difference-maker wherever he lined up. Los Angeles’ skill and depth in its secondary, especially the cornerback position, needs immediate improvement to seriously compete against the elite receiving talent in the AFC.  

15. Indianapolis Colts: DL – Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois

Technique and tenacity are apt descriptions of how Newton consistently wins against opposing linemen. Extremely quick and purposeful with his movements, Newton sheds blocks with efficiency and flows toward ball carriers on running plays. He is equally effective in applying pressure on quarterbacks trying to run from option-style plays or complete downfield passes.

16. Las Vegas Raiders: QB – Michael Penix Jr., Washington

Arguably the leader in the room for this season’s 2023 Heisman Trophy, Penix is leading his undefeated Huskies for a run at the National Championship. Penix’s injury history prior to arriving at Washington (two torn ACLs in 2018 and 2020) could be the main reason he’s not considered a top-five draft prospect.

17. Buffalo Bills: DL – Leonard Taylor III, Miami (FL)

Taylor is a disruptive, thick-bodied interior defender with a good initial burst off the snap of the ball. His ability to shed blocks and penetrate behind the offensive line is evident by his 22.5 tackles for loss over the course of 28 collegiate games.

18. Cincinnati Bengals: WR – Keon Coleman, Florida State

Currently, Coleman is catching passes at a rate of 13.4 yards per reception while having caught 10 touchdown passes in just nine games. So, with Cincinnati wideouts Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins being unrestricted free agents, it’s possible the frugal Bengals will only re-sign one of the two. Coleman’s size, youth, and affordability potentially make him an ideal replacement for either receiver.

19. New Orleans Saints: WR – Malik Nabers, LSU

Over the past several seasons, drafting a receiver from LSU has proven to be a prudent decision. Nabers offers alignment versatility and an elite route-running element any NFL team could utilize. His ability to exploit defensive backs, combined with executing precise angled cuts, makes Nabers a reliable option for third-down conversions.

20. Arizona Cardinals [via – Houston]: CB – Nate Wiggins, Clemson

The Cardinals play hard defensively yet are ineffective when forcing turnovers (10 takeaways in 10 games) and struggle to make impact plays to close out games. Both of Wiggins’ career interceptions resulted in defensive returns for scores. His length, sinewy strength, and football IQ make him a viable target for Arizona’s future defensive designs.

21. Minnesota Vikings: QB – J.J. McCarthy, Michigan

Aside from the fact that veteran signal-caller Kirk Cousins is a 35-year-old, 35-million-a-year unrestricted free agent, he’s also done for the season due to an Achilles tendon injury. McCarthy is an athletic quarterback built similarly to former number-one overall pick Alex Smith (2005) and plays with a veteran’s poise and leadership. Statistically, McCarthy is completing 76.2 percent of his passes with a six-to-one (18:3) touchdown to interception ratio.

22. Dallas Cowboys: OT – Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State

Veteran offensive tackle Tyron Smith’s effectiveness as a bookend protector has trailed off a bit, plus his age (32) and free agency status dampen his chances of being retained. In over 1300 plus snaps, Fuaga has never surrendered a sack and provides immediate impact as a run-blocking mauler.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers: CB – Denzel Burke, Ohio State

Burke is a classic Ohio State defensive back whose coverage skills mix well in man-to-man or zone schemes. His long arms and active hands allow him to stymie receivers in press coverage, while his length and speed provide enough athleticism to stick closely with pass catchers downfield.

24. Houston Texans [via – Cleveland]: DL – Maason Smith, LSU

Injuries have stalled the development and ascension of this former five-star recruit. Smith is an athletic mix of quickness, power, and explosion when healthy. He can dominate single blocking and disrupt running plays designed to attack various defensive alignment gaps. Smith plays with an inner motivation and sense of urgency that NFL scouts prioritize when assessing interior defensive linemen.

25. Miami Dolphins: S – Kamren Kinchens, Miami (FL)

Kinchens is the type of versatile coverage defender defensive coordinator Vic Fangio desires for his schemes. An intelligent surveyor of the field, Kinchens’ instincts and preparation are integral to his success. In his last 20 games played, Kinchens has tabulated 10 interceptions along with 11 defended passes.

26. Seattle Seahawks: LB – Cedric Gray, North Carolina

Although linebackers as a position seem to be devalued in the first round, there are always exceptions to generalized perceptions. Casual college football fans may not be familiar with Cedric Gray, but his force-multiplying effect on games is eye-popping. Over the past 24 contests, Gray has compiled 241 total tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, three interceptions, nine passes defended, and five forced fumbles.

27. Jacksonville Jaguars: Edge – Jared Verse, Florida State

Jacksonville has four unrestricted pass rushers and must consider setting aside money in order to afford franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s contract beyond his rookie deal. So, drafting an aggressive edge rusher like Verse at cost may be part of the Jaguars’ fiscal reality heading into next season.

28. San Francisco 49ers: S – Tyler Nubin, Minnesota

Nubin is an experienced playmaking safety who possesses a knack for creating impactful turnovers (12 career interceptions) in crucial moments. An astute player, Nubin is keenly aware of his surroundings and rarely if ever, is out of position. A solid NFL physique (6-2, 210 lbs) and above-average athleticism make Nubin a fixture on many scouts’  draft boards.

29. Baltimore Ravens: WR – Troy Franklin, Oregon

The Ravens still need quality receiving talent and depth for their franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson to truly advance them to a Super Bowl. Franklin possesses solid size (6-3, 185 lbs) and speed (4.35 40-time) to challenge NFL defensive backs. His ability to track long passes over either shoulder makes him a deep threat defenses shouldn’t underestimate. 

30. Detroit Lions: CB – Kalen King, Penn State

Detroit may be one standout secondary component away from fielding a multifaceted defense that could handle any varied or nuanced NFL offense. King is adept at zone coverage as well as providing sticky man-to-man defense regardless of the offensive formation and/or personnel. His twitchy short-area quickness and astute spatial awareness propelled him last season into leading the Big Ten Conference with 18 passes defended.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: OT – Kingsley Suamataia, BYU

The Chiefs have been exchanging offensive tackles almost yearly since franchise quarterback Patrick Maholmes became the starter. After restructuring his deal and having additional players’ contract negotiations loom into next season, the Chiefs might look to draft a tackle to remain entrenched for several years on Maholmes’ backside. Suamataia moves with fluidity and balance, yet his powerful upper body provides the strength to out-leverage defenders.

32. Philadelphia Eagles: S – Calen Bullock, USC

Currently, the Eagles have 22 unrestricted free agents on their roster, with both starting safeties being among that group. Considering the amount of money allocated to its franchise quarterback, Philadelphia may have to depend more on youthful and affordable talent to replenish any players lost to fiscal constraints.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

In fact, they aren’t even in second place right now, technically.

The Bears will have their fate in their hands in coming weeks however, as they take on several of the teams that could be competing with them for that selection.

Here’s where things stand, and where things could go in the weeks to come.

The Current Draft Order

1 Arizona Cardinals 1-8

2 Carolina Panthers* 1-7

3 Chicago Bears 2-7

4 New York Giants 2-7

5 New England Patriots 2-7

The Cardinals currently own the top spot in the draft order with a 1-8 record, currently sitting one-half game ahead of the Carolina Panthers in a battle of one-win teams.

The Panthers are one-half game ahead of the Bears, having played one fewer contest than Chicago this season.

The Panthers’ pick will convey to the Bears as a result of the trade that sent the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to Carolina, with this year’s first round pick and wide receiver DJ Moore coming to the Bears.

As for the Bears, their record is good for the No. 3 pick at this time. They have a weaker strength of schedule than either the Giants or Patriots, earning them the tiebreaker among the 2-7 teams, according to Tankathon.

If the Panthers Win vs. Chicago

If the Panthers win, they would go to 2-7 on the season. The Bears would drop to 2-8, and their win percentage would drop to .200, vaulting them back into the No. 2 pick prior to Sunday’s action.

 The Panthers would drop back to the third pick in the order, giving the Cardinals a half-game lead over Chicago.

If the Bears Win vs. Carolina

If the Bears win Thursday’s game at Soldier Field, they would go to 3-7 on the season and would then drop all the way to No. 6 in the draft order, with a winning percentage of .300.

That Panthers loss would put them in a tie with Arizona at 1-8 in the standings, but Carolina would likely jump over them with their strength of schedule tiebreaker factored in.

How the Schedules Look After This Week:

The Bears have seven games left in the season after their game vs. the Panthers. Four of those will be against teams currently in the playoffs, including two against the division-leading Detroit Lions.

Their final three games of the season will be against Atlanta, Green Bay….and Arizona, with the Cardinals coming to Soldier Field on Christmas Eve.

Speaking of the Cardinals, they have a game this week against the Falcons. Of their eight remaining games, four are against teams currently in the playoff hunt, including four of their last five contests, culminating with games against the Eagles and Seahawks.

After their contest against the Bears, the Panthers will have only three games left against teams currently in the playoffs, including the Saints and Jaguars, but five games remaining against non-playoff foes.

The Chicago Bears offensive line is still a work in progress, so targeting multifaceted elite talent is paramount to the team’s overall improvement.

Name

Olumuyiwa “Olu” Fashanu (OT) / Penn State (RJR) *Redshirt

Measurables

6’6” 321 lbs / 5.25 40-time / 34 ⅜ Inch Arms / 82 ⅞ Wingspan

Accolades

2023: William V. Campbell Trophy; Preseason First-Team All-American (AP, Sporting News, PFF; Watchlist – Lombardi Award, Outland Trophy

2022 Second-Team All-American (Walter Camp); Second-Team All-Big Ten (AP, Coaches, PFF)

2021 Academic All-Big Ten Honoree

Best Game

Fashanu and his Nittany Lion teammates were dominant versus the overmatched Bobcats from Ohio. On September 10, 2022, Fashanu and the Penn State offense generated a total of 572 yards (234 rushing / 338 passing), 27 first downs, and a combined six touchdowns. The week prior, Penn State faced an obstinate Purdue squad and struggled to rush against the Boilermakers’ defense. So, it was important for Fashanu and his teammates to reorient their offense before they faced Auburn on the road the following week. The “tune-up” game against Ohio propelled the Nittany Lions to an 11-2 record by season’s end.

What He’s Saying About Himself

From DailyItem.com

Skill Set

Fashanu possesses excellent framing and length, naturally enabling him to maintain continual distance between himself and onrushing defenders. Despite Fashanu’s dense stature, he’s uncommonly agile, showcasing an above-average flexibility throughout his loose hips.

Due to his hip flexibility, fluid knee bends, and core strength, Fashanu is able to mirror speed rushers. His body width allows him to absorb and redirect power-based defenders while maintaining fluidity when changing direction. A cerebral blocker, Fashanu moves with deliberate urgency, controlled with tempo, leverage and balanced feet. 

Why Chicago?

Candidly speaking, the Bears’ offensive line is improving but still needs time to coalesce and develop solid continuity. A larger issue is the lack of quality depth within the unit and the stress it places on Chicago’s passing schemes.

Fashanu is an elite offensive line prospect with a 92.9 pass-blocking grade, according to PFF’s rating system. Great awareness, coupled with an ability to stack blocks while countering varied attacks from defenders, demonstrates Fashanu’s immense talent.

Should the Bears select him with one of its two first-round picks? His addition, paired with incumbent right tackle Darnell Wright, would give Chicago two extremely athletic and versatile bookend blockers.   

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

These college quarterbacks endure countless assessments scrutinizing their arm strength, height, weight, athleticism, throwing motion, hand size…you get the point. 

Ultimately, teams will settle on which metrics matter most and make a franchise-changing decision they hope is the right one.

So, is North Carolina’s Drake Maye worthy of franchise consideration for the Bears? This player profile lists some observations about Maye and his potential in Chicago. Let’s explore.

Name

Drake Maye (QB) / North Carolina (R-SO) *Redshirt

Measurables

6’4” 220 lbs / 4.65  40-time 

Accolades

2022 Third-Team All-American (PFF); ACC Player of the Year; ACC Offensive Player of the Year; First-Team All-ACC; ACC Rookie of the Year; ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year; Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year; Freshman of the Year (FWAA); Freshman All-American (FWAA); Maxwell Award Semifinalist; Davey O’Brien Award Semifinalist

Best Game

Last season was Maye’s first as the team’s primary starting quarterback, and he performed at a Heisman-like level.

During the 2022 campaign, Maye’s best performance might have been against the Pitt Panthers. Trailing the Panthers by three points entering the fourth quarter, Maye led his fellow Tar Hills on three defining drives, winning an important conference game in late October.

Maye’s two fourth-quarter touchdown passes highlight an impressive stat line against the then-24th-ranked Panthers. By game’s end, Maye completed 77.3 percent of his passes for 388 yards and five aerial scores with 61 rushing yards and zero turnovers.

What They’re Saying About Him 

Skill Set

Maye possesses many of the prototypical physical attributes most NFL scouts covet in franchise potential quarterbacks. Standing six-foot-four at 220 pounds, Maye is built to sustain the rigors of professional football.

His arm strength and accuracy repeatedly show how consistent a performer he is, while his rushing yards speak to his athleticism. Generally, he sets his feet quickly and with balance, helping him stride through his passes with arm clarity and purposeful placement.

Maye tends to process with a solid internal clock and an awareness of his surroundings. 

Why Chicago?

It’s highly possible that another team will own the first overall pick and choose Caleb Williams (USC) ahead of Maye. If that’s the case and Chicago, for whatever its reasons, wants to reset the organization’s fiscal time clock with a new quarterback’s rookie contract, drafting Maye would be a viable option.

Drafting Maye would signal another shift in coaching personnel and quite possibly a more dedicated approach to developing around its franchise quarterback instead of in spite of him.

In addition, the front office will probably expand its financial flexibility, addressing other areas of need on an improving roster. Any fans disenchanted with the current regime may become reinvigorated by the organizational changes and begin hoping once more.

They announced the patches in conjunction with their plan to celebrate Butkus’ life during Sunday’s home game at Soldier Field against the Minnesota Vikings.

The organization will honor him in different ways several times over the game. They will display his retired No. 51 jersey on the field; an on-field graphic will be displayed on the northwest 10-yard line, too.

Here are some other ways the Bears will honor Butkus. Several of the ways include opportunities for fan involvement.

Fans are invited to share in the memorial of Dick Butkus by visiting ChicagoBears.com and clicking on the header “Tap here to Tribute.”

In the South Courtyard of Soldier Field (Gate 1), there will be a Butkus Memorial; the memorial space is meant to be an area where fans can come and celebrate the legacy of Butkus with his Pro Football Hall of Fame Bust and receive a commemorative Butkus button (while supplies last).

There will be a locker room display (Gate 7) with a Butkus-themed locker paying homage to his white jersey.

Additional No. 51 representation will be in the Ultimate Tailgate (memorial graphic signage), Fan Zone (large football signage), and United Club 100 (bobblehead).

His family and the Bears announced Butkus died in his sleep on Oct. 5. He was 80.

Over his career, Butkus earned eight Pro Bowl nods, five All-Pro selections and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His No. 51 was retired by the Bears, and he has long been one of the team’s most iconic figures.

Before his NFL career, Butkus was a defensive star at the University of Illinois, and is one of only two players to have their numbers retired by the university.

“Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history. He was Chicago’s son. He exuded what our great city is about and, not coincidently, what George Halas looked for in a player: toughness, smarts, instincts, passion and leadership,” Bears Chairman George McCaskey said in a statement.

“The Butkus family confirms that football and entertainment legend Dick Butkus died peacefully in his sleep overnight at home in Malibu, California,” a statement read. “The Butkus family is gathering with Dick’s wife Helen. They appreciate your prayers and support. Additional information will be provided when it is available.'”

After he was drafted in the 1965 NFL Draft, Butkus played 10 seasons with the Bears, mixing a ferocious approach with brilliant play. He played and started in 119 games, recording 22 interceptions, 27 fumble recoveries, 11 sacks, one touchdown and one safety.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

Ironically, a quarterbacking renaissance across the nation is occurring throughout college football.

This upcoming Saturday may decide which Heisman candidate becomes the decided front-runner when Oregon’s Bo Nix squares off against Wahington’s Michael Penix Jr.

Other potential first-round quarterbacks like Caleb Williams (USC) and Drake Maye (North Carolina) will be tested by top-25 teams this weekend, too. Expectations are heating up in both the professional and collegiate ranks, so enjoy the fireworks.

NOTE: For the draft order, we used tankathon.com’s projected draft order.

1. Chicago Bears (via Carolina): WR – Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State 

The reports of Bears’ quarterback Justin Fields’ departure from Chicago may have been premature. Chicago finally secured a victory (after almost a calendar year), and Fields produced multiple touchdown passes for the second week in a row. In addition, the Bears unloaded deadbeat receiver Chase Claypool, thereby paving the way for an elite receiving talent like Harrison to join Fields.

2. Chicago Bears: OT – Olu Fashanu – Penn State

At the end of the season, if the Bears possess the top two spots, they’ll probably trade the first overall position for a substantial amount of picks. However, for argument’s sake and mock draft purposes, let’s say Chicago keeps the second pick; the best option would be to consider taking Fashanu at number two. Fashanu’s athleticism and consistent ability to attack in space beyond the line of scrimmage makes him an intriguing prospect.

3. Denver Broncos: QB – Caleb Williams, USC

Over the past two years, the amount of draft capital and money Denver spent on acquiring QB Russell Wilson and head coach Sean Payton has been considerable. If the Broncos happen to be “fortunate” enough to draft this high and have 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams fall into their lap, they would be foolish not to take him. Williams is statistically outpacing last year’s production and may be the first repeat Heisman winner since Archie Griffin (1974-75).

4. Minnesota Vikings: QB – Bo Nix, Oregon

Many pundits list North Carolina’s Drake Maye as the second quarterback off the board in next year’s pro draft. However, it’s increasingly hard to ignore the consistent production Nix provides on a weekly basis. He leads the nation in pass completion percentage (80.4) and has thrown 15 touchdowns with just one interception on the season. Whereas Maye is barely above half as many passing scores (8) and four times as many interceptions (4). 

5. New England Patriots: QB – Drake Maye, North Carolina

The Patriots may have to make several hard choices sooner than later, revolving around its head coach/general manager and third-year starting quarterback. Head coach Bill Belichick is a future first-ballot Hall-of-Famer, however, his time as the team’s general manager may cost him his job. Conversely, Belichick’s selection of quarterback Mac Jones could be the main contributing factor in Belichick’s possible release. Taking Maye may save Belichick and the Patriots from absorbing Jones’ fifth-year option.

6. New York Giants: CB – Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

In three consecutive losing weeks, the Giants scored a total of 31 points while surrendering the same amount in one game last weekend to the Dolphins. New York ranks 31st in points scored (12.4 per game) and 29th in points allowed (30.6 per contest). McKinstry averaged 15.8 yards on punt returns last season and is arguably the best cornerback pro prospect for the 2024 class.

7. Arizona Cardinals: TE – Brock Bowers, Georgia

Incumbent tight end Zach Ertz is an exceptional pass catcher and talented blocker. However, he will be an unrestricted free agent in 2025 and is currently 33 years old. Bowers is an explosive playmaker who can run past linebackers and plow through defensive backs’ arm tackles. He is considered by many to be the best non-quarterback collegian in the country.

8. Green Bay Packers: OT – Joe Alt, Notre Dame

As talented and effective as David Bakhtiari is, the two-time All-Pro (left tackle) has missed 25 regular-season games since tearing his ACL in 2020. Alt possesses uncommon athleticism and agility for a man his size (6’8”, 315 lbs). Impressive lateral quickness helps Alt gain leverage at the point of attack, while his balance and grip strength allow him to manipulate pass rushers away from the quarterback.

9. Las Vegas Raiders: QB – Michael Penix Jr., Washington

Since he arrived in Washington, Penix has been a model of efficiency and production. In just 18 games played as a Husky, he’s completed 67.6 percent of his passes for 6,640 yards and 47 touchdowns. Penix’s injury history prior to arriving at Washington (two torn ACLs in 2018 and 2020) could be the main reason he’s not considered a top-five draft prospect.

10. Arizona Cardinals (via Houston): Edge – Dallas Turner, Alabama

Turner is a quick-twitch athlete with excellent length and bendability off the edge when rushing the passer. He is decidedly more explosive from a two-point stance, but his athleticism allows for some schemed alignment versatility. Turner has already exceeded last season’s totals in tackles for loss (9) and sacks (6.5) in half as many games played (6). 

11. New York Jets: OT – J.C. Latham, Alabama

Over the past two years, New York’s offensive line depicted a M.A.S.H. unit. Currently, the team is losing a war of attrition, resulting in seasonal losses from torn Achilles tendons to Aijiah Vera-Tucker (OL) and Aaron Rodgers (QB). Latham’s 83.4 rating as a pass blocker indicates his ability to thrive in less-than-ideal scenarios. Sounds as though the Jets could use a resolute player like Latham to protect their quarterbacks’ blindside. 

12. Washington Commanders: CB – Kalen King, Penn State

To date, the Commanders surrendered 1193 passing yards (11th worst) and 10 aerial scores (4th worst) to the tune of 32 points per game scored against them. Targeting an aggressive cover corner like King could help shore up a defensive unit that doesn’t create impact plays. King led the Big Ten Conference in passes defended (18) last season.

13. Tennessee Titans: DL – Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois

Technique and tenacity are apt descriptions of how Newton consistently wins against opposing linemen. Extremely quick and purposeful with his movements, Newton sheds blocks with efficiency and flows toward ball carriers on running plays. He is equally effective in applying pressure on quarterbacks trying to run from option-style plays or complete downfield passes.

14. Cincinnati Bengals: WR – Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State

Egbuka is a strong route-runner and pass catcher, and over the past 18 games, he’s tallied 13 receiving scores with a career average of 15.7 yards a reception. Cincinnati wideouts Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins are unrestricted free agents, and it’s possible the frugal Bengals may only re-sign one of the two.

15. Los Angeles Rams: Edge – Jared Verse, Florida State

The first-team All-ACC defender hasn’t produced near the level he did last season (9 sacks / 17 tackles for loss), and his perceived top-10 draft status may have diminished. However, The Rams are fifth worst in the league at tallying sacks (8) and could use the surge in pressure Verse generates off the edge.

16. Los Angeles Chargers: DL – Maason Smith, LSU 

Defensively, the Chargers are eighth worst in the league at generating quarterback pressures. Statistically speaking, quarterback pressures consist of all plays that create hurries, knockdowns and sacks. When completely healthy, there may be no one currently in the college game equally stout against the run and troublesome to passing schemes as Smith.

17. Houston Texans (via Cleveland): DL – Leonard Taylor III, Miami (FL)

Head coach DeMeco Ryans is a former inside linebacker (Texans) and coached within a 49ers system that believed in rotational depth along its defensive front line. Taylor is a disruptive, thick-bodied interior defender with good initial burst off the snap of the ball. His ability to shed blocks and penetrate behind the offensive line is evident by his 20 tackles for loss over the course of 23 collegiate games.

18. New Orleans Saints: WR – Malik Nabers, LSU

Over the past several seasons, drafting a receiver from LSU has proven to be a prudent decision. Nabers offers alignment versatility and an elite route-running element any NFL team could utilize. His ability to exploit defensive backs, combined with executing precise angled cuts, makes Nabers a reliable option for third-down conversions.

19. Atlanta Falcons: Edge – J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State

Tuimoloau is a game-wrecking edge rusher who is just grazing the tip of his potential and may yet develop exponentially over the course of the season. His ability to diagnose screen-plays is advanced, as is his knack for penetrating behind offensive lines. Impressively, Tuimoloau registered 17.5 tackles for loss and eight and a half sacks in just 29 games played. 

20. Indianapolis Colts: Edge – Laiatu Latu, UCLA

Last week’s Pac-12 Defensive Lineman of the Week, Latu led UCLA’s defensive attack, generating one sack, a forced fumble and three tackles versus Washington State. An athletic force multiplier, Latu is a tremendous pass rusher with good acceleration and closing speed.

21. Buffalo Bills: S – Tyler Nubin, Minnesota

Experienced (46 games to date), highly motivated, and accountable, Nubin exudes leadership and sound football decisiveness, comporting himself like a coach on the field.  An astute player, Nubin is keenly aware of his surroundings and rarely, if ever, is out of position. A solid NFL physique (6-2, 210 lbs) and above-average athleticism have Nubin firmly situated on many draft boards.

22. Dallas Cowboys: DB – Cooper DeJean, Iowa

Extremely versatile and skilled, DeJean is an athletic defensive back who could literally play any secondary position and be a difference-maker wherever he lined up. Cowboys’ defensive coordinator Dan Quinn loves to blitz and vary areas to pressure offenses. DeJean is the type of multifaceted talent that could be effectively weaponized by a guru like Quinn.

23. Baltimore Ravens: WR – Rome Odunze, Washington

Considering the amount of dropped passes (8) that led to a frustrating loss last weekend, the Ravens still need quality receiving talent to progress as viable Super Bowl contenders. Odunze possesses excellent size (6-3, 201 lbs) and speed (4.35 40-time) to challenge NFL defensive backs. His ability to track long passes over either shoulder makes him a deep threat defenses shouldn’t underestimate. 

24. Seattle Seahawks: LB – Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson

Venerable linebacking legend Bobby Wagner is an unrestricted free agent, who at 33 years of age, might be a luxury Seattle may no longer be able to afford. Trotter has strong NFL bloodlines (father played for the Eagles) and understands the nuances of his position better than most of his peers. 

25. Pittsburgh Steelers: OT – Amarius Mims, Georgia

Mims is a massive six-foot-seven, 330-pound behemoth of a man whose physical traits are attention-getting. He plays to his size, showcasing an unapologetic mean streak backed with powerful arms and a balanced base. Pittsburgh’s offense needs immediate help, especially with its anemic rushing attack. Currently, the Steelers are fourth worst at running the ball, gaining just 3.4 yards per carry five games into the 2023 campaign.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars: DL – Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State

Although the Jaguars’ 52 pressures rank eighth in the NFL, their blitzing 32.8 percent of the time has only led to nine sacks (27th ranking). Potentially, choosing an interior defensive lineman like Hall could help create up-the-middle pressure without blitzing more players. Over his last 17 games, Hall registered nine tackles for loss with six sacks from the defensive interior.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR – Keon Coleman, Florida State

The Bucs are mired in salary cap restructuring mode and may not be able to afford perennial 1,000-yard receiver Mike Evans. It’s possible Tampa Bay may choose a more affordable version of a younger Mike Evans-like pass catcher. Currently, Coleman is securing passes at a rate of 1.9 yards per reception while having caught six touchdown tosses in just five games.

28. Detroit  Lions: CB – Nate Wiggins, Clemson

Detroit may be one standout secondary component away from fielding a multifaceted defense that could handle any varied or nuanced NFL offense. In today’s pass-happy NFL, Wiggins’ length, sinewy strength, and football IQ make him a viable target for Detroit’s defensive designs.

29. Miami Dolphins: TE – Ja’Tavion Sanders, BYU

The Dolphins’ passing attack is already lethal by NFL standards, but adding a pass-catching threat like Sanders could make it the deadliest in the league. Sanders is a quality route-runner who is surprisingly elusive after the catch. His size and speed demand attention, especially with his ability to threaten the seams of a defense.

30. Philadelphia Eagles: OT – Kingsley Suamataia, BYU

Considering the amount of money allocated to its franchise quarterback, Philadelphia may have to depend more on young and affordable talent to replenish any players lost to fiscal attrition.. A huge part of Philly’s sustained success revolves around the front office’s ability to create talented depth before it becomes depleted. Suamataia is an agile, long-armed athlete whose lateral quickness and well-timed balanced feet make him ideal for offenses that use RPO (read/pass/option) schemes.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: OT – Patrick Paul, Houston

Paul attained first-team All-American Conference status last season, starting 13 games and competing in over 900 plus snaps. According to PFF, Paul’s 94.8 pass-blocking grade is the best in the country, while his overall rating of 84.6 ranks seventh in the nation. As a two-time team captain, Paul has proven to be disciplined, dependable and accountable, imbuing traits required at the next level.

32. San Francisco 49ers: S – Kamren Kinchens, Miami (FL)

Kinchens provides an immediate injection of athleticism and explosive game-breaking coverage skills. His ability to intercept passes and flip field position (averages 18.1 yards on interception returns) makes him a threat across the gridiron. An intelligent surveyor of the field, Kinchens’ instincts and preparation are integral to his success. 

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

In the NFC North, the Detroit Lions (3-1) are for real, and the Chicago Bears (0-4) are in real trouble. Apparently, the AFC South is the most intriguing, confusing, and unpredictable division, with every team sharing the same win/loss record (2-2).

Speaking of intrigue, the 2024 draft may see the Bears own the first two selections and possibly not take a quarterback with either pick! Read further to see how unpredictable these upcoming draft prospects may line up for your favorite team.

NOTE: For the draft order, we used tankathon.com’s projected draft order.

1 . Chicago Bears: WR – Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State

Several significant occurrences happened with the Bears last week: Justin Fields produced passing the ball (80 percent completion / 335 passing yards / four touchdown passes), the coaching staff proved to be incapable of winning games, and wideout Chase Claypool most likely wore out his welcome in Chicago. If Fields continues to improve, drafting an unguardable receiver like Harrison could make Chicago a more viable and dangerous offense consistently.

2. Chicago Bears (via Carolina): OT – Olu Fashanu, Penn State

Braxton Jones, the Bears’ 168th selection (5th round) out of Southern Utah, is currently on the injured reserve list. Unfortunately, throughout the three games he’s played, he accounted for 21.4 percent of the offensive line’s penalties. Last season, he finished eighth in the NFL with 12.5 percent of his team’s penalized blocking actions. Fashaun is a dominant offensive tackle whose 92.9 pass-block rating is tops in FBS collegiate play.

3. Las Vegas Raiders: QB – Caleb Williams, USC

Las Vegas sprints to the podium to hand in its draft card if Williams is still there after the first two picks. Williams is an instant upgrade at the quarterback position for the Raiders and provides immediate fiscal flexibility for Las Vegas to improve other areas of need. Currently, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner is completing 74.5 percent of his passes for 1603 yards and 21 touchdowns to one interception.

4. Denver Broncos: QB – Michael Penix Jr., Washington

Although incumbent quarterback Russell Wilson is competing at an above-average level (106.7 quarterback rating), Denver’s enviable fourth overall position may entice the front office to draft for the future. Over the past 18 games, Penix has thrown for 6,640 yards with 47 aerial scores to just 10 interceptions. The six-foot-three, 218-pound signal caller is also completing 11.2 yards per pass attempt.

5. Minnesota Vikings: QB – Drake Maye, North Carolina

After four weeks, Kirk Cousins is still leading the NFL in completed passes(108) and touchdowns thrown (11). Despite his statistical accomplishments, Cousins’ tenure as Minnesota’s franchise quarterback has yielded relatively little postseason success. Maye offers youthful promise, greater fiscal maneuverability, better athleticism, plus more overall upside than Cousins, an aging, expensive, unrestricted free agent.

6. New York Jets: OT – Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Alt possesses uncommon athleticism and agility for a man his size (6’8”, 315 lbs). Impressive lateral quickness helps Alt gain leverage at the point of attack, while his balance and grip strength allow him to manipulate pass rushers away from the quarterback. New York should strongly consider selecting Alt as a blindside protector with day-one starting potential.

7. New England Patriots: QB – Bo Nix, Oregon

An inconsistent performer at Auburn, this former Tiger changed his stripes of underperformance once he transferred to Oregon. Perseverance, patience and a humble dedication toward weekly improvements are infused within his Heisman-caliber statistics. To date, Nix is completing an astounding 80 percent of his passes for 1,459 passing yards and 15 touchdown passes to one interception.

8. Cincinnati Bengals: TE – Brock Bowers, Georgia

The Bengals’ capacity for weaponizing their skill players would make a possible acquisition of Bowers downright unfair to the rest of the league. A player with explosive playmaking ability, Bowers is athletic enough to run around defenders, speed past them or power through their arm tackles.

9. Arizona Cardinals: CB – Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

The six-foot-one, 188-pound defensive back is an intelligent pass defender who wins with patient anticipation and quick feet. Mckinstry’s loose hips allow for easy transitions when mirroring pass catchers or squaring himself to break down for open field tackles.

10. New York Giants: DL – Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois

Newton displays some alignment versatility but is better suited as a 3-technique defensive lineman whose quickness and leveraged strength win consistently at the point of attack. An indefatigable defender, Newton’s relentlessness on the field should translate well at the NFL level.

11. Green Bay Packers: OT – J.C. Latham, Alabama

As talented and effective as David Bakhtiari is, the two-time All-Pro (left tackle) has missed 25 regular-season games since tearing his ACL in 2020. Latham is a limber 326-pound pass protector whose knee-bending flexibility allows him to stay leveraged behind his pad level.

12. New Orleans Saints: WR – Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State

If Egbuka is available for the Saints, they should pounce on the opportunity to draft and pair him with fellow Buckeye alum Chris Olave. Over the past several years, under the tutelage of former Buckeyes’ wide receiver coach Brian Hartline, Ohio State wideouts have excelled in the pros. Egbuka may have the most untapped potential of them all.

13. Arizona Cardinals (via Houston): Edge – Dallas Turner, Alabama

Turner is a quick-twitch athlete with excellent length and bendability off the edge when rushing the passer. He is decidedly more explosive from a two-point stance, but his athleticism allows for some schemed alignment versatility.

14. Los Angeles Chargers: CB – Kalen King, Penn State

Los Angeles’ skill and depth in its secondary, especially the cornerback position, needs immediate improvement to seriously compete against the elite receiving talent in the AFC. King is an experienced cornerback with 24 recorded pass breakups in just 27 games played.

15. Houston Texans [via – Cleveland]: DL – Leonard Taylor III, Miami (FL)

Head coach DeMeco Ryans is a former inside linebacker (Texans) and coached within a 49ers system that believed in rotational depth along its defensive front line. Taylor is a disruptive, thick-bodied interior defender with good initial burst off the snap of the ball. His ability to shed blocks and penetrate behind the offensive line is evident by his 20 tackles for loss over the course of 22 collegiate games.

16. Washington Commanders: Edge – J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State

Of the 21 unrestricted free agents on Washington’s roster, six of them are defensive ends. Chase Young, the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year, had his fifth-year option declined by the Commanders. Should Washington take Tuimoloau, they would be admitting they like pass rushers from Ohio State, just not the one currently on its roster – the aforementioned Chase Young.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars: DB – Cooper DeJean, Iowa

Entering week five of the NFL season, Jacksonville has surrendered six passing scores while allowing 238.3 yards through the air per week. Targeting an alignment versatile defensive back like DeJean may create favorable matchup scenarios for Jacksonville’s secondary unit. Over his last 18 games played, DeJean intercepted six passes, having returned three of them for touchdowns.

18. Los Angeles Rams: Edge – Laiatu Latu, UCLA

Scouts won’t have to travel very far to observe and assess the explosive playmaking of Latu, an impressive pass rusher whose first step instigates disruptive results. The Rams are tied for fourth worst in the league at generating sacks (7). Latu is averaging a sack per contest with seven and a half tackles for loss in just four games.

19. Atlanta Falcons: WR – Malik Nabers, LSU

The Falcons may be one receiver away from being as explosive an offensive unit as there is in the entire NFL. Nabers is a tactical route-runner who unfailingly catches passes away from his body with confident hands. Potentially incorporating him into an offense with weapons like Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts and Drake London could have Atlanta fly closer to another Super Bowl appearance.

20. Indianapolis Colts: Edge – Demeioun “Chop” Robinson, Penn State

“Chop” Robinson is a scheme versatile edge rushing talent who showcases an above-average ability to drop effectively into coverage areas. His lateral quickness and loose hips facilitate him staying square and balanced when defending in space. Robinson is a three-down defender with uncommon alignment versatility that should keep him on the field a majority of the time.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: CB – Denzel Burke, Ohio State

Burke is an ideal press-cover corner with excellent change of direction and field awareness. His ability to anticipate plus click-and-close when breaking in on a pass is NFL caliber. Pittsburgh needs some youthful talent in its secondary and Burke exhibits day one starting pedigree.

22. Tennessee Titans: DL – Maason Smith, LSU

When completely healthy, there may be no one currently in the college game equally stout against the run and troublesome to passing schemes as Smith. There are times when Smith completely dominates the line of scrimmage with his combination of strength, athleticism, and skill. In addition, his alignment versatility would fit seamlessly into the Titans’ multifaceted defensive

23. Seattle Seahawks: LB – Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson

Venerable linebacking legend for the Seahawks, Bobby Wagner, is an unrestricted free agent who, at 33 years of age, might be a luxury Seattle may no longer be able to afford. Trotter has strong NFL bloodlines (father played for the Eagles) and understands the nuances of his position better than most of his peers.

24. Dallas Cowboys: CB – Nate Wiggins, Clemson

The injury to All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs exposed how thin the Cowboys are at the corner position. Wiggins is a lengthy defensive back with solid coverage skills and a knack for breaking up passes. Last season, Wiggins broke up 13 passes and returned an interception 98 yards for a score.

25. Detroit Lions: WR – Rome Odunze, Washington

Detroit hasn’t been able to depend on its 2022 first-round selection, wide receiver Jameson Williams, due to injury and poor off-the-field decision-making (he was suspended for the first six games of 2023). Odunze doesn’t have an injury history, consistently produces (13 total scores in the last 17 games), and may be more reliable than Detroit’s last first-round pick at receiver.

26. Miami Dolphins: S – Tyler Nubin, Minnesota

As long as defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is directing the Dolphins’ defense, his scheme will continue to feature playmaking safeties. Nubin fits that designation to a tee, having secured three interceptions in five games so far this season. Experienced (46 games to date), highly motivated and accountable, Nubin exudes leadership and sound football decisiveness, comporting himself like a coach on the field.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR – Keon Coleman, Florida State

The Bucs are mired in salary cap restructuring mode and may not be able to afford perennial 1,000-yard receiver Mike Evans. It’s possible Tampa Bay may choose a more affordable version of a younger Mike Evans-like pass catcher. Currently, Coleman is catching passes at a rate of 15.1 yards per reception while having caught six touchdown passes in just four games.

28. Buffalo Bills: S – Kamren Kinchens, Miami (FL)

Longtime safeties Jordan Poyer and unrestricted free agent Micah Hyde are both 32 years old, and there still exists a triumphant yet uneasy feeling (heart-related issues) regarding Damar Hamlin’s health. Kinchens provides an immediate injection of athleticism and explosive game-breaking coverage skills. His ability to intercept passes and flip field position (averages 18.1 yards on interception returns) makes him a threat across the gridiron.

29. Baltimore Ravens: WR – Troy Franklin, Oregon

Baltimore must continue to draft difference-making receivers in order to evolve from being a one-dimensional elite running team. Franklin accelerates rapidly to top speed to leverage against defenders unaccustomed to how quickly he moves. However, Franklin is more than just a deep threat. He is also a dependable target, averaging approximately five (5.2) receptions a contest.

30. San Francisco 49ers: Edge – Bralen Trice, Washington

San Francisco’s defensive line comprises 17.8 percent (42.3 million dollars) of the team’s cap money. Sooner than later, the 49ers will need to replenish and replace expensive players with younger, more affordable versions. A power pass rusher, Trice attacks with purpose and a variety of counter moves, making him unpredictable and difficult to block.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: OT – Amarius Mims, Georgia

The free agent signing of former Jacksonville offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor may evolve into “buyer’s remorse.” After four regular season games, Taylor leads the NFL in total penalty flags thrown with seven. He alone accounted for 43 percent of the team’s entire penalized play. If Taylor continues to present diminishing returns on the Chiefs’ investment, a young, less costly talent like Mims could be the long-term answer.

32. Philadelphia Eagles: Edge – Jared Verse, Florida State

The first-team All-ACC defender hasn’t produced near the level he did last season (9 sacks / 17 tackles for loss), and his value is beginning to diminish. Ironically, this past draft, the Eagles drafted another player whose stock fell (Jalen Carter) and now he’s an early front-runner for Defensive Rookie of the Year. History has a way of repeating itself, so maybe Verse is destined for Philly.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

Will the Bears pick up Justin Fields’ fifth-year option? Is Russell Wilson’s contract an albatross the Broncos and head coach Sean Payton refuse to support going forward? 

Do the Vikings re-sign a consistent but underachieving 35-year-old Kirk Cousins? This week’s mock attempts to provide soluble options for these three embattled winless teams.

NOTE: For the draft order, we used tankathon.com’s projected draft order.

1. Chicago Bears: QB – Caleb Williams, USC

The Bears are currently on a 13-game losing streak dating back to last season. So far, Fields’ 30-game career quarterbacking the Bears includes a 5-23 win/loss record as a starter; an anemic 154 yards per game average; and a sack rate of 13.3 percent, culminating in 104 total sacks. These are disturbing facts that can no longer be explained away as growing pains. Should this display of inefficient ineffectiveness continue, the allure of drafting  2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams may be too hard to ignore.

2. Denver Broncos: QB – Drake Maye, North Carolina

The additions of quarterback Russell Wilson and head coach Sean Payton were supposed to be quick fixes for a Broncos team most believed should be playoff caliber. Unfortunately, since their arrival in Denver, the team has spiraled to a 5-15 record. It’s possible the flailing Broncos select quarterback Drake Maye, in hopes that his four-to-one passing ratio (44 TDs/11 Ints) can translate into future wins in Denver.

3. Minnesota Vikings: QB – Michael Penix Jr., Washington

Try as many might, it is becoming increasingly hard to ignore what Penix Jr. is accomplishing in the great northwest region of the country. Last year he completed 65 percent of his passes for 4,641 yards and 31 touchdowns to only eight interceptions. After four games this season, his 1,636 passing yards and 16 aerial scores lead all FBS schools. He is playing NFL franchise-worthy football and may be exactly what the Vikings need to replace unrestricted veteran, Kirk Cousins.

4. Chicago Bears (via Carolina): WR – Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State

Arguably, the best two collegiate players regardless of position, may very well be the aforementioned Caleb Williams and wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. Chicago’s general manager, Ryan Poles may decide to change the trajectory of the Bears’ offense by acquiring the dynamic receiver to pair with veteran pass catcher, DJ Moore. Harrison is a receiving threat at all levels of the field and is virtually unguardable with single coverage.

5. Los Angeles Chargers: Edge – Jared Verse, Florida State

Historically, the Chargers are an extremely frugal organization, and looking ahead to their fiscal cap situation in 2025, they may elect to make sound investments sooner rather than later. Veteran pass rusher Khalil Mack will be 34 at the end of the 2024 season and an unrestricted free agent. Selecting an elite-level talent like Verse in the 2024 NFL Draft could ease the transition both competitively and fiscally for Los Angeles.

6. Las Vegas Raiders: CB – Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

The Raiders have yet to develop a franchise-capable cover corner to defend against opposing teams’ primary receiving targets. McKinstry displays top-tier coverage skills and competes with the tenacity needed at the professional level. In addition, McKinstry also provides punt return skills, having averaged 15.8 yards a return last season.

7. Arizona Cardinals (via Houston): TE – Brock Bowers, Georgia

Bowers is a matchup conundrum for most defensive coordinators attempting to curtail his effectiveness on the field. His ability to block in-line and then release down the seam of a defense compromises many defensive coverages. An athletic pass catcher, he can also align anywhere on the field, leveraging his size against smaller pass defenders.

8. Tennessee Titans: DL – Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois

Technique and tenacity are apt descriptions of how Newton consistently wins against opposing linemen. Extremely quick and purposeful with his movements, Newton sheds blocks with efficiency and flows toward ball carriers on running plays. He is equally effective in applying pressure on quarterbacks trying to run from option-style plays or complete downfield passes.

9. Cincinnati Bengals: CB – Denzel Burke, Ohio State

Burke is a classic Ohio State defensive back whose coverage skills mix well in man-to-man or zone schemes. His long arms and active hands allow him to stymie receivers in press coverage, while his length and speed provide enough athleticism to stick closely with pass catchers downfield.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars: OT – Olu Fashanu, Penn State

An extremely athletic lineman with an impressive six-foot-six, 321-pound frame, Fashanu moves lithely but powerfully when engaging defenders. His rugged grip and long arms decisively maneuver pass rushers away from their intended targets. When attacking downfield, Fashanu’s agility allows him to maintain blocks onto the second level of defense.

11. New York Jets: OT – Joe Alt, Notre Dame

The Jets’ embattled offensive line has led to seasons of inconsistent pass protection and possibly indirectly contributed to four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers’ Achilles injury. There’s a strong likelihood that New York will target a strong pass blocker in the upcoming draft. According to PFF, the massive Alt (6-8, 322 lbs) has a pass-blocking grade of 90.4 throughout five games this season.

12. New England Patriots: WR – Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State

Many pundits consider Egbuka to be the second-best receiver on his team; ironically, he may very well be the number two wideout in all of college football. A strong route-runner and pass catcher, over the past 17 games played he’s tallied 13 receiving scores and a career average of 15.7 yards a reception.

13. Arizona Cardinals: CB – Kalen King, Penn State

Three games into the 2023 NFL campaign, the Cardinals’ pass defense ranks 12th worst in passing yards allowed (699), passing yards per game (233.0), and yards per completion (11.0). Targeting an aggressive cover corner like King could help shore up a defensive unit that doesn’t create impact plays. King led the Big Ten Conference in passes defended (18) last season.

14. New York Giants: DL – Leonard Taylor III, Miami (FL)

Veteran defensive lineman Leonard Williams has proven to be a durable and reliable interior presence throughout his pro career (127 games played out of a possible 133). However, as an unrestricted free agent, his 21 million dollar salary may influence the Giants to draft Taylor as a younger, more affordable option. To date, Taylor has proven to be a productive disruptor, registering 20 tackles for loss in  22 appearances. 

15. Los Angeles Rams: Edge – Dallas Turner, Alabama

Turner is an exceptional athlete with next-level acceleration and playmaking skills most teams covet in the professional ranks. So far this season, he’s accumulated 17 total tackles with four and a half sacks and two forced fumbles. In the 28 games he’s played, Turner generated 24.5 tackles for loss and a total of 17 sacks.

16. New Orleans Saints: WR – Keon Coleman, Florida State

Against talented secondaries from LSU and ACC rival Clemson, Coleman posted 208 receiving yards on 14 receptions resulting in five aerial scores. Coleman’s ability to create separation and leverage his wide catching radius against defenders projects favorably at the next level.

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB – Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

Perception-wise, Sanders endured a setback last week with a humbling loss (6 to 42) to the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Despite the meager points scored (6) and pedestrian passing yards (159), Sanders statistically is still among the best quarterbacks in the nation. His mechanics are impeccable, and his ability to complete passes at a 77 percent clip intrigues many NFL scouts.

18. Dallas Cowboys: OT – J.C. Latham, Alabama

Despite the lackluster play from the Crimson Tide’s cadre of quarterbacks, Latham remains consistent in deterring pass rushers. Latham hasn’t allowed any sacks or hurries this season and is performing at an above-average rate (76.6) according to PFF. Veteran offensive tackle Tyron Smith’s salary (12 million) may have outpriced his production, possibly opening the door for a talented prospect like Latham to provide an economical solution.

19. Green Bay Packers: S – Tyler Nubin, Minnesota

Nubin is an experienced playmaking safety, who possesses a knack for creating impactful turnovers in crucial moments. An astute player, Nubin is keenly aware of his surroundings and rarely if ever is out of position. A solid NFL physique (6-2, 210 lbs) and above-average athleticism have Nubin ascending draft boards.

20. Houston Texans [via – Cleveland]:  Edge – J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State

Tuimoloau is a game-wrecking edge rusher who is just grazing the tip of his potential, and may yet develop exponentially over the course of the season. His ability to diagnose screen-plays is advanced, as is his knack for penetrating behind offensive lines. Impressively, Tuimoloau registered 16 tackles for loss and seven sacks in just 28 games played. 

21. Buffalo Bills: WR – Malik Nabers, LSU

Over the past several seasons, drafting a receiver from LSU has proven to be a prudent decision. Nabers offers position alignment versatility and an elite route-running element any NFL team could utilize. His ability to exploit defensive backs combined with executing precise angled cuts, makes Nabers a reliable option for third-down conversions.

22. Washington Commanders: Edge – Laiatu Latu, UCLA

Roughly 27 percent of the team’s positional spending (62 million dollars annually) resides within its defensive line, so there is a strong possibility the organization targets younger options. Latu is a tremendous pass rusher with good acceleration and closing speed. Over the course of the Bruins 2022 campaign, Latu generated 52 total pressures along with 35 quarterback hurries and 11 sacks.

23. Seattle Seahawks: DL – Maason Smith, LSU

Injuries have stalled the development and ascension of this former five-star recruit. Smith is an athletic mix of quickness, power, and explosion when healthy. He can dominate single blocking and disrupt running plays schemed to attack various defensive alignment gaps. Smith plays with an inner motivation and sense of urgency that NFL scouts prioritize when assessing interior defensive linemen.

24. Baltimore Ravens: WR – Rome Odunze, Washington

The Ravens still need quality receiving talent and depth for their franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson to truly advance them to a Super Bowl. Odunze possesses excellent size (6-3, 201 lbs) and speed (4.35 40-time) to challenge NFL defensive backs. His ability to track long passes over either shoulder makes him a deep threat defenses shouldn’t underestimate. 

25. Detroit Lions: CB – Nate Wiggins, Clemson

The Lions are a burgeoning squad with talented players elevating team productivity and escalating fans’ expectations toward Super Bowl relevance. Detroit may be a cover corner away from comprising a coverage unit capable of shutting down receivers in today’s pass-happy NFL. Wiggins’ length, sinewy strength, and football IQ make him a viable target for Detroit’s defensive designs.

26. Kansas City Chiefs: OT – Amarius Mims, Georgia

The Chiefs are the NFL standard for consistency and efficient production, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Maintaining that efficient edge requires timely fiscal sacrifices and astute player assessment. Mims is a massive six-foot-seven, 330-pound behemoth of a man, whose physical traits are attention-getting. He plays to his size, showcasing an unapologetic mean streak backed with powerful arms and a balanced base. 

27. Atlanta Falcons: Edge – Bralen Trice, Washington

Trice competes with an edge that mirrors his production over the past 17 games. His 13 tackles for loss and 11 sacks illustrate how effective and impactful he can be for a defense. Atlanta has 23 unrestricted free agents on its current roster, so drafting and developing talent provides fiscal and roster stability.

28. Indianapolis Colts: S – Calen Bullock, USC

Bullock confidently assesses scenarios on the field, allowing him to act decisively and aggressively without hesitation. A versatile athlete, he can facilitate safety duties seamlessly and is competent operating in space or closer to the line of scrimmage. Schematically, he would fit perfectly into what the Colts do defensively, making him a potential plug-and-play consideration.

29. Pittsburgh Steelers: WR – Xavier Worthy, Texas

The Steelers need to open up their offense by acquiring a downfield threat that can challenge opposing secondaries. Worthy’s hyper-electric quickness and long-range speed are difficult for teams to neutralize. His presence could open a Steelers running game that has recently become stagnant and predictable. 

30. Philadelphia Eagles: S – Kamren Kinchens, Miami (FL)

The Eagles are proving to be extremely effective at replacing players and replenishing their ranks before positions are compromised due to attrition. Kinchens is the type of versatile defensive back Philadelphia covets. An intelligent surveyor of the field, Kinchens’ instincts and preparation are integral to his success. In his last 14 games played, Kinchens has tabulated seven interceptions and six defended passes.

31. Miami Dolphins: LB – Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson

Trotter may be the only non-pass-rushing linebacker selected in next year’s draft. Although more off-the-ball linebackers are chosen in the later rounds, Trotter’s ubiquitous play on the gridiron is too hard to ignore. At the end of the 2022 college campaign, he amassed 89 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, six and a half sacks, with five passes defended and one defensive score.

32. San Francisco 49ers: DB – Cooper DeJean, Iowa

DeJean flashes cornerback coverage skills with the surveying vision and physicality of a free safety. The 49ers are comfortable scheming positionless athletes like DeJean, having drafted and developed former San Francisco defensive back Jimmie Ward. Should DeJean last until the last pick in the draft, the 49ers may be sufficiently intrigued with the ball-hawking Hawkeye. 

The Jets invested heavily in Aaron Rodgers being their quarterback for a championship run. Unfortunately, his Achilles tear made Humpty Dumpty shake his head at New York’s Super Bowl aspirations.

The Bears quite possibly played worse than last year’s three-win team, while the Lions appear to be a top NFC Super Bowl contender.

Meanwhile, the collegiate game is flourishing, with various teams ascending past traditional powerhouses.

The Colorado Buffaloes are fascinating, Oregon State is looming, and old blue bloods like Texas and Penn State are reemerging!

This is our initial mock draft, so these assessments, much like the pro and college landscape, will change throughout the season. Let the journey begin.

NOTE: For the draft order, we used tankathon.com’s projected draft order.

1. Cincinnati Bengals: WR – Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State

Harrison Jr. is an elite talent with minimal flaws (if any) to his skill set. The son of Hall-of-Famer Marvin Harrison, Junior competes at a professionally nuanced level beyond his years. Chances are the top pick of this draft will likely be chosen by a team other than the Bengals. However, if an organization picking first already has its franchise signal-caller in place, then selecting Harrrison Jr. first makes a ton of sense.

2. Arizona Cardinals (via Houston): QB – Caleb Williams, USC

The 2022 Heisman Trophy Award winner is picking up exactly where he left off last season. Three games into the 2023 campaign, Williams completed 78.6 percent of his passes for 878 yards, with 12 touchdowns and zero interceptions. Arizona may want to restart its fiscal clock with a cost-controlled Williams over the sunken cost of retaining former number one pick, Kyler Murray.

3. Los Angeles Chargers: OL – Olu Fashanu, Penn State

Fashanu may have been a top-15 draft pick if he entered this past draft. An imposing six-foot-six, 320-pound athlete, Fashanu is an adept offensive lineman who understands angles and leveraging techniques at an NFL level. He is a building block caliber lineman who projects as a 10-year bookend tackle for the team that selects him.

4. Denver Broncos: QB – Drake Maye, North Carolina

Standing six-foot-four and 220 pounds, Maye possesses the requisite physical makeup to play on Sundays. The Broncos may find themselves intrigued with Maye’s multifaceted skills plus leadership qualities and target him with their first pick. Maye has won approximately 68 percent of the games he’s started while compiling a four-to-one (41-9) touchdown to interception rate.

5. Tennessee Titans: TE – Brock Bowers, Georgia

The 2022 Mackey Award Winner (Best Tight End) is undeniably one of college football’s premier talents and likely top 10 pro prospects for next year’s draft. An aggressive pass catcher, Bowers overpowers most defensive backs and runs by athletic linebackers, underestimating his athleticism. Bowers is essentially a positionless receiver with malleable skills and size.

6. Kansas City Chiefs: OL – Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Veteran offensive lineman Donovan Smith is the third starting left tackle for Kansas City since 2020. Considering how important protecting franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes is, acquiring an exceptional blind side protector for him should resonate throughout the organization. Alt is an excellent pass protector with run-blocking talent and would be fiscally locked in for several years.

7. Indianapolis Colts: Edge – Jared Verse, Florida State

Verse looks the part and, more importantly, plays to expectations as a premier edge rusher in today’s NFL. If Verse can match or surpass his 17 tackles for loss and nine sack totals from last season, he may very well become a top-five pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

8. Pittsburgh Steelers: CB – Kalen King, Penn State

Pittsburgh may draft another Penn State cornerback and possibly create instant synergy with current rookie defensive back and Nittany Lion Alum Joey Porter Jr., King plays with a challenging physicality and spacial awareness that displaces receivers from their intended routes. He is a complete defensive back who does an excellent job tackling in run support.

9. New England Patriots: OL – J.C. Latham, Alabama

Latham engages the opposition with an aggressive nastiness that matches his intimidating size (6’6, 326 lbs). What’s more unnerving for opponents is how fast (40-time of 4.8 seconds) and uncommonly athletic he moves laterally and up the field.

10. Chicago Bears: WR – Emeka Ebuka, Ohio State

The Steelers were done with receiver Chase Claypool last season, and Bear fans are currently fed up with him. So, unless he has an Ebenezer Scrooge-like epiphany, Claypool’s future in Chicago looks grim. Consequently, the need for a dynamic wideout with size, speed, athleticism, and a commitment to excellence may land Egbuka in the Windy City.

11. Seattle Seahawks: DL – Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois

Newton is a plug-and-play defender who, if he remains uninjured, will have played in over 40 collegiate games. During his time with the Illini, Newton continues to add to an already impressive toolbox that includes counter moves and physical hand placement. His professional approach should blend immediately with any NFL defense.

12. Arizona Cardinals: WR – Rome Ondunze,  Washington

Maybe Ondunze’s switch in jersey numbers (from 16 to 1) was an overt attention grab for scouts to realize his first-round potential. Without much, if any, national fanfare, Onduze amassed 1145 yards last season by catching 75 passes and securing seven touchdown receptions. Currently, the attention-seeking wideout is fielding passes at a clip of 17.1 yards per catch on 14 receptions and two scores.

13. Minnesota Vikings: QB – Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

Sanders is the most fundamentally sound passing prospect eligible for the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. A razor-sharp mind that processes with microchip speed efficiency, Sanders has ruthlessly carved up Power Five (TCU, Nebraska) opposition. Incredibly, in just two games, he’s produced 903 passing yards at a 77.5 percent completion rate with six scores and zero interceptions.

14. Chicago Bears (via Carolina): Edge – Laitatu Latu, UCLA

The Bears are desperate for pass-rushing talent that can pressure the quarterback, generate sacks and penetrate behind offensive lines to stymie running backs. Latu is effective in all facets of applying pressure and disrupting offensive schemes, as evidenced by last year’s 12.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks.

15. New York Giants: CB – Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

New York’s incumbent starting cornerback, Adoree’ Jackson, is making 13 million a year and might have contractual expectations counter to the organization’s fiscal agenda. Targeting an outstanding cover corner like McKinstry could help shift an allocation in funds for, say…superstar running back Saquon Barkley?

16. Green Bay Packers: S – Calen Bullock, USC

The Packers have five unrestricted free-agent safeties and may choose to pay some or none of them beyond this current campaign. Bullock’s size (6’3, 180 lbs), collegiate pedigree (USC), and production (100 Tkls/7 Ints/12 PBUs) may intrigue Green Bay’s decision makers and frugal-minded caretakers.

17. New Orleans Saints: DL – Leonard Taylor III, Miami (FL)

New Orleans began an infusion of youthful talent this past draft by selecting first-round defensive lineman Bryan Bresee and 40th overall pick edge rushing specialist Isaiah Foskey. Should the Saints double down on strengthening their defensive interior, considering a disruptive talent like Taylor could fortify them for several seasons.

18. Washington Commanders: Edge – J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State

Tuimoloau possesses force multiplying effectiveness on the gridiron. In short, he’s a game changer, and last season’s road contest versus Penn State magnifies that assertion. Almost single-handedly, Tuimoloau devastated the Nittany Lions by registering six tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and a defensive score. Certainly, a “commanding” performance by a precocious defender.

19. Buffalo Bills: Edge – Bralen Trice, Washington

The Bills have seven unrestricted free agent defensive linemen, featuring four edge rushers with varied degrees of success. Trice is stout versus the run and a creative pass rusher who owns more than one “go-to” move when maneuvering past stubborn pass blockers.

20. Houston Texans (via Cleveland): WR – Xavier Worthy, Texas

Unanimous preseason All-Big 12 selection at wide receiver, Worthy is an experienced and accomplished pass catcher with blistering speed. His 40-time of four-point-three seconds illustrates his insane acceleration, but it’s his 10.5 seconds in the 100-meter run that showcases the sustainability of that breathtaking speed. The Texans need a deep threat and Worthy is…well, worthy of that distinction.

21. Miami Dolphins: OL – Kingsley Suamataia, BYU

Cousin to the Sewell brothers (Penei/Lions, Noah/Bears), Suamataia’s bloodline ties to NFL players are one indicator of the type of athlete he could be at the next level. His innate agility, smooth backpedal, and lateral quickness would make him an ideal bodyguard for the Dolphins’ concussion adverse, quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa.

22. Tampa Buccaneers: QB – Quinn Ewers, Texas

Over the course of his NFL career, Mayfield has compiled a 32-38 win/loss record with 92 touchdown passes to 56 interceptions. Tampa Bay may view Mayfield as a stopgap measure quarterback and desire a more franchise-capable talent going forward. Completing 63 percent of his passes with six touchdown passes, Ewers looks to be vastly improved after a huge win on the road against Alabama.

23. Los Angeles Rams: Edge – Dallas Turner, Alabama

The Rams are in need of a vast amount of talent on both sides of the ball. Arguably, they are in a “draft the best player available” cliched situation and may target an elite athlete like Turner. Pound for pound, the six-foot-four, 245-pound edge rusher may be the most athletic defensive prospect in the 2024 draft class. An explosive player with a 40-time below 4.5 seconds, Turner’s size, power, and speed make him a problem for most offenses.

24. Philadelphia Eagles: OL – Cooper Beebe, TCU

Beebe anchors well against defensive onslaughts and effectively redirects most players attempting to maneuver past him. His grip and upper body strength are difficult to overcome, and his ability to maul defenders in the run game makes him ideal for most NFL offenses. Extremely coachable, his knack for understanding how defenses will attack, plus his exceptional spatial awareness, help him out-leverage most opponents.

25. Las Vegas Raiders: CB – Denzel Burke, Ohio State

Like most defensive backs from Ohio State, Burke operates fluidly and confidently either in man or zone coverages. More quick than fast, Burke utilizes angles of pursuit to track and cover receivers while simultaneously using his length and hands to redirect pass catchers from their intended routes. Burke is a consistent, if not spectacular, cornerback who is dependable and rarely, if ever, out of position on any given play.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars: S – Kamren Kinchens, Miami

Kinchens may not possess the prototypical size for an NFL safety, but his instincts and confident aggression in pass coverage are pro-ready. At times it appears Kinchens is two steps ahead of everyone else, appearing everywhere on the field and making astounding plays. Last season, he was tied for third in the nation with six interceptions while tallying 59 total tackles.

27. Detroit Lions: WR – Keon Coleman, Florida State

The former Michigan State Spartan and current Florida Seminole, Coleman is a game-changing talent with size, speed, and an improving catch rate. If he lasts this far into the first round, the Lions should leap at the chance to add him to an impressive offensive roster. Coleman’s size instantly makes him an endzone threat, and his run-after-catch ability separates him from most of his peers.

28. San Francisco 49ers: DB – Cooper DeJean, Iowa

Last season, DeJean tied Emmanuel Forbes for the nation’s lead in most interceptions returned for touchdowns (3). DeJean is versatile enough to play either cornerback or free safety at the next level. His ability to anticipate where offensive schemes free up receivers only heightens his effectiveness in coverage as a backend defender.

29. Baltimore Ravens: CB – Max Melton, Rutgers

Max who? Because he plays for Rutgers, Melton is one of the country’s best cornerbacks most have never seen play. An industrious defender who works tirelessly in coverage, Melton assesses with a coach’s clarity and covers receivers like a 10-year veteran. Melton is often overlooked; however, his savvy on the field turns those underestimations into big plays for his team.

30. Atlanta Falcons: WR – Malik Nabers, LSU

Nabers continues the tradition of uber-talented wideouts from LSU, who seemingly transition with ease to the pro game. Like an aged Cognac, Nabers flows smoothly amongst various types of coverages, making spectacular grabs with a spicy flare. His knack for blending into an offense could make him an ideal wingman to Falcons’ pass catchers Drake London and Kyle Pitts.

31. New York Jets: OL – Graham Barton, Duke

Aaron Rodgers’ freak Achilles tendon aside, the Jets still have offensive line issues that need to be addressed. Barton is a consistent pass blocker who operates from a sound bass and stout anchor. He plays with a complete understanding of his physical attributes and how to apply them to any given play. Coaches and teammates count on Barton’s dependability, and he plays to those expectations.

32. Dallas Cowboys: LB – Jeremiah Trotter, Clemson

Dallas features one of the faster team defenses in the NFL. In a league that continues to stretch the field as much horizontally as vertically, acquiring talented athletes with the speed to cover both is essential. Trotter is the type of versatile defender coaches employ to exploit any weaknesses an offense may possess.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

You ready for some mock drafts after a disappointing Week 1 flop against the Packers? Even though rational thinking says, “That was just one week, no need to panic just yet,” with bitter rivalries like Bears-Packers, rational thinking goes out the window. So I get it. Freak out if you want. And if looking ahead to some college prospects helps, we’re here to help.

Thankfully Pro Football Focus’ 2024 Mock Draft Tool is already up and running and they’ve slotted teams in where they believe they may finish. They’ve got the Bears picking at No. 8 since they own the Panthers’ first-round pick this year, and they have the Bears’ own pick coming in at No. 14. PFF’s mock draft tool also only goes up to the third-round right now, so three rounds is all we’ve got for ya. 

It’s also worth mentioning, this mock draft is not an attempt to predict what the Bears will actually do when they’re back in the War Room next offseason. That’s impossible. This mock draft is meant as an educational tool to explore some of the intriguing college prospects this season, and how those players may fit in Chicago.

NO. 8: JER’ZHAN NEWTON – DEFENSIVE TACKLE – ILLINOIS

The best defensive lines in the NFL come at you in waves, and the Bears want to succeed on defense with their front four. Newton is a dynamic three-tech who can help plug up holes in the run game, if that’s an area where the Bears struggle again. DT may not look like a need now, but if the team decides to part ways with the underwhelming Justin Jones and replaces him with Gervon Dexter or Zacch Pickens, they’ll want to add more young depth to the group. In two games for the Fighting Illini this year, Newton has two sacks and two TFLs.

NO. 14: JOE ALT – OFFENSIVE TACKLE – NOTRE DAME

Even with Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright in the fold, the Bears need more depth and more competition at offensive tackle. Protecting the quarterback is paramount, and the edges are where offensive lines typically get attacked the most. Alt appears destined to be an immediate impact player wherever he lands, and he could help the Bears.

NO. 46: ROD MOORE – SAFETY – MICHIGAN

Eddie Jackson only has one more year left on his deal after 2023, so the Bears will need to start thinking about the future of the position soon. Right now the team only has Elijah Hicks on the active roster as a backup safety. Moore hasn’t played this season due to injury, but last season he showed the tackling and takeaway ability the Bears covet in their DBs. He finished 2022 with 71 tackles and four interceptions.

NO. 78: NELSON CEASER – EDGE – HOUSTON

It’s no secret the Bears need to inject more young talent to their pass rushing group, and Ceaser is off to a hot start for the Cougars. In two games he’s got three sacks and four TFLs. If he keeps up that type of production throughout the year, he’ll start climbing draft boards.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

At Texas, Johnson played behind Bijan Robinson who was selected 8th-overall by the Atlanta Falcons and consequently was out of the spotlight.

But Johnson is a talented back and according to ESPN Draft analyst Matt Miller, a “team source” said Johnson could end up as the Bears RB1.

“The Bears have D’Onta Foreman and Khalil Herbert, but a team source told me after the draft that the former Texas backup has the upside to end up Chicago’s featured back,” Miller wrote.

The nugget came in Miller’s column ranking the top 100 best picks, steals and team fits from the 2023 NFL Draft.

Johnson ranked 46th on Miller’s list and Miller had Johnson ranked 86th on his pre-draft rankings.

“A do-it-all running back with awesome special teams ability and leadership skills, Johnson could be this year’s Dameon Pierce as a third-day back who ends up a lead ball carrier,” Miller wrote.

Miller was also high on wide receiver Tyler Scott, the Bears’ other fourth-round pick. Scott was ranked 27th by Miller, and was the second-highest pick from the fourth round.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

And yet, evaluations of the draft are still coming out.

In a recent column for ESPN, Draft Analyst Matt Miller ranked the 100 best picks, steals and team fits from the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Chicago Bears had a staggering six picks make the list, tied for the second-highest mark in the league. Only the Indianapolis Colts had more, with a total of seven. The Houston Texans and Los Angeles Rams also had six picks make the list.

The NFC North as a division had the second-highest total of picks on the list, 17. The AFC South had 18 picks make the list, lead by the Colts’ seven and the Texans’ six. The Detroit Lions had five picks and the Green Bay Packers had four picks make the list. The Minnesota Vikings also had two picks make the cut.

Here are the six Bears’ picks that made Miller’s list with his ranking:

• 16. Darnell Wright, OT, Chicago Bears (Pick 1-10)
• 27. Tyler Scott, WR, Chicago Bears (Pick 4-133)
• 44. Terell Smith, CB, Chicago Bears (Pick 5-165)
• 46. Roschon Johnson, RB, Chicago Bears (Pick 4-115)
• 68. Gervon Dexter Sr., DT, Chicago Bears (Pick 2-53)
• 82. Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Chicago Bears (Pick 2-56)

The highlight might be how high wide receiver Tyler Scott ranks. He is the second-highest fourth-round pick on the list, behind the Philadelphia Eagles’ selection of CB Kelee Ringo.

“The selection of Scott at No. 133 was one of the best value picks when graded against my pre-draft rankings, where I had him No. 57 overall,” Miller wrote. “Scott’s speed and vertical ability will work well in a wide receiver room that offers diverse skill sets, and his ability as a return man will also boost the Chicago special teams unit.”

Miller was also high on the selection of Texas running back Roschon Johnson.

“A do-it-all running back with awesome special teams ability and leadership skills, Johnson could be this year’s Dameon Pierce as a third-day back who ends up a lead ball carrier.,” Miller wrote. “The Bears have D’Onta Foreman and Khalil Herbert, but a team source told me after the draft that the former Texas backup has the upside to end up Chicago’s featured back.”

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

There were several surprise trades, most notably, the Texans maneuvering to secure the third-overall spot, right after they selected a quarterback (C.J. Stroud) with the second-overall pick.

A couple of highly touted prospects (QB – Will Levis and CB – Joey Porter Jr.) fell completely out of the first round, and were eventually chosen in the second round two. We also saw the Jalen Carter conundrum finally conclude with him joining an already stacked NFC Champion, Philadelphia “Bulldogs”….er, I meant Eagles.

Yes, it was an exciting and fulfilling draft, so of course we’ll launch our “way too soon mock draft” for the 2024 season. There are some household names on this list and a bevy of talented, yet, unknown athletes waiting to take their turn in next year’s prospect showcase. I invite you to get a head start by reading through theses 32 names of future first rounders, to see which athlete fits your wishes best. 

NOTE: For the draft order, we used tankathon.com’s projected draft order.

1. Cardinals: Caleb Williams, QB, USC

Ever since Williams entered mid-game versus Texas in the 117th Red River Rivalry contest, he’s become one of the nation’s top quarterbacks. Last season at USC, Williams became the Trojans’ 7th Heisman Trophy winner (Reggie Bush’s award was vacated) and looks on target to become the first pick in next year’s NFL draft.

2. Cardinals (via HOU): Marvin Harrison, Jr., WR, Ohio State

Marquise Brown is an unrestricted free agent and long-time superstar wideout; while DeAndre Hopkins, is aging pass catcher who will be a free agent during the 2025 off-season. It’s possible the Cardinals retool with Harrison, a playmaker who tallied 1200 plus yards and 14 touchdowns last season for the Buckeyes.

3. Buccaneers: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

Maye burst onto the collegiate scene last season, registering 4,321 passing yards, at a 66 percent completion rate with 38 throwing scores to just seven interceptions. The Bucs may be in need of a franchise quarterback and Maye could be the next face of the organization.

4. Rams: Olu Fashanu, OL, Penn State

Quick feet with excellent balance and a strong anchor, Fashanu is an aggressive run blocker who can effectively block while on the move. Fashanu is an agile six-foot-six, 321 pound athlete who’s frame is as NFL ready as is his talent.

5. Colts: Kool-aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

McKinstry led the SEC in passes defended last season (15) and looks to repeat as one of the country’s most promising pass defenders. A well-proportioned athlete, McKinstry is poised to become the first defensive back selected in the draft.

6. Commanders: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

A former member of the University of Albany Great Danes football team, Verse transferred to Florida State and tallied 17 tackles for loss and nine sacks, earning First-Team All-ACC honors.

7. Falcons: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Egbuka was an extremely productive receiver last season, compiling over 1100 yards and 10 receiving scores.

8. Packers: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama

Turner is a consistent edge rusher having totaled 18 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks in just 24 games played.

9. Titans: Johnny Wilson, WR, Florida State

It would be extremely difficult for the Titans to ignore throwing passes to a six-foot-seven, 235 pound wideout with a 18.7 yards per catch average.

10. Bears (via CAR): J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State

Standing six-foot-four and 277 pounds, Tuimoloau may just be the needed edge rusher the Bears were unable to draft in 2023.

11. Raiders: Maason Smith, DL, LSU

Smith is an instinctive interior defensive lineman with alignment versatility and the tactical leverage skills to compete at the next level.

12. Bears: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

If Chicago moves on from unrestricted free agent receivers, Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool, focusing on Husky wideout Odunze (75 receptions / 1145 yards / 7 touchdowns) may be the answer.

13. Broncos: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

Nine time Pro-Bowler, Russell Wilson is the Broncos’ present, but NFL prospect Penix Jr. has all the tools to be Denver’s future. Last season he passed for over 4,000 yards, completing 65 percent of his passes with 31 touchdowns thrown.

14. Patriots: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

You can bet that head coach Bill Belichick would love to have a dominate pass catching tight end, and Brock Bowers is an athletic playmaker (119 receptions / 20 touchdowns) with pro ambitions.

15. Steelers: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State

Burke is a diligent pass defender with 17 passes defended over the past two seasons. His length, size and coverage acumen make him a legit pro prospect.

16. Vikings: Braden Trice, EDGE, Washington

Trice possesses the athletic upside and attitude to ascend into the top 10 of the 2024 draft class. So, if he lasts until the middle of the first round, he’ll be a steal for any team that selects him.

17. Texans (via CLE): Michael Hall Jr., DL, Ohio State

The Texans are improving from year to year and acquiring a talent like Hall Jr., who plays with awareness and power from the defensive interior, is the next step up for Houston.

18. Chargers: TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State

Incumbent starter Austin Ekeler is an unrestricted free agent, so it’s likely the Chargers address the running back position in the draft. Henderson possesses similar tools to Ekeler yet at a more reasonable fiscal rate.

19. Saints: J.C. Latham, OL, Alabama

The Saints’ offensive line is beginning to age and an emerging talent like Latham offers an avenue to replenish New Orleans protective unit. Anytime a six-foot-six, 326 pound lineman runs a 40-time of 4.8 seconds, he’s likely targeted for professional consideration.

20. Giants: Tyleik Williams, DL, Ohio State

Williams competes with quickness, power and leverage exhibiting the all-out motor New York needs to enrich its defensive front.

21. Lions: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa

DeJean is a ball-hawking Hawkeye with excellent instincts and the speed to match receivers across the gridiron.

22. Dolphins: Joe Alt, OL, Notre Dame

A bit of a grappler, Alt uses his long arms to move defenders at the point of attack; while utilizing his agility to gain purchase against the second level of defenses.

23. Jaguars: Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State

A heavily sought after 5-star recruit, Sawyer has improved each season with the Buckeyes. Noted for his toughness and rugged run stopping ability, Sawyer’s secret power may actually be his underestimated closing speed (4.6 40-time).

24. Jets: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

Speaking of speed, there may be no faster athlete entering next year’s draft than Xavier Worthy. His recorded 40-time of 4.29 seconds is frighteningly fast, offering a “threat appeal” teams at the next level salivate over.

25. Seahawks: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

Nix is an athletic quarterback whose game improved once he transferred from the SEC to the great northwest. Last season he set a personal best in completion percentage (71.9) and touchdowns (29).

26. Ravens: Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State

A physical blocker with a mean streak, Jackson loves to punish opponents in a way that’s traditionally Ravens-like. Jackson is a mauler whose improving pass blocking mechanics could possibly compliment Baltimore’s offensive line.

27. Cowboys: Kingsley Suamataia, OL, BYU

A former Oregon Duck, Suamataia transferred to BYU, allowing zero sacks in the 632 snaps he played in for the Cougars eight win team.

28. Bills: Andrew Mukuba, S, Clemson

Actually, Mukuba’s measurables (6-0, 185 lbs / 4.3 40-time) test out as a potential top 10 pick. Oddly safeties tend to be drafted later than sooner in today’s NFL. Nevertheless, 101 tackles in just 25 games played has several scouts keeping close eye on him for this upcoming season. 

29. 49ers: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon

The 49ers need a game breaking receiver to take the top off of defenses. Franklin oozes with the type of explosive athleticism San Francisco covets.

30. Bengals: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA

Edge rusher, Trey Henderson is approaching 30 years of age, is an unrestricted free agent making 15 million next season and the Bengals have to pay franchise quarterback, Joe Burrow. Just saying, its looks like the Bengals will entertain drafting a defensive end with quality pass rushing ability.

31. Eagles: Raheim Sanders, RB, Arkansas

The Eagles will have 21 unrestricted free agents entering the 2023 campaign and three of them are running backs. Sanders is a more than capable back with excellent pass catching skills.

32. Chiefs: Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas

By no means does drafting a tight end send a signal to Chiefs’ great and future Hall-of-Famer, Travis Kelce; but, having a cost controlled rookie learn under him would be a prescient consideration.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

Over three days, Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles made some trades and moved around the draft board and ultimately selected 10 players. He targeted line help for both the offense and defense. He targeted some skill positions and some secondary help.

Next comes rookie mini camp, when the drafted class of players and undrafted free agents will suit up for the coaching staff.

In the mean time, all the draft analysts and prognosticators are grading each team’s performance.

ESPN Draft Analyst Mel Kiper Jr. gave Poles and company a B+. NFL.com’s Chad Reuter was a little bit more optimistic, giving the Bears an A-.

Both Kiper and Reuter factored in the March trade that sent the No. 1 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers in their evaluations. The Bears got the No. 9 overall pick, No. 61 overall pick, wide receiver D.J. Moore, a 2024 first-rounder and a 2025 second-rounder.

“Chicago received a bounty from the Panthers for the No. 1 pick, then traded down one spot in the first round while still getting the lineman it needed in (Darnell) Wright,” Reuter wrote. “(Gervon) Dexter and (Zacch) Pickens bolster the defensive line when on their game and (Tyrique) Stevenson could start as a rookie. The value of trading a second-rounder for receiver Chase Claypool is to be determined.

“(Roschon) Johnson looks like a power back but can avoid defenders as well as run through their tackle attempts. (Tyler) Scott’s agility and burst after the catch made him a nice fourth-round find. (Noah) Sewell is a much better football player than his fifth-round status might indicate. (Terell) Smith has the athleticism and cover skills to contribute as a rookie.”

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles made some trades and moved around the draft board and ultimately selected 10 players.

And now, while we await rookie mini camp, the analysts who projected the picks are grading NFL front office’s works.

ESPN Draft Analyst Mel Kiper Jr., who celebrated his 40th NFL Draft on Saturday, gave Poles and company a B+.

His grade isn’t squarely focused on the players, but factors in the March trade that sent the No. 1 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers. The Bears got the No. 9 overall pick, No. 61 overall pick, wide receiver D.J. Moore, a 2024 first-rounder and a 2025 second-rounder.

“They got help for now and later, setting themselves up to fill crucial needs in this draft,” Kiper wrote. “Even though they traded at midseason what ended up as the top pick of Round 2, they still had four selections in the top 64.”

Kiper liked the Poles trading back to No. 10 and selecting Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright.

“Chicago had been connected with Darnell Wright (9) for months — I matched this one in my two-round mock draft — mostly because of its gaping void at right tackle,” Kiper wrote. “Wright is the best right tackle in this class, a 333-pound lineman who started 42 games in college. He is ready to play right now.”

Kiper was immediately skeptical of the Bears picks in the second and third round, and now that he’s had time to think about it he hasn’t warmed up to them at all.

“I was more down on two of its Day 2 picks, as I mentioned Friday, but I get building through the trenches,” Kiper wrote. “It’s just that both Gervon Dexter (53) and Zacch Pickens (64) were a round early based on my rankings. Some of this had to do with getting ahead on the DTs early in a thinner-than-normal class, but I’m grading each class on value, and so the Bears have to get dinged.”

But Poles might have had a very solid Day 3.

“As for the rest of this class? I’m a fan. Running back Roschon Johnson (115) played behind Bijan Robinson at Texas, but Johnson probably would have started at most other FBS schools,” Kiper wrote. “He is powerful between the tackles. Tyler Scott (133) is a slot wideout who runs after the catch like a tailback. Linebacker Noah Sewell (148) was a tackling force in college, and now he’ll get to try to blitz past his brother, Penei, in the NFC North. Terell Smith (165) is my 14th-ranked cornerback, and the Bears got him a round later than I had him going.”

Despite not loving the Day 2 picks, Kiper still gave the Bears a solid review and approves of what the front office has done.

“I like what general manager Ryan Poles is building in Chicago, and the 2024 draft capital he acquired combined with another step forward from quarterback Justin Fields means this team will challenge in the NFC quickly — just not this season,” Kiper wrote.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

The Bears made 10 picks in this draft, focusing on the trenches of both sides of the ball and marginal upgrades to the secondary. 

Here’s the official draft class for the Bears from the 2023 NFL draft. 

* * *

Round 1, No. 10 (via PHI): Darnell Wright, Tennessee, offensive tackle

Round 2, No. 53 (via BAL): Gervon Dexter, Florida, defensive tackle

Round 2, No. 56 (via JAX): Tyrique Stevenson, Miami, cornerback

Round 3, No. 64: Zacch Pickens, South Carolina, defensive tackle

Round 4, No. 115: Roschon Johnson, Texas, running back 

Round 4, No. 133 (via PHI): Tyler Scott, Cincinnati, wide receiver

Round 5, No. 148 (via NE): Noah Sewell, Oregon, linebacker

Round 5, No. 165 (via NO): Terell Smith, Minnesota, cornerback

Round 7, No. 218: Travis Bell, Kennesaw State, defensive tackle

Round 7, No. 258: Kendall Williamson, Stanford, safety

Check back to this page for updates as the draft continues.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

“Terell Smith I think physically and athletically has what you want. Six foot and-a-half, 205 pounds,” ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr said on the broadcast. “That 4.4 translated to the field…

“The kids played good, solid football for the Golden Gophers. That impressive size-speed combination you saw on the field… has the traits and the mentality you want.

“Closes quickly when he reads the quarterback’s eyes. Anticipates well. I thought he was a good tackler overall. In coverage, down the field he was making plays late in coverage which is what you want to see out of a corner moving forward into the NFL. I thought his ball skills are still a work in progress.

“He got after it, playing a physical brand of football for that cornerback spot for the Golden Gophers.”

“He has an intriguing blend of length, speed and physicality to match up with NFL receivers on the outside,” The Athletic‘s Dane Brugler wrote. “He is a physical press-man corner prospect.”

Smith is especially fast. In high school he won the Georgia state championship in the 100 meters as a junior and the 200 meters as a sophomore.

Smith is the second cornerback Poles selected in the 2023 NFL Draft.

In the second round, Poles traded up to No. 56 pick to take Miami cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. Stevenson is the third cornerback taken in the second round in the past four drafts for the Bears.

The Bears drafted cornerback Kyler Gordon with their second-round pick in 2022, No. 39 overall. It was also the Bears’ first pick of the 2022 NFL Draft and Poles’ first pick as the general manager of the Bears. And in 2020, then general manager Ryan Pace drafted Jaylon Johnson in the second round with the 50th overall pick.

In the first round the Bears traded down from No. 9 to No. 10. They used the 10th overall pick to select Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright. Wright figures to be an immediate starter on the right side of the offensive line, protecting Justin Fields.

RELATED: Bears passing on Jalen Carter was right move for many reasons

With their first pick in the second round, the Bears selected Florida defensive lineman Gervon Dexter.

In the third round, with the 64th pick overall, the Bears selected South Carolina defensive lineman Zacch Pickens.

With the Bears’ first pick on Day 3, Chicago selected Texas running back Roschon Johnson with 115th. The Bears were slated to make the first pick of Round 4, but traded back with the New Orleans Saints, picking up an extra fifth-round pick in the process.

Then the Bears selected Cincinnati wide receiver Tyler Scott with the 133rd overall pick, the Bears’ second and final pick of the fourth round.

With the Bears’ first pick of the fifth round, the 148th overall, Chicago selected Oregon linebacker Noah Sewell. Sewell’s brother Penei was drafted by the Detroit Lions with the seventh overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. 

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Sewell’s brother Penei was drafted by the Detroit Lions with the seventh overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. 

Noah Sewell was a former five-star recruit.

“He can play the Mike or the Will position,” ESPN analyst Louis Riddick said on the broadcast. “He is a guy who is just tough. A downhill, key and diagnoser who is usually in the right spot at the right time. No false steps.

“Has great hand use, and I mean great hand use. You see linebackers who try to shock and shed but usually get stuck 1-on-1, you never see Noah Sewell get stuck on blocks.

“They like to get him out on the edge and blitz him a little bit because he has a big run hit factor, meaning when he gets going downhill he usually delivers a nice pop. Good zone drop awareness.”

The Bears signed two linebackers in free agency, Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, and have Jack Sanborn on the roster after a promising rookie season.

“With the way the Bears have reinvented their linbebacker corps with Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards… Noah Sewell fits into that mold as far as a guy who has speed, very, very tough, a heck of a hitter,” Riddick added. “I like what they’ve done at the second level of their defense in terms of the body type and the mentality they have on this team now.”

In the first round the Bears traded down from No. 9 to No. 10. They used the 10th overall pick to select Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright. Wright figures to be an immediate starter on the right side of the offensive line, protecting Justin Fields.

RELATED: Bears passing on Jalen Carter was right move for many reasons

With their first pick in the second round, the Bears selected Florida defensive lineman Gervon Dexter.

In the second round, after the Bears drafted Dexter, Poles traded up to No. 56 pick to take Miami cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. Stevenson is the third cornerback taken in the second round in the past four drafts for the Bears.

The Bears drafted cornerback Kyler Gordon with their second-round pick in 2022, No. 39 overall. It was also the Bears’ first pick of the 2022 NFL Draft and Poles’ first pick as the general manager of the Bears. And in 2020, then general manager Ryan Pace drafted Jaylon Johnson in the second round with the 50th overall pick.

In the third round, with the 64th pick overall, the Bears selected South Carolina defensive lineman Zacch Pickens.

With the Bears’ first pick on Day 3, Chicago selected Texas running back Roschon Johnson with 115th. The Bears were slated to make the first pick of Round 4, but traded back with the New Orleans Saints, picking up an extra fifth-round pick in the process.

Then the Bears selected Cincinnati wide receiver Tyler Scott with the 133rd overall pick, the Bears’ second and final pick of the fourth round.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

General manager Ryan Poles used 115th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to select Texas running back Roschon Johnson.

And while Johnson’s teammate Bijan Robinson was the star of the running back draft class, Robinson was quick to heap praise on Johnson.

Bears draft grade: Roschon Johnson, fourth-round pick

“Roschon is the best teammate I’ve ever had,” Robinson said at the scouting combine. “He brings out so much in a player and the team just how he goes about being a leader. Not just his teammates but everybody in the community. I think that who he is as a person and what he does on the field – I don’t think he’s overlooked because he chose his presence and made his presence felt.

“Roschon is a god. He’s the other running back in this class, and I don’t think people should overlook the talent he has and the skillset that he brings. I think he’s just as good as anybody. His toughness and heart make him stand out over everybody.”

Wow, that is quite the praise.

The ESPN broadcast team also gushed about Johnson and the pick.

And in Johnson it looks like the Bears have found David Montgomery’ replacement.

But the Bears running back room is getting crowded, however.

Johnson is now the fifth running back on the Bears roster.

The Bears signed D’Onta Foreman to a one-year deal and Travis Homer to a two-year deal in March during NFL free agency.

The Bears also have Khalil Herbert and Trestan Ebner from previous draft classes.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

It’s another weapon for Justin Fields.

“He runs the full array of routes, the deep shot, the in-breakers in the intermediate areas of the field, the curls, he can get out in the flat, run the deep moves. The double moves he’s very good at, ESPN analyst Louis Riddick said. “And once you get him the football, he is out the gate. He is gone. He is a big play threat waiting to happen.

And I’ll tell you, Justin Fields is going to be happy with this guy because of his versatility and the fact that he doesn’t always chuck it deep down the field. Just get it in the hands of guys like him and he will do the rest of the work.”

In the first round the Bears traded down from No. 9 to No. 10. They used the 10th overall pick to select Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright. Wright figures to be an immediate starter on the right side of the offensive line, protecting Justin Fields.

RELATED: Bears passing on Jalen Carter was right move for many reasons

With their first pick in the second round, the Bears selected Florida defensive lineman Gervon Dexter.

In the second round, after the Bears drafted Dexter, Poles traded up to No. 56 pick to take Miami cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. Stevenson is the third cornerback taken in the second round in the past four drafts for the Bears.

The Bears drafted cornerback Kyler Gordon with their second-round pick in 2022, No. 39 overall. It was also the Bears’ first pick of the 2022 NFL Draft and Poles’ first pick as the general manager of the Bears. And in 2020, then general manager Ryan Pace drafted Jaylon Johnson in the second round with the 50th overall pick.

In the third round, with the 64th pick overall, the Bears selected South Carolina defensive lineman Zacch Pickens.

With the Bears’ first pick on Day 3, Chicago selected Texas running back Roschon Johnson with 115th. The Bears were slated to make the first pick of Round 4, but traded back with the New Orleans Saints, picking up an extra fifth-round pick in the process.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

With the 115th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and the Bears’ first of Round 4, general manager Ryan Poles selected Johnson.

Bears draft grade: Roschon Johnson, fourth-round pick

And listen to Louis Riddick talk about Johnson’s ability to help the Bears’ offense.

The best pass protecting running back I’ve ever been around was Clinton Portis from my time in Washington,” Riddick said. “This guy, Roschon Johnson… I’ll tell you this, you can run through the line of scrimmage if you want, with your chin up in the air and no mouth piece in, but you’re going to be missing some teeth and you’re going to want to put on a padded chin strap after that because this guy will absolutely stone you.

“That’s a great attitude pick right there. He’s going to set a tone for this offense.”

Not only is it a weapon for quarterback Justin Fields, it’s more protection.

ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay also highlighted Johnson’s intangibles.

“There’s a lot to like about this guy,” ESPN Draft analyst Todd McShay said. “He was an all-American high school football player, six foot, 219 pounds.

“He does not play like a high school quarterback. He runs with violence, runs between the tackles and what I love about him, his intangibles aren’t just good, they’re phenomenal. That’s what (Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian) said…

“Bijan (Robinson) is a star, is a great guy, does all the things right but Roschon is our leader.”

The Bears running back room is getting crowded, however. The Bears signed D’Onta Foreman to a one-year deal and Travis Homer to a two-year deal in March during NFL free agency.

The Bears also have Khalil Herbert and Trestan Ebner from previous draft classes.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

“There’s a lot to like about this guy,” ESPN Draft analyst Todd McShay said. “He was an all-American high school football player, six foot, 219 pounds.

Bears draft grade: Roschon Johnson, fourth-round pick

“He does not play like a high school quarterback. He runs with violence, runs between the tackles and what I love about him, his intangibles aren’t just good, they’re phenomenal. That’s what (Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian) said…

“Bijan (Robinson) is a star, is a great guy, does all the things right but Roschon is our leader.”

And wait till you hear what Louis Riddick said.

The best pass protecting running back I’ve ever been around was Clinton Portis from my time in Washington,” Riddick said. “This guy, Roschon Johnson… I’ll tell you this, you can run through the line of scrimmage if you want, with your chin up in the air and no mouth piece in, but you’re going to be missing some teeth and you’re going to want to put on a padded chin strap after that because this guy will absolutely stone you.

“That’s a great attitude pick right there. He’s going to set a tone for this offense.”

Sounds like not only a great weapon for Justin Fields, but protection as well.

In the first round the Bears traded down from No. 9 to No. 10. They used the 10th overall pick to select Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright. Wright figures to be an immediate starter on the right side of the offensive line, protecting Justin Fields.

RELATED: Bears passing on Jalen Carter was right move for many reasons

With their first pick in the second round, the Bears selected Florida defensive lineman Gervon Dexter.

In the second round, after the Bears drafted Dexter, Poles traded up to No. 56 pick to take Miami cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. Stevenson is the third cornerback taken in the second round in the past four drafts for the Bears.

In the third round, with the 64th pick overall, the Bears selected South Carolina defensive lineman Zacch Pickens.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

First, they selected Florida defensive lineman Gervon Dexter with the 53rd overall pick. Then they drafted South Carolina defensive tackle Zacch Pickens with the 64th overall pick.

The defensive line was an area of need and one of the reasons many mock drafts had the Bears linked to Georgia’s Jalen Carter.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. wasn’t in love with the selection of Dexter on television in real-time, and it seems like after sitting on it he doesn’t feel better about that pick or the Pickens selection.

RELATED: Why Bears gambled on Gervon Dexter, Zacch Pickens in 2023 NFL Draft

In a column on Saturday, Kiper named Dexter and Pickens in his “questionable picks and reaches” section.

“Dexter was the first prospect drafted who ranked outside my top 100,” Kiper wrote. “At 6-foot-6, 310 pounds, he looks the part, and he also tested well at the combine. I didn’t love his tape, though. Is he just a run-stuffer? The Bears double up at defensive tackle with Pickens, who has a little more pass-rush upside. Dexter likely will play more as the nose while Pickens can be a penetrator.

“Chicago is building from the trenches, which I get, but the organization passed on elite tackle Jalen Carter in the first round and opted for two reaches on Day 2 who ranked outside the top 10 at the position.”

Dexter’s slow release on the line of scrimmage was pointed to on the broadcast but Booger McFarland and Louis Riddick each said it’d be up to the head coach to address that.

“The head coach he is going to play for, a former defensive coordinator, is going to demand it,” McFarland said. “He has all the traits. He ran a 4.88 in the (40-yard dash). You just don’t see that type of get off when he plays. 

“He’s got to be able to get off the football, because the front they play is put your hand down, jump the football. But he’s scheme-versatile, he can play in the 3-4 or 4-3.”

And Riddick added: “This is where coaching is going to matter so much. Because that 40 time, when I saw that, I was like no way. No way that’s the same guy. It’s just a slow, plodding playing style.

“Matt Eberflus and Alan Williams, the defensive coordinator, are going to make all the difference.”

Let’s hope the Bears can work their magic.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

They added two defensive lineman, Florida’s Gervon Dexter with the 53rd overall pick and South Carolina’s Zacch Pickens with the 64th overall pick.

And in between those picks, the Bears traded up to draft Miami cornerback Tyrique Stevenson.

“Bears are having one of those super solid drafts where they just check off boxes at every area of need,” ESPN analyst Matt Miller tweeted.

The Bears came in needing help on both offensive and defensive line. They addressed the offensive line on Thursday night taking Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright, he figures to plug in at right tackle and start immediately.

General manager Ryan Poles still has a handful of picks to make on Day 3 of the NFL Draft to look for even more players and potential diamonds in the rough.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

“He looks the part, 6-foot-3 and 291 pounds,” ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said. “What they want to do is get into the backfield, this is a defensive line that needed some help and Pickens has a great opportunity here.”

Kiper added: “Smart kid, team leader. Talk about displaying the explosiveness to get into the backfield and do some damage, he did it. Athletic enough to chase down ball carriers and lateral pursuit and get after it.

“The pass rush potential is definitely there. This past year he had 2.5 sacks.”

RELATED: Bears passing on Jalen Carter was right move for many reasons

Pickens promised improvement to the Chicago media.

“I’m going to be 10 times better in the NFL than I was in college,” Pickens said.

With their first pick in the second round, the Bears selected another defensive lineman, Florida’s Gervon Dexter.

In the first round the Bears traded down from No. 9 to No. 10. They used the 10th overall pick to select Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright. Wright figures to be an immediate starter on the right side of the offensive line, protecting Justin Fields.

In the second round, after the Bears drafted Dexter, Poles traded up to No. 56 pick to take Miami cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. Stevenson is the third cornerback taken in the second round in the past four drafts for the Bears.

The Bears drafted cornerback Kyler Gordon with their second-round pick in 2022, No. 39 overall. It was also the Bears’ first pick of the 2022 NFL Draft and Poles’ first pick as the general manager of the Bears. And in 2020, then general manager Ryan Pace drafted Jaylon Johnson in the second round with the 50th overall pick.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

Head coach Matt Eberflus gets his 3-technique for the defense.

The ESPN broadcast was initially critical of the pick.

“Talented kid, but doesn’t apply it on the football field enough week-in and week-out,” Mel Kiper Jr. said. “Very athletic, but right now I would say at the pro level the word is blockable.”

RELATED: Bears passing on Jalen Carter was right move for many reasons

The hope is Eberflus and the coaching staff can fix those issues.

Kiper also added: “He did show flash. Look at the Kentucky game, the LSU game he had five tackles, a tackle for loss. Against UCF in the bowl game, nine tackles. Against Alabama he had nine tackles in a sack, so he showed he had the capability to get to get the job done at a high level.

“But we said in the second round you get some of these guys who have the ability, you just hope the defensive line coach can get them and make him a more consistent player.

“And take him to the pro level, do something he couldn’t do at the collegiate level, which is a consistent player week-in and week-out.”

Booger McFarland also noted Eberflus’ expectations for the Bears.

“The head coach he is going to play for, a former defensive coordinator, is going to demand it,” McFarland said. “He has all the traits. He ran a 4.88 in the (40-yard dash). You just don’t see that type of get off when he plays. 

“He’s got to be able to get off the football, because the front they play is put your hand down, jump the football. But he’s scheme-versatile, he can play in the 3-4 or 4-3.”

Louis Riddick added: “This is where coaching is going to matter so much. Because that 40 time, when I saw that, I was like no way. No way that’s the same guy. It’s just a slow, plodding playing style.

“Matt Eberflus and Alan Williams, the defensive coordinator, are going to make all the difference.”

Shortly after drafting Dexter, the Bears traded up to No. 56 from No. 61 to take Miami cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. 

Stevenson is the third cornerback taken in the second round in the past four drafts for the Bears.

The Bears drafted cornerback Kyler Gordon with their second-round pick in 2022, No. 39 overall. It was also the Bears’ first pick of the 2022 NFL Draft and Poles’ first pick as the general manager of the Bears. And in 2020, then general manager Ryan Pace drafted Jaylon Johnson in the second round with the 50th overall pick.

In the first round the Bears traded down from No. 9 to No. 10. They used the 10th overall pick to select Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright. Wright figures to be an immediate starter on the right side of the offensive line, protecting Justin Fields.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

The Bears traded down to the Eagles’ No. 10 pick and selected Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright.

RELTED: Bears passing on Jalen Carter was right move for many reasons

But NFL.com’s Chad Reuter isn’t one of those people. He gave the Bears a draft grade of an A, but he seems to also factor in the haul Chicago got for trading down from No. 1 to No. 9 as well.

“General manager Ryan Poles made the best of a disappointing 2022 campaign, trading out of the top overall pick in exchange for three premium selections (a 2023 second-round pick, 2024 first and 2015 second),” Reuter wrote. “They moved back again, swapping spots with the Eagles at No. 10 while adding a 2024 fourth-round selection, to take Wright, who worked himself into a top-10 pick after moving from left to right tackle last fall. His ability to move defenders off the snap and find targets in space will be used immediately by the Bears.”

Poles suggested the decision to pass on Carter was related to character.

“I won’t comment specifically on him but character’s always going to be important for us,” Pole said Thursday night after Round 1.

The Bears needed protection for Justin Fields, but had needs all over the field. The Bears were bound to do well in the draft given how many needs the team had.

RELATED: Why Bears ranked Darnell Wright ahead of Paris Johnson Jr., Peter Skoronski

Some questioned selecting a right tackle in Wright vs. a left tackle or player with more versatility like Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski.

Poles also shed some light on that decision.

“The one thing that stands out with him is he’s a tone-setter,” Poles said Thursday night. “He plays with an edge to him, which we love. We want more of.”

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

None of those three outcomes fits directions the Seahawks were expected to go on the first night of the NFL draft.

Seattle held on to both of its first-rounders, selecting Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon at No. 5 overall and coming back to get Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Ngjiba at No. 20 on Thursday night.

Both positions were expected to be addressed at some point by Seattle, but not necessarily in the spots the two players were selected. Most believed Seattle — holding the highest draft pick in the long tenure of general manager John Schneider and coach Pete Carroll — would go with a defensive lineman or one of the quarterbacks.

But with three QBs gone in the first four picks, the Seahawks’ leadership bypassed the likes of defensive tackle Jalen Carter and edge rusher Tyree Wilson and instead solidified their secondary before grabbing another offensive playmaker.

“These are two legitimate producers, guys that we’ve seen play and do stuff, totally can fit in,” Carroll said. “Devon Witherspoon is a rare player.”

Witherspoon was regarded as one of the top two cornerbacks in the draft despite being slightly undersized from what Seattle has opted for in the past with players at the position. Witherspoon blossomed in his final season at Illinois where he was the Big Ten defensive back of the year, had three interceptions and 17 passes defensed.

“I’m energetic, physical. I’m a dog on the field,” Witherspoon said. “I’m just very confident in what I do, passionate. I love to show my emotions out there on the field.”

He is the first cornerback to be selected in the first round by Seattle since Kelly Jennings was selected No. 31 overall in 2006, and was picked a year after the Seahawks used two of their draft picks on cornerbacks in Tariq Woolen and Coby Bryant.

That decision turned out to work for Seattle a year ago, getting a starting outside cornerback and starting nickel. They believe Witherspoon is the final piece of the trifecta at cornerback to go along with a trio of safeties in Quandre Diggs, Julian Love and Jamal Adams.

Seattle had never drafted a cornerback higher than No. 90 overall during the Schneider/Carroll tenure.

“I was confident I was going to go pretty high. I (didn’t) know it was going to be Seattle, but I’m glad that it is,” Witherspoon said.

The opportunity to have the fifth pick left the Seahawks with a lengthy list of options and areas that could be addressed.

One of those options included quarterback, but that opportunity seemed to bypass Seattle with the early QB run, including Anthony Richardson, who was selected with the No. 4 pick by Indianapolis and appeared the best fit for the Seahawks as a developmental option behind Geno Smith.

Instead, Seattle provided Smith another offensive playmaker later in the round.

Smith-Njigba joins a wide receiver group that’s highlighted by DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. But finding a third pass catching option has been a struggle for Seattle’s offense with former second-round pick Dee Eskridge struggling with injuries through his young career.

“I’m a big fan of those guys and for me to be in that room, I know how I am and that is just going to push me to compete harder and find my way amongst those guys,” Smith-Njigba said. “I am looking forward to lining up next to them.”

Smith-Njigba had a breakout season in 2021 when he had 95 receptions for 1,606 yards and dominated the Rose Bowl against Utah with 15 catches for 347 yards and two touchdowns.

Smith-Njigba played just 60 snaps last season because of a lingering left hamstring injury. He finished with five catches for 43 yards and appeared in only three games, but said he’s fully recovered from the hamstring issue.

Asked what he does best as a pass catcher, Smith-Njigba said, “I get open.”

“If we would have sat here last year at this time looking at the 2023 draft we would have said that guy is easily a top five, 10 player and then he unfortunately had the hamstring injury,” Schneider said.

In the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft the Bears selected Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright.

The Bears had the chance to draft Jalen Carter at No. 9, but traded down to No. 10 for a fourth-round pick in 2024. The Philadelphia Eagles used the No. 9 pick to select Carter.

RELATED: Bears passing on Jalen Carter was right move for many reasons

But the Bears need help to protect quarterback Justin Fields and Wright fills a need on the right side of the offensive line. Braxton Jones doesn’t need to move and the Bears bolster the other side solving a need.

The Bears posted the video of Poles calling Wright to let him know he was being selected.

“Do you remember what we talked about when we came down there and worked you out?” Poles asked.

“Be one of the best,” Wright responded.

“One of the best. Ready to put in the work to get to that place?” Poles asked.

“Yes sir,” Wright responded.

“Well we’re going to put your name in here and you’re going to be a Bear,” Poles said.

And thanks to Tennessee, we can see the other side of the call.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

The Bears had the chance to draft Jalen Carter at No. 9, but traded down to No. 10 for a fourth-round pick in 2024. The Philadelphia Eagles used the No. 9 pick to select Carter.

The Bears head into Day 2 of the NFL Draft with three picks to make in a span of 11 picks between the end of the second round and the beginning of the third round.

RELATED: 10 players Bears may draft when Day 2 of NFL Draft starts

The Bears don’t have their own second round pick since they sent it to Pittsburgh in exchange for Chase Claypool part way through last season.

That pick would’ve been the first of the second round and 32nd overall. General manager Ryan Poles could look to trade up to make a pick earlier in the round.

How many picks do the Bears have left in 2023 NFL Draft

The Chicago Bears started the NFL Draft with a total of 10 draft picks. The Bears made a single pick in the first round, selecting Wright at No. 10.

The Bears now have nine remaining picks. For Friday night, which are the second and third round, the Bears have three picks. Chicago has two in the second round and one in the third.

On Saturday, Day 3 of the NFL Draft, the Bears have six picks in total, two in the fourth, two in the fifth and two in the seventh.

The sixth-round is the lone without a Bears pick.

List of Bears remaining picks in 2023 NFL Draft

Here is a full list of the Bears remaining picks in the 2023 NFL Draft.

• Round 2: No. 53 (from BAL)
• Round 2: No. 61 (from SF through CAR)
• Round 3: No. 64
• Round 4: No. 103
• Round 4: No. 133 (from PHI)
• Round 5: No. 136
• Round 5: No. 148 (from NE through BAL)
• Round 7: No. 218
• Round 7: No. 258

The Bears received one extra pick in this year’s NFL draft on Thursday when the league announced which teams earned compensatory picks. The Bears were awarded an extra seventh round pick, No. 258 overall. It will be the second-to-last pick in the draft.

Compensatory picks, or comp picks, are awarded at the ends of rounds three through seven. The picks are awarded to teams who lost more impactful players in free agency than they gained in free agency in the previous offseason.

Their sixth round pick belongs to the Dolphins due 2021’s Jakeem Grant trade.

Last year, Poles’ first selection came at No. 39, where he picked Kyler Gordon.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

In Round 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft Thursday night, the Chicago Bears chose to go the offensive route with Darnell Wright, a 21-year-old lineman from Tennessee. 

The Bears started out the evening with the 9th pick, but elected to trade the No. 9 pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for No. 10, and a 2024 fourth-round pick. The Eagles selected Carter.

That cleared the way for the Bears to select Wright, who will immediately upgrade their offensive line.

“The one thing that stands out with him, he’s a tone setter,” Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles said. “He plays with the edge to him, which we love, we want more of.”

After the pick, Wright was practically rendered speechless.

“I’m in shock right now,” Wright said at the outset of his introductory Zoom press conference with the media. “I’m literally in shock.” 

“It’s rare that you get to go somewhere where you really get to get coached by someone you really like and you feel like can take your game to the next level,” he added. “I’m somewhere I really wanted to be. So it’s almost like a pleasure. I don’t think a lot of people get that lucky.”

According to PFF, Wright allowed no sacks and just eight pressures in 2022, while going up against some of the best pass rushers in the SEC. In fact, Wright seemed to elevate his game against fierce competition. He neutralized Will Anderson, who was the first defensive player taken off the board this year, and B.J. Ojulari, who many expect could come off the board around the end of the first round, or beginning of the second round.

The Bears plan to introduce Wright Friday afternoon at a press conference at Halas Hall. Ahead of that, here are five things to know about the Bears’ pick.

His College Highlight Reel is Impressive

Wright played three seasons at Tennessee and saw 15 games in the SEC. He came on later in his college career, flashing his dominant size (6-foot-6 and 335 pounds) and footwork at the tackle position. 

In a video of Wright taking on Anderson —  arguably college football’s best pass rusher — he didn’t allow any sacks to his quarterback. 

Anderson was taken No. 3 overall in a trade-and-pick to the Houston Texans. Most believed he is the consensus best player in the draft. Yet, the Bears’ newest right tackle was able to hold his own against him in a game last season. 

He Thinks Bears QB Justin Fields is “Amazing”

Wright knows his job is to make sure Fields’ jersey looks like it just came off the rack at the Soldier Field fan store when the game ends. The prospect of blocking for an electric quarterback like Fields is exciting for the 21-year-old.

“That’s my only plan. That’s what I’m here for is for anything he needs,” Wright said of Fields on a Zoom with Chicago media on Thursday. “That’s my job to keep him clean. Amazing. Amazing quarterback, and the things he does, we’re going to have a great team. We’re going to have a very good team and it’s going to be great. Whatever I can do, no matter what that role is for the team, protecting him is going to be…that’s my job.”

Wright Could Be the ‘Best Player in the Draft’

One former NFL scout and ESPN analyst, Louis Riddick, raved about Wright on the ESPN broadcast of the draft, saying “(He) has the ability to be the best player in this draft.”

Others on Twitter agree. 

He Has Meticulous Study Habits

“There’s nothing really that I can’t do,” Wright said. “It’s just a matter of teaching it to me. Once I learn it, I steal it. It’s like, ‘Don’t teach it to me if you don’t want me to take it. It’s mine now.’ Then I just implement it into my game. I’m just, you see on tape that I have some stuff – you say it’s good or you say it’s advanced. But I don’t even know. Sometimes I feel like I’m just really out there free balling, off instincts. If that’s where I’m at right now, I don’t know. If I get around some of these NFL vets and they can really teach me, I don’t know how good I can be.”

Wright always believed that his limitless ceiling, meticulous study habits, and ability to thrive under pressure set him apart, Bears Insider Josh Schrock writes.

“I like to watch Trent Williams a lot,” Wright said. “His snatch and trap is as good as anybody. I’ve took that. In the Alabama game, Lane Johnson, he likes to go double under a lot, so I do that. Jason Peters, he loads up really heavy on that front foot, which I don’t do as much because I think there’s a time and a place for it, he kind of does it a lot. I took that. Tristan Wirfs, his right hand is so accurate sometimes, I try to be as accurate and I just feel like I just watched him do it, and I did in practice a few times and it’s in my repertoire.”

He Fills The Bears Biggest Hole — And Then Some

The Bears had a chance to draft Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter at No. 9, but elected to trade the No. 9 pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for No. 10 and a 2024 fourth-round pick. The Eagles selected Carter.

That cleared the way for the Bears to select Wright, who will immediately upgrade their offensive line.

The Bears’ selection of Wright is also a vote of confidence in left tackle Braxton Jones and a gift to quarterback Justin Fields.

Wright can play right or left tackle, but his sterling final season at Tennessee should allow the Bears to give Jones another season on the left side to see if he can develop into a building block. If he can’t, Wright can move over in 2024.

Drafting Wright also shores up what was the weakest part of the Bears’ leaky offensive line in 2022.

Larry Borom opened the 2022 season as the starting right tackle. He gave up 14 pressures and five sacks in just 264 pass-blocking snaps. Veteran Riley Reiff replaced Borom but didn’t fare much better, surrendering 18 pressures and three sacks in 293 pass-blocking snaps. That’s 32 pressures and eight sacks for the right tackle spot.

If 2023 is going to be the year Fields takes a giant step forward as a passer, that must change. You can’t get a full evaluation of a quarterback running for his life on a down-to-down basis. Fields deserves his share of criticism for some of the pressure numbers. He holds the ball too long and invites pressure while trying to make a big play out of nothing.

But there were countless instances in 2022 where Fields was under immediate pressure. That often came from the right side.

Wright should change that immediately.

Next up, Round 2. 

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

The 2023 NFL Draft kicked off Thursday, when the Carolina Panthers selected Alabama quarterback Bryce Young with the No. 1 pick. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner will join a rebuilding team with first-year head coach Frank Reich, who previously led the Indianapolis Colts.

The Houston Texans added a quarterback of their own at No. 2, selecting Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud before trading back up to No. 3 for Alabama EDGE rusher Will Anderson Jr.

The Chicago Bears, who traded their No.  9 pick to Philadelphia, at No. 10 selected Offensive Tackle Darnell Wright from Tennessee.

Here’s look at every pick from Round 1.

Round 1

1. Carolina Panthers (from Chicago): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

2. Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

3. Houston Texans (from Arizona): Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama

4. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

5. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

6. Arizona Cardinals (from L.A. Rams through Detroit): Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

7. Las Vegas Raiders: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

8. Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

9. Philadelphia Eagles (from Carolina through Chicago): Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

10. Chicago Bears (from New Orleans through Philadelphia): Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

11. Tennessee Titans: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern

12. Detroit Lions (from Cleveland through Houston and Arizona): Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

13. Green Bay Packers (from N.Y. Jets): Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa

14. Pittsburgh Steelers (from New England): Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

15. New York Jets (from Green Bay): Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State

16. Washington Commanders: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State

17. New England Patriots (from Pittsburgh): Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

18. Detroit Lions: Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pitt

20. Seattle Seahawks: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

21. Los Angeles Chargers: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

22. Baltimore Ravens: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

23. Minnesota Vikings: Jordan Addison, WR, USC

24. New York Giants ( from Jacksonville): Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

25. Buffalo Bills (from Jacksonville through N.Y. Giants): Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

26. Dallas Cowboys: Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan

27. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Buffalo): Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

28. Cincinnati Bengals: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson

29. New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco through Miami and Denver): Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson

30. Philadelphia Eagles: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

That ride reached the top floor Thursday when the Chicago Bears selected the Tennessee right tackle with the No. 10 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Wright is size, strength, athleticism, and intelligence all wrapped into one violent blocking machine. The 6-foot-5, 330-pound tackle has ideal length and power combined with the athleticism that saw him finish with the second-best athleticism score among tackles to test at the NFL Scouting Combine.

The 21-year-old Wright is coming off a brilliant season at Tennessee in which he allowed just eight total pressures while not surrendering a sack at right tackle. Wright dominated Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson and delivered clean sheets against LSU and Georgia.

In a draft class with four elite tackles, Wright always believed that his limitless ceiling, meticulous study habits, and ability to thrive under pressure set him apart.

“The main thing I tell them is: You see what I have done in a year and a half of just really, really focusing in and really trying to be my best self. You see what I did at the combine. You see the pro day. You see Senior Bowl,” Wright told NBC Sports Chicago in an exclusive interview before the draft. “You see, like, with just a little more attention to detail and a little more focus, you can see how far I’ve gotten. I don’t even feel like I’ve scratched the surface. If this is where I’m at now, I’m excited to see where I’ll be at when I’m 25, 24.

“There’s nothing really that I can’t do. It’s just a matter of teaching it to me. Once I learn it, I steal it. It’s like, ‘Don’t teach it to me if you don’t want me to take it. It’s mine now.’ Then I just implement it into my game. I’m just, you see on tape that I have some stuff – you say it’s good or you say it’s advanced. But I don’t even know. Sometimes I feel like I’m just really out there free balling, off instincts. If that’s where I’m at right now, I don’t know. If I get around some of these NFL vets and they can really teach me, I don’t know how good I can be.”

Wright’s improved film study helped him lock up Anderson and also gave him several new tools for his pass-blocking repertoire.

“I like to watch Trent Williams a lot,” Wright said. “His snatch and trap is as good as anybody. I’ve took that. In the Alabama game, Lane Johnson, he likes to go double under a lot, so I do that. Jason Peters, he loads up really heavy on that front foot, which I don’t do as much because I think there’s a time and a place for it, he kind of does it a lot. I took that. Tristan Wirfs, his right hand is so accurate sometimes, I try to be as accurate and I just feel like I just watched him do it, and I did in practice a few times and it’s in my repertoire.”

The Bears had a chance to draft Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter at No. 9, but elected to trade the No. 9 pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for No. 10 and a 2024 fourth-round pick. The Eagles selected Carter.

That cleared the way for the Bears to select Wright, who will immediately upgrade their offensive line.

The Bears’ selection of Wright is also a vote of confidence in left tackle Braxton Jones and a gift to quarterback Justin Fields.

Wright can play right or left tackle, but his sterling final season at Tennessee should allow the Bears to give Jones another season on the left side to see if he can develop into a building block. If he can’t, Wright can move over in 2024.

Draft Wright also shores up what was the weakest part of the Bears’ leaky offensive line in 2022.

Larry Borom opened the 2022 season as the starting right tackle. He gave up 14 pressures and five sacks in just 264 pass-blocking snaps. Veteran Riley Reiff replaced Borom but didn’t fare much better, surrendering 18 pressures and three sacks in 293 pass-blocking snaps. That’s 32 pressures and eight sacks for the right tackle spot.

If 2023 is going to be the year Fields takes a giant step forward as a passer, that must change. You can’t get a full evaluation of a quarterback running for his life on a down-to-down basis. Fields deserves his share of criticism for some of the pressure numbers. He holds the ball too long and invites pressure while trying to make a big play out of nothing.

But there were countless instances in 2022 where Fields was under immediate pressure. That often came from the right side.

Wright should change that immediately.

He’s a violent, powerful right tackle with an All-Pro ceiling. He had his way with Anderson and LSU’s B.J.Ojulari. He played Clemson’s Bryan Bresee to a draw.

His job now becomes simple: Keep Fields clean.

“If something goes wrong, he’s out of there,” Wright told NBC Sports Chicago about Fields. “And he can get out there! I appreciate that but I want to make it as smooth sailing as possible for him.”

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

Improving the offense and helping Justin Fields is paramount this year. Other than a midseason eruption, the team struggled to put points on the board last season, and oftentimes it felt like Fields was the only man on the field making plays. Sometimes it was due to a lack of offensive players who could execute in key scenarios. Other times it was because the porous line was allowing constant pressure. Ryan Poles addressed the playmaker problem when he traded for DJ Moore last month. Now he’s used the team’s first-round pick to help with the protection up front.

Wright rocketed up draft boards in the weeks leading up to the draft and broke into the conversation for top offensive line prospect along with Peter Skoronski, Paris Johnson Jr. and Broderick Jones. He was a popular pick for the Bears in many mock drafts, too. Publications from PFF to ESPN, and even our very own Josh Schrock predicted Wright to the Bears over the past month.

Wright is big and strong (6’5”, 333 lbs.), and moves surprisingly well for his size (5.01 40-yard dash). He uses that blend to excel in run blocking, which we know is a must for any offensive lineman in Poles’ eyes. Wright’s no slouch in pass pro, either. According to PFF, he allowed no sacks and just eight pressures in 2022, while going up against some of the best pass rushers in the SEC. In fact, Wright seemed to elevate his game against fierce competition. He neutralized Will Anderson, who was the first defensive player taken off the board this year, and B.J. Ojulari, who many expect could come off the board around the end of the first round, or beginning of the second round.

PFF draft expert Mike Renner believes Wright could be a great fit just because of how defenses try to attack Justin Fields and the Bears’ RPO attack. Defenders will often try to drive linemen straight into the mesh point of the RPO to make it easier to stick with the ball. Renner says Wright is the guy to stop that.

“Darnell Wright holds up to the bull rush better than any other tackle in this draft class so it just makes too much sense,” Renner said on NBC Sports Chicago’s “Football Night in Chicago.”

Wright also has the nasty streak that all teams look for in offensive linemen. His tape is filled with plays where he finishes a block by taking a player all the way to the ground, or finishing a block through the endzone on rushing touchdowns. Those reps display the hustle and intensity that Matt Eberflus demands of his players in his H.I.T.S. program.

All that said, Wright is still an ascending player. He continually improved throughout his Volunteers career, which included a move from right tackle to left tackle between the 2020 and 2021 seasons, and a move back to right tackle in 2022. There’s a chance the Bears have Wright compete with Braxton Jones on the left side, but it may be more productive to keep Wright at right where he blossomed last season. 

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Johnson is a popular pick for the Bears in final mocks, the player most frequently mocked to the Bears.

“Chicago might be hoping (Georgia defensive tackle Jalen) Carter falls here; remember when we thought it might take him at No. 1 overall? Instead, the Bears could pivot to offensive tackle and take the top lineman. We could see a run on tackles in the teens,” Kiper wrote.

Kiper’s ESPN colleague Todd McShay mocked Carter to the Bears and reported there is buzz around the pick.

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer does a mock draft based on sourcing rather than his own analysis, and he has the Bears drafting Johnson. Which makes you wonder whose reporting is more accurate.

It’s worth noting Breer’s final mock draft came out on Monday while McShay’s came out on Thursday morning, and information could’ve changed.

“Deep down, I think Johnson will go higher than this (you might be able to flip-flop this pick with the Raiders’ pick). But this, at least in my mind, would be the floor for Johnson, a high-character, tall, long 21 year old who looks like he came off a left tackle assembly line,” Breer wrote. “While he needs to get stronger, he’s young and will have time to do it, and so the ceiling is really high.”

NBC Sports’ Peter King also mocked Johnson to the Bears.

Breer’s mock draft is notable for two reasons. First, it’s based entirely on his sourcing rather than his own analysis. Second, last year Breer’s mock draft was the most accurate mock according to Fantasy Pros.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

There have been countless mocks and the picks for the Chicago Bears have been all over the map. That is in big part because the Bears had the No. 1 overall pick at the end of the season, but since traded it away to the Carolina Panthers for wide receiver DJ Moore and a haul of picks, including No. 9 and No. 61 picks in the 2023 draft.

The Bears were also frequently tied to defensive lineman Jalen Carter who has slid down draft boards with off the field concerns.

So now that it’s Draft Day, who do the experts have the Chicago Bears taking? We got it all right here.

We’ll start with the NBC Sports Chicago crew.

NBC Sports Chicago’s Josh Schrock – Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

This comes via a trade down from No. 9 to the Texans’ No. 12 pick.

“Wright is a big tackle at 6-foot-5, 333 pounds, but also has great athleticism for that size,” Schrock wrote. “He had the second-best athleticism score among tackles to test at the NFL Scouting Combine.

“The 21-year-old is coming off a brilliant senior season that saw him allow just eight pressures and zero sacks for the Vols. NFL Media draft expert Daniel Jeremiah called Wright a ‘plug-and-play’ right tackle option for the Bears.

“Wright can start immediately and has what many see as a limitless ceiling.”

NBC Sports Chicago’s Glynn Morgan – Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

This comes via a trade down from No. 9 to the Patriots’ pick at No. 14.

“Darnell Wright played extremely well this past season for the Tennessee Volunteers, helping them to a double digit win total (11), the most in approximately 15 seasons since last winning 10 games in 2007,” Morgan wrote. “A physical blocker with a smooth drop step and lateral slide, Wright acquitted himself well at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine. It’s possible the Bears may have drafted the best right tackle from this talented class of offensive linemen.”

NBC Sports’ Peter King: Paris Johnson Jr, OT, Ohio State

“If you’re GM Ryan Poles, you’ve solved a few problems already with offseason acquisitions at receiver (D.J. Moore) and linebacker (T.J. Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds) and guard (Nate Davis),” King wrote. “This is the next one—the rock at tackle Poles hopes Johnson can be. Johnson’s stock rose this offseason and he should be immediate help for a line that allowed an unacceptable 58 sacks last year.”

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer: Paris Johnson Jr, OT, Ohio State

Breer’s mock draft is notable for two reasons. First, it’s based entirely on his sourcing rather than his own analysis. Second, last year Breer’s mock draft was the most accurate mock according to Fantasy Pros.

“Deep down, I think Johnson will go higher than this (you might be able to flip-flop this pick with the Raiders’ pick). But this, at least in my mind, would be the floor for Johnson, a high-character, tall, long 21 year old who looks like he came off a left tackle assembly line,” Breer wrote. “While he needs to get stronger, he’s young and will have time to do it, and so the ceiling is really high.”

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr: Paris Johnson Jr, OT, Ohio State

“Chicago might be hoping Carter falls here; remember when we thought it might take him at No. 1 overall? Instead, the Bears could pivot to offensive tackle and take the top lineman. We could see a run on tackles in the teens,” Kiper wrote.

ESPN’s Todd McShay: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

“I mentioned this on Monday in my buzz file, but I think the Bears at No. 9 is the floor for Carter,” McShay wrote. “Imagine moving back from No. 1 to No. 9 and adding a package of picks and a new WR1 in DJ Moore, and then still somehow getting arguably the top prospect in the entire class? What a huge win this would be for GM Ryan Poles. Yes, there are off-field concerns with Carter, as he just pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing in connection with a fatal January crash. But I believe he’s going in the top 10, and he has every necessary tool to quickly become a star interior pass-rusher in the NFL while also plugging gaps against the run. Coach Matt Eberflus’ defense relies on the 3-technique position, and Carter’s potential there is very high.”

NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

“Wilson could easily go No. 2 overall to the Texans. He slips a bit, and the Bears hit a home run at No. 9,” Jeremiah wrote.

NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern

“Protecting Justin Fields is a top priority as the team continues to focus on surrounding its franchise quarterback with a better supporting cast in 2023,” Brooks wrote.

NFL.com’s Peter Schrager: Paris Johnson Jr, OT, Ohio State

“After trading out of the No. 1 slot back in March, the Bears do what they couldn’t in free agency: land a splashy offensive tackle. Johnson has risen up draft boards in recent weeks,” Schrager wrote.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

“GM Ryan Poles has done a nice job in free agency and in trading the first overall pick for a bundle to fill some roster holes, but there is still work to be done on the offensive line,” Zierlein wrote. “This choice could come down to how the Bears view the consistency of Peter Skoronski as a potential guard vs. the power and nastiness of Wright at right tackle.”

NFL.com’s Charles Davis: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

“Helping QB Justin Fields is a priority, and Wright has been steadily impressing teams along the run up to the draft,” Davis wrote.

NFL.com’s Eric Edholm: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

“The Bears met with Jalen Carter multiple times during the pre-draft process, and if they feel comfortable enough with his off-field issues, he could be the pick at No. 9 — and possibly the centerpiece of Matt Eberflus’ defense,” Edholm wrote.

USA Today’s Nate Davis: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

“As much help as Chicago still needs, another trade down would make sense … as would additional blocking help and weaponry for QB Justin Fields,” Davis wrote. “But a team that had a league-low 20 sacks in 2022 could certainly use an edge presence, and why not one with Smith’s extraordinary athleticism – including sub-4.4 40 and a 41-inch vertical leap at the combine? Mostly recovered from a torn pectoral muscle that ended his 2022 season, Smith should be ready to wreak havoc in Week 1.”

CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern

“Justin Fields got sacked 55 times in 2022, tied for the most along with Russell Wilson,” Podell wrote. “What a better way to fix the issue than by drafting Skoronski, Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded pass blocker (93.0) in all of college football in 2022?”

Fox Sports’ Jason McIntyre: Paris Johnson Jr, OT, Ohio State

“The Bears have spent lavishly in free agency, but not on the offensive line. The defense has holes, but protect Justin Fields and give him a chance to win,” McIntyre wrote.

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler: Paris Johnson Jr, OT, Ohio State

“Johnson would fill a glaring hole at right tackle,” Brugler wrote. “He’d give the Bears a better opportunity to win and fully evaluate if Justin Fields is the answer at quarterback.”

Sporting News’ Jacob Camenker: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

“The Bears might like it if Paris Johnson was on the board at this spot, but Wright is a very good consolation prize,” Camenker wrote. “He projects to be a plug-and-play right tackle, and the Bears would probably prefer to have Wright on the right compared to Teven Jenkins, who was better at guard last year.”

Pro Football Focus: Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa

“Chicago adds a young, versatile defensive lineman with tremendous athletic upside. Van Ness’ 27.7% pressure rate on true pass sets in 2022 ranked fourth in the FBS,” PFF wrote.

PFF’s Brad Spielberger: Paris Johnson Jr, OT, Ohio State

Spielberger’s mock doesn’t offer any analysis, but it’s worth noting Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski was the first tackle of the board going to the Raiders at No. 7.

The Mock Draft Consensus for Bears

If the analysts are right, it looks like the Bears are drafting an offensive tackle. After looking at 42 mock drafts (h/t Larry Mayer) The analysts are split between Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr and Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski.

Here is a break down of the picks from the mocks:

13 – Paris Johnson Jr, OT, Ohio State

13 – Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern

6 – Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

5 – Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

2 – Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

1 – Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

1 – Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa

1- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

Coverage of the 2023 NFL Draft begins on NBC Sports Chicago at 5 p.m. CT with Draft Night In Chicago: First Round Preview.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

When the season wrapped, the Chicago Bears had the No. 1 overall pick. 

It was an unexpected gift from former Bears head coach Lovie Smith. In the final game of the 2022 season, the Houston Texans shockingly beat the Indianapolis Colts thanks in part due to Smith’s decision to go for a two-point conversion to get the win instead of an extra point to tie the game.

That win gave the Bears the worst record in the NFL and the No. 1 pick. And Lovie was fired for it.

But the Bears and general manager Ryan Poles traded that pick to Carolina Panthers for a haul of picks and wide receiver DJ Moore. One of those was Carolina’s ninth-overall draft pick and the No. 61 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. It also includes a first-round pick in 2024, among others.

How many picks do the Bears have in the 2023 NFL Draft

The Chicago Bears have a total of 10 draft picks. The Bears have a single pick in the first and third rounds. They have two in the second round, two in the fourth, two in the fifth and two in the seventh.

The sixth-round is the lone without a Bears pick.

List of Chicago Bears 2023 NFL Draft picks

Here is a full list of the Bears’ picks in the 2023 NFL Draft.

• Round 1: No. 9 (from CAR)
• Round 2: No. 53 (from BAL)
• Round 2: No. 61 (from SF through CAR)
• Round 3: No. 64
• Round 4: No. 103
• Round 4: No. 133 (from PHI)
• Round 5: No. 136
• Round 5: No. 148 (from NE through BAL)
• Round 7: No. 218
• Round 7: No. 258

The Bears received one extra pick in this year’s NFL draft on Thursday when the league announced which teams earned compensatory picks. The Bears were awarded an extra seventh round pick, No. 258 overall. It will be the second-to-last pick in the draft.

Compensatory picks, or comp picks, are awarded at the ends of rounds three through seven. The picks are awarded to teams who lost more impactful players in free agency than they gained in free agency in the previous offseason.

The Bears don’t have their own second round pick since they sent it to Pittsburgh in exchange for Chase Claypool part way through last season. Their sixth round pick belongs to the Dolphins due 2021’s Jakeem Grant trade.

This is Ryan Poles’ first draft with a first round pick. Last year he didn’t have one because the Bears sent the 2022 first rounder to the Giants in the move up to select Justin Fields. Poles’ first selection came at No. 39, where he picked Kyler Gordon.

Coverage of the 2023 NFL Draft begins on NBC Sports Chicago at 5 p.m. CT with Draft Night In Chicago: First Round Preview.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

Teams around the league will be selecting college players to bolster their rosters, including the Chicago Bears who will take their first player with the ninth-overall pick.

Or will general manager Ryan Poles trade up? Or will he trade down to add more draft capital?

The answers to those questions are on the horizon, as the 2023 NFL Draft is about to get ticking.

Here is everything you need to know to watch the NFL Draft.

How to watch the 2023 NFL Draft

ESPN, ABC and NFL Network will broadcast the 2023 NFL Draft, which begin at 7 p.m. CT.

NBC Sports Chicago will also have coverage before, during and after the NFL Draft:

5:00 p.m. CT – Draft Night in Chicago: First Round Preview

Laurence Holmes previews the draft with former Bears head coach Dave Wannstedt and former Bears defensive end Alex Brown, who was drafted by the Bears in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft. This will air on NBC Sports Chicago before White Sox Pregame Live.

7:00 p.m. CT – Draft Night in Chicago: First Round Reaction

Under Center Podcast’s Ken Davis hosts with Bears reporter Alex Shapiro and draft analyst Glynn Morgan on the panel. NBC’s Mike Berman will do a hit live from Kansas City, the site of the 2023 NFL Draft. Bears Insider Josh Schrock will also report live from Halas Hall, the Bears’ team facility.

This will stream on NBC Sports Chicago’s social channels, Twitch and YouTube. It will also stream on NBC Chicago’s digital channel on Peacock, Roku, Samsung and other platforms.

9:30 – Draft Night in Chicago: First Round Recap

Immediately following White Sox Postgame Live, Laurence Holmes will be joined by Alex Brown and former NFL tight end Clay Harbor to break down the Bear picks.

Where to stream the 2023 NFL Draft

The draft will be available to stream on WatchESPN, CBS Sports HQ, NFL.com and fuboTV (free trial).

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

There are so many stories, sub-plots and angled misdirection emanating from this draft class, that it may become the most unpredictable first round we’ve seen in some time.

There are no consensus choices among the quarterback positions, arguably the best defensive player is mired in red flags and several teams have two first round selections they could use to manipulate the flow of talent.

I promised a rollercoaster all season, so step in and prepare for a wild ride.

NOTE: There are two proposed trades in this last mock between the Cardinals and Titans as well as the Bears and Patriots.

1. Panthers (via CHI): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

Ironically, the decision as to which player will be chosen at number one, is just as unclear as it was before the trade between the Panthers and Bears. Young is still slightly considered more creatively dynamic in the face of on-field adversity, so, I’ll consider him the favorite for now.

2. Texans: Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama

The Texans potentially set the 2023 NFL Draft spinning on its head, as they boldly, albeit pragmatically, select the most accomplished pass rusher from this class. Anderson becomes the first defensive player off the board, providing Houston a cornerstone prospect to build around.

3. Titans (via AZ): Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

It’s possible Tennessee leaves nothing to chance and proactively springs ahead of the Colts, taking Levis out of the mix for other teams. Choosing Levis provides the Titans with more athleticism and competition in an eclectic quarterback room. 

4. Colts: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

The Colts stand pat and take a chance on Stroud as he falls into their laps. Indianapolis settles on him being the quarterback with the least question marks as a potential franchise signal caller.

5. Seahawks (via DEN): Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia

Undoubtedly, Carter’s ability and potential make him worthy of a top five selection; but his actions are concerning and raise multiple red flags demanding meticulous scrutiny. Pete Carroll (head coach) will have to provide an environment conducive to Carter’s emotional growth and maturation to make this pick sustainable.

6. Lions (via LAR): Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

Quick and agile for his size (6’6″, 271 lbs), Wilson compliments his athleticism by utilizing his length (86 inch wingspan) to create leverage and manipulate blockers at the point of attack. The potential combination of Wilson and NFC Defensive Rookie of the Year, Aidan Hutchinson could become an unblockable tandem.

7. Raiders: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

The Raiders are virtually faceless at their cornerback position and desperately need immediate upgrades in that department. This long-limbed defender competes tenaciously for 50/50 jump balls, with an astounding 42 inch vertical that challenges the largest of catch radiuses. 

8. Falcons: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

Incumbent starting quarterback Desmond Ridder could definitely benefit from getting a day one starting slot receiver to expedite his growth as a passer. Smith-Njigba wastes little motion when leveraging defenders away from him, using angled cuts and smooth transitions into and out of his breaks on pass routes. 

9. Patriots (via CHI/CAR): Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

Witherspoon finished second in the Big Ten conference with 14 passes defended and added three interceptions on the season. His closing speed, high football I.Q. and concept visualization skills make him an intriguing prospect to NFL evaluators. According PFF (Pro Football Focus), Witherspoon is this season’s top rated coverage cornerback with a 92.5 rating. 

10. Eagles (via NO): Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

Robinson averaged six yards per carry (6.1) and rushed for 18 touchdowns this season. NFL scouts are impressed with Robinson’s entire repertoire as a complete running back, too. An adept pass catcher, Robinson also averaged 16.5 yards a reception with two receiving touchdowns.

11. Titans: Paris Johnson Jr, OT, Ohio State

Tennessee released offensive lineman Taylor Lewan, leaving a noticeable hole at left tackle to fill. An intelligent player who executes blocks well into the second level of defenses, he’s the type of agile blocker required in today’s more open offensive style of play.

12. Texans (via CLE): Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

Athletically gifted beyond imagination, Richardson’s physical attributes bursts through most measurable metrics, exponentially increasing his potential to become a star in the NFL. Houston can afford gambling on taking Richardson because it has two first round picks within the first 31 selections.

13. Packers (via NYJ): Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

Drafting Notre Dame’s best and most accomplished tight end in school history, could only improve a passing attack that struggles on crucial downs in close games. Taking a top flight tight end would greatly enhance unproven quarterback, Jordan Love’s immersion into the starter’s role for the Packers’ offense.

14. Bears (via NE): Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

Darnell Wright played extremely well this past season for the Tennessee Volunteers, helping them to a double digit win total (11), the most in approximately 15 seasons since last winning 10 games in 2007. A physical blocker with a smooth drop step and lateral slide, Wright acquitted himself well at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine. It’s possible the Bears may have drafted the best right tackle from this talented class of offensive linemen.

15. Jets (via GB): Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern

Skoronski is a respected pro prospect who flashes day one starting potential. According to PFF, Skoronski is the highest rated pass blocker (92.4) in the nation.

16. Commanders: Joey Porter Jr, CB, Penn State

Porter flashes shut down cover corner ability by utilizing his six-foot-two frame to blanket receivers and challenge receptions. Scheme friendly, Porter is equally adept in man or zone coverages, plus, his physicality in the run game cements his all around defensive acumen. 

17. Steelers: Broderick Jones, OL, Georgia

Excellent size (6’4″, 311 lbs) and impressive arm length allow Jones to sting and neutralize power rushers. His quick feet and loose lateral movements help in keeping tempo with speedy edge defenders. Jones may be the most athletically gifted offensive line prospect in the 2023 draft class. 

18. Lions: Calijah Kancey, DL, Pittsburgh

Kancey was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year this past season, and one look at his game clips illustrate how truly disruptive a player he can be. His low center of gravity paired with an extremely well-fortified base and upper body strength, allow him to stay low and leverage against blockers’ pad levels.

19. Buccaneers: Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa

A long, rangy athlete at 6-foot-5 and 275 pounds, Van Ness possesses enough size and athletic versatility to play inside or outside along the defensive line. Extremely quick when extending his arms, his length and suddenness generally catch blockers off-guard, helping him establish immediate leverage against most opposition. 

20. Seahawks: Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson

Should Murphy fall into the mid rounds, any team selecting him may be getting an underappreciated talent that slipped through the cracks. Extremely aggressive at the point of attack, Murphy utilizes his brute strength to overpower opponents. His ability to rush the passer is equaled by his effectiveness and tenacity against the run.

21. Dolphins: Forfeited

The Miami Dolphins forfeited one of their two first-round picks (plus a third-round pick in 2024) for tampering surrounding Tom Brady.

22. Chargers: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

If any athlete helped himself at this year’s NFL Combine, it was Smith. Posting a ridiculous 40-time of 4.39 seconds and showcasing a 41.5 inch vertical leap, Smith improved his draft status and turned any doubters into ardent believers.

23. Ravens: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

Admittedly, this suggested pick has a “hometown feel” to it with Banks being native son of Baltimore. Blessed with 4.3 timed speed and a 42-inch vertical, Banks is a frenetic cover corner, who tackles aggressively in run support.

24. Vikings: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

Starting quarterback Kirk Cousins is in the final year of his contract and will be 36 years old before the 2023 season ends. Getting a talented, mature leader with an accurate arm and unflappable poise like Hooker, could buffer the Vikings transition from Cousins’ possible departure.

25. Jaguars: O’Cyrus Torrence, OL, Florida

Torrence works well in space and does an excellent job of attacking the second level of defenses with effective consistency. He’s powerful enough to move the pile and mean enough to do so with practiced prejudice.

26. Giants: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

As a boundary receiver, Johnston possesses NFL caliber size (6’3″, 208 lbs), speed and a 40.5 inch vertical jump that should threaten opposing teams’ coverage schemes. New York needs some size among its receiving corps and Johnston’s expansive wing span would be most welcomed, especially in the red zone.

27. Cowboys: Bryan Breese, DL, Clemson

The Cowboys ranked 22nd in yards allowed per game (129.3) and during the playoffs, being unable to stop the run cost them these past two postseasons. Bresee plays with a brute force ugliness that doesn’t apologize when making things difficult for opposing teams.

28. Bills: Jordan Addison, WR, USC

The 2021 Biletnikoff Award recipient’s upside oozes with vast untapped potential that could provide an immediate impact. Addison is a scheme proof, quarterback friendly receiver, who can execute the entire route tree and merge seamlessly with any level of pass thrower.

29. Bengals: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

Kincaid is an impressive receiver at the tight end position, having led his team in receptions (70), receiving yards (890) and aerial scores (8). The Associated Press selected him as an All-American due in part to him leading all FBS tight ends in receiving yards per game (77.3). 

30. Saints (via SF): Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State

In a conference dominated with elite athletes, especially in the defensive secondary, Forbes quietly performed as one the SEC’s best pass defenders. He led the conference in interceptions (6), interception return yardage (174), and interceptions returned for touchdowns (3). Long-limbed, lean, lightning quick with speed for deep coverage, Forbes may be this draft’s defensive diamond in the rough.

31. Eagles: Bryan Branch, S, Alabama

A physical player, Branch’s tightly muscled core and strong lower body create significant torque when driving through opponents on his tackles. Branch is truly one of the best back end, hybrid defensive prospects in the upcoming draft.

32. Chiefs: Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State

According to Big 12 coaches, McDonald IV was a consistent force from the defensive perimeter, registering 28 sacks over the past three seasons. His talents were so widely respected by the conference’s coaches, they voted him First Team All-Big 12 for his elite play during that span of time.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

“Family friend is an area scout. Told my dad today Bears are enamored with Bijan. He’s the pick,” they wrote. “Ban me from this sub if I’m wrong.”

Usually, it’s not wise to accept sourced info from anonymous Reddit users, a land of people trying to be trolls. But before you immediately toss it out, look at recent history.

The Bears trading the No. 1 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers a little over a month ago, kind of broke on Reddit hours before it happened later that day. The user put a more vague “big Bears news” is coming message out there that turned out to be the trade.

But other “friend of a friend” Reddit posts have broken Chicago sports news in the past too.

Two Redditors broke the news that Jose Quintana was going to be traded from the White Sox to the Cubs, which people refused to believe in the moment.

So it’s happened before.

Couple that with what Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham said yesterday. Most people think it’s not worth taking a running back in the top 10 of the draft these days, or even the first round for the most part. No running backs were drafted in the first round last year.

“I think it’s worth it,” Cunningham said when asked if taking a running back in the top 10 is worth it in today’s NFL.

And we’ve heard some credible NFL analysts link the Bears to Robinson before.

“Somebody told me don’t sleep on Bijan with them either way,” NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah told Peter Schrager on his podcast The Season. 

No analysts have projected the Bears to take Robinson with the ninth-overall pick in their mock drafts, at least not that we’ve seen. Most mocks have the Bears taking an offensive tackle or Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, if he falls. ESPN’s Matt Miller has the Bears taking Iowa pass rusher Lukas Van Ness.

Both offensive and defensive line are glaring needs for the Bears, who currently have Khalil Herbert, D’Onta Foreman and Travis Homer in the running back room already. Foreman and Homer were signed just last month to replace David Montgomery, who signed with the Lions.

But there is an argument to be made that Robinson could technically be the best player available, even if teams don’t think it’s worth drafting running backs that high anymore.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution’s D. Orlando Ledbetter had the Falcons drafting Robinson at No. 8 in our beat reporter mock draft for that very reason.

“So the best player at No. 8 for them you got to take the running back,” Ledbetter said. “Top-five talent, you know nobody expected him to go this high. But if they’re going to do what they say, he’s the best player and you just pair him with Tyler Allgeier. You got some more weapons on that offense. You protect that quarterback you’re trying to develop and keep it moving.”

That same logic could be applied to the Bears taking Robinson. The Bears could use another elite talent at the skill positions to really open up Justin Fields’ potential on offense.

But the Bears also need to keep Fields from being sacked or running for his life too.

And the Bears need to stop opposing teams from scoring points. Last year they became the first team in NFL history to lose three straight games while scoring 29 points or more.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

Here is the panel we had making the picks:

Pick No. 1 Carolina Panthers – Fox Sports 1340’s Sheena Quick
Pick No. 2 Houston Texans – Houston Chronicles’ Jonathan Alexander
Pick No. 3 Arizona Cardinals – Darren Urban from Cardinals.com
Pick No. 4 Indianapolis Colts – JJ Stankevitz from Colts.com
Pick No. 5 Seattle Seahawks – The Seattle Times’ Bob Condotta
Pick No. 6 Detroit Lions – Pride Of Detroit’s Jeremy Reisman
Pick No. 7 Las Vegas Raiders – Vinny Bonsignore from the Las Vegas Review-Journal
Pick No. 8 Atlanta Falcons – Atlanta Journal Constitution’s D. Orlando Ledbetter
Pick No. 9 Chicago Bears – Josh Schrock from you know where

And here is how it played out.

1. Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

“Honestly, it was up in the air because, of course, some people still like Anthony Richardson and what he could possibly bring to a franchise,” Quick said. “But I think that Bryce Young is your safest pick and a lot of people equate safe with with not being positive.

“I wouldn’t necessarily say that, but Bryce is definitely shown that he’s a winner. He has pocket presence. And if you look at the top of the statistics amongst those four quarterbacks, he’s routinely at the top of those. So he’s a performer. He’s a prime time player. And I think that he will do very well in this offense with the mentors that he does have and the veterans on the offensive side of the ball.”

2. Houston Texans: Will Anderson, Jr., EDGE, Alabama

“The number two pick is going to be Will Anderson,” Alexander said. “I think they should pick C.J. Stroud but I’m not making that pick. You talk to a lot of people around the league they think that the Texans are going to pass on the quarterback with the number two pick. I don’t think they’re in love with him.”

3. Arizona Cardinals: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

“Well, in this scenario, obviously, we’re not going to be trading at all. But I would think that if this came down, this would put the Cardinals in a prime position to trade with somebody who might want to trade up for a quarterback, maybe get ahead of the Colts,” Urban said.

“So if this is how it would play out, I would fully expect the Cardinals to try and trade. But assuming they stay at this position and with these guys on the board, I’m saying they would take Texas Tech edge rusher Tyree Wilson.”

4. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

J.J. Stankevitz gave host Ken Davis the option of choosing a number between one and three, Ken chose two.

“Anthony Richardson, quarterback Florida,” Stankevitz revealed was behind door No. 2.

“Any of the three guys you’re talking about, C.J. Stroud, Will Levis, Anthony Richardson, any of those guys would be a great fit for the Colts. And that’s because Shane Steichen does not have a certain type of quarterback that he needs to run an offense. He’s going to build an offense around the talent or whatever that his quarterback has.

“So in Anthony Richardson’s case, you’re building an offense that’s probably going to be run first, use his arm strength and then try to develop him as a passer.”

But what about Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud and Kentucky’s Will Levis?

“But if you said a number three, I’m going in alphabetical order here, that would have been C.J. Stroud,” Stankevitz said. “You can develop an offense to accentuate his pinpoint accuracy and his decision making.

“If you went with number one, Will Levis in that in that scenario, you develop an offense that utilizes his arm strength, his mobility on some of the zone read stuff.

“Look, this is a dream scenario for us here in Indianapolis where we get to have our pick of those three quarterbacks. So I don’t care who it is, frankly. I’d like to get one of those guys.”

5. Seattle Seahawks: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

“Given the way this board has has broken, I’m going to go with C.J. Stroud,” Condotta said. “And I was prepared to go with Jalen Carter if C.J. started already gone. But I’m going to go with C.J. Stroud here.

The Seahawks do have Geno Smith and they do have him under contract for a couple more years here. But I think they could look at the long-term here and the rare opportunity to pick, what they hope anyway is a rare time, that they’re picking in the top ten of the draft and go with a quarterback and try to just kind of take a chance on a guy.

“And it’s sort of the same philosophy that obviously with a much lower pick, but kind of the same philosophy that led them to Russell Wilson in 2012 when nobody really thought they needed a quarterback either.

“But I think this time, though, when they have you know, they have two of the top 20 picks, they have four of the top 52 and five in the in the top three round. So they can get some other they address some of their needs with some of the other picks they have. And so here they can kind of try to get a quarterback who maybe could be a foundational guy for a long time.”

6. Detroit Lions: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

“If I were making this pick, it’s Jalen Carter,” Reisman said. “There’s no question the Lions need that interior pass rush. It’s their biggest need and Jalen Carter is arguably the biggest talent in this draft. But I do think that the character concerns are too much that Dan Campbell wouldn’t take a risk on this guy. I really do.

“And so while my heart hates for me to say it, but I think my brain thinks this is what would happen if Jalen Carter is there at No. 6, I think the Lions are going to take Devon Witherspoon the corner out of Illinois. He is all that Dan Campbell likes. He sees this gritty guy. He doesn’t mind getting his nose dirty in the run game. He’s a great press corner, which is what the Lions like in their cornerbacks.

“…As I would like to see Jalen Carter in Honolulu blue I think Devon Witherspoon is the better culture fit it and still feels a pretty big long term need here.”

7. Las Vegas Raiders: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Vinny Bonsignore from the Las Vegas Review-Journal said the Raiders would also pass on Jalen Carter because of the character issues and noted the Henry Ruggs III accident which led to felony DUI charges.

He also noted the Raiders would’ve liked Witherspoon, and potentially interested in trading down

“If they stay put, I think maybe they get a little bit lucky here and are able to bring in Christian Gonzalez,” Bonsignore said. “I think when you look at their scheme and what they’re trying to do, Witherspoon probably fits a little bit more.

“But at the same time, when you look at Christian Gonzalez, the athleticism, the speed, the size, the length, he is a good run defender. He tackles, he’s not afraid to do that. He was asked to do a certain thing in Oregon. I think with all of his physical traits and athletic traits, he’ll be able to do what the Raiders ask him to do as well.

“So maybe five years down the road, while they may prefer Devon Witherspoon right now, I think this might turn out to be a great stroke of luck that Gonzalez was there, that the Lions passed on him for Witherspoon and the Raiders arguably got the better player.”

8. Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

“They’re trying to stay they’re a best player available team,” Ledbetter said. “And two of their guys are already gone Tyree Wilson and Gonzalez. So that left three people for them, Lukas Van Ness, Nolan Smith and Bijan Robinson.

They’re not going to do Jalen Carter. It’s the character issues. They’re more put off by the fact that he didn’t practice at Georgia, practiced when he wanted to took over when he wanted to. And it just got too many sounds of Jadeveon Clowney in him. They’ve been trying to get everybody to go hard play hard and they got everybody bought in, so you really couldn’t drop him into this team right now.

“So the best player at No. 8 for them you got to take the running back. Top-five talent, you know nobody expected him to go this high. But if they’re going to do what they say, he’s the best player and you just pair him with Tyler Allgeier. You got some more weapons on that offense. You protect that quarterback you’re trying to develop and keep it moving.”

He noted the Falcons do need a pass rusher, but none of the guys on the board are “bona fide, for sure pass rushers.”

9. Chicago Bears: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

“I’m going to be honest, if it shakes out like this on Thursday, it’s going to be an incredibly tough decision because Jalen Carter is not off the Bears board, but they need a tackle desperately,” Schrock said. “And the way the draft shakes out, there’s four top tackles and there’s a giant gap between four and five. I’m going to take Darnell Wright.

“I think the Bears want a right tackle. I think it’s between (Peter) Skoronski and Darnell Wright. I think they want to give Braxton Jones another full year to see if he can be a left tackle. Paris Johnson is maybe the most talented tackle, but he’s already switched from guard to tackle, this would be three different positions in three years playing him at right. I don’t think they go that way.

“I’m going to go with Darnell Wright. And let someone else take the chance on Jalen Carter and make me look silly because I think Darnell Wright has All-Pro potential at right tackle and could eventually play left if Braxton Jones doesn’t work out in the future.”

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer just dropped his mock draft and it’s notable for two reasons.

First, it’s based entirely on his sourcing rather than his own analysis.

“This is what I’ve gotten after dozens of calls, texts and check-ins with every team in the league over the last two months,” Breer wrote.

Second, Breer’s 2022 mock was incredibly accurate, the most accurate mock of 2022 as a matter of fact, according to Fantasy Pros.

RELATED: 2023 NFL mock draft: Bears fill every hole thanks to trade down

Breer has the Chicago Bears drafting Ohio State offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. Northwestern offensive tackle Peter Skoronski has been tied to the Bears a lot as well, Breer has the Raiders picking him at No. 7.

And Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter has been another name linked to the Bears, and Breer has him going to the Seahawks at No. 5.

“Deep down, I think Johnson will go higher than this (you might be able to flip-flop this pick with the Raiders’ pick). But this, at least in my mind, would be the floor for Johnson, a high-character, tall, long 21 year old who looks like he came off a left tackle assembly line,” Breer wrote. “While he needs to get stronger, he’s young and will have time to do it, and so the ceiling is really high.

“Skoronski would make sense, too. I’ve heard the Bears would be good with Carter. If he slips, I could see them taking him, and that is in part because, if an offensive lineman they like isn’t there, my sense is they would look for a defensive lineman here.”

We know from a previous Breer story that an anonymous AFC exec said the Bears would pick Johnson.

“Knowing the scouting tree that Poles is coming from, I’d think it’ll be Paris,” an AFC exec told Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. “It’s the size, the length, just having a pass-blocking left tackle, it matches up.”

NBC Sports’ Peter King also had the Bears taking Johnson Jr. in his final mock draft.

“If you’re GM Ryan Poles, you’ve solved a few problems already with offseason acquisitions at receiver (D.J. Moore) and linebacker (T.J. Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds) and guard (Nate Davis),” King wrote. “This is the next one—the rock at tackle Poles hopes Johnson can be. Johnson’s stock rose this offseason and he should be immediate help for a line that allowed an unacceptable 58 sacks last year.”

ESPN’s Mel Kiper had the Bears taking Johnson in a late-March mock draft, but his more recent mock draft had the Bears taking Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright. NBC Sports Chicago’s Josh Schrock has the Bears trading down and selecting Wright.

The Bears were on Johnson’s shortlist of preferred teams, after his no income tax preferences were ruled out because they don’t need an offensive tackle.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

If you don’t want to sit around and watch the first eight picks get made and just tune in when the Bears are on the clock, here is our best approximation of when that will be.

And reminder, the Bears cold trade back from the No. 9 pick and draft even later.

Our best guess is you’ll want to tune in at 8 p.m. CT. The Bears will be on the clock for up to 10 minutes before making their pick, the NFL Network and ESPN crews will divide that time breaking down the previous pick and looking ahead to the Bears options.

And the draft could be moving quickly or slowly based upon the picks made before, and if there are any trades.

We’re basing our guess on last year’s draft. In 2022, the Seattle Seahawks drafter Charles Cross with the ninth-overall pick at 8:09 p.m. CT.

Things went a little slower in 2021, with the Broncos selecting Patrick Surtain II at 8:26 p.m. CT.

The ninth-pick in the 2020 NFL Draft was around that same time.

And again in 2019, the ninth-overall pick was also around the 8:20 p.m. CT mark.

But in 2018, the 49ers drafted Mike McGlinchey with the ninth-overall pick at 8:06 p.m. CT.

So tuning in at 8 p.m. CT will make sure you don’t miss the pick if it goes on the earlier side. Worst case scenario, you have to wait a few minutes longer.

And if you want to watch more of the first eight picks with Bears-centric analysis leading up to and after the Bears draft pick, NBC Sports Chicago will be streaming Draft Night in Chicago: First Round Reaction, reacting to each pick of the first round up to the Bears in real-time, dissecting how it impacts the Bears.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

And that includes ESPN’s Matt Miller, who dropped his final mock draft of the season, which includes all seven rounds. For those hoping the Bears trade down, Miller opted against including trades.

With the ninth overall pick in the draft, Miller has the Chicago Bears selecting Iowa defensive end Lukas Van Ness.

“The Bears are positioned to take the best player available in Ryan Poles’ second draft, and Van Ness offers both an immediate impact and a stunning ceiling,” Miller wrote. “He didn’t start at Iowa but produced seven sacks in 2022. At 6-5 and 272 pounds, with 34-inch arms, he has fantastic open-field agility. During position drills at the combine, one scout texted me that he ‘looks like a strong safety’ given his movement and ability to change directions.

“In coach Matt Eberflus’ 4-3 defense, you would love to see an interior pass-rusher here, but there isn’t a defensive tackle worthy of the No. 9 pick with Carter off the board.”

Most mock drafts have the Bears taking an offensive tackle if Jalen Carter doesn’t fall to nine. Miller has Carter going to the Seattle Seahawks at No. 5, so he’s off the board. But in Miller’s mock, the no offensive tackles had come of the board when the Bears came on the clock. They could’ve had their pick of the group and pass for a player who didn’t start in college.

While some Iowa fans would presumably be elated with the pick, a lot of Bears fans might be left scratching their head.

Miller has the Bears drafting Wisconsin defensive tackle Keeanu Benton with the 53rd overall pick, their first in the second-round. Defensive tackle is a big need for the Bears and a big reason why Carter was consistently mocked to the Bears when they owned the No. 1 overall pick.

The Bears finally address the offensive line with the 61st overall pick, their second in the second-round, by selecting Ohio State offensive tackle Dawand Jones.

“There has been plenty of speculation that the Bears could draft an offensive tackle in the first round, but Jones is good value in the second,” Miller wrote. “He might even remind GM Ryan Poles of a tackle he helped sign in Kansas City: Orlando Brown Jr. At 6-8 and 374 pounds with 36 3/8-inch arms, Jones is almost impossible to run around. And despite average flexibility and quickness, he was very successful against NFL-caliber pass-rushers at Ohio State. Jones could slot in at right tackle in Week 1.”

With the first pick of the third round, 64th overall, Miller has the Bears drafting Ohio State center Luke Wypler. That gives Justin Fields two former teammates on his offensive line.

Here is Miller’s full mock draft for the Bears. It includes a lot of offensive help, including a pair of wide receivers and a running back.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.

The Bears have since traded the No. 1 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers, and Carter is still a popular pick for Chicago at the No. 9 pick.

That’s in part because Carter’s draft stock took a hit after he pled no contest to two misdemeanor counts of reckless driving and racing, in connection with a deadly car crash that killed one of Carter’s teammates and team staffer.

Then showed up to his Pro Day significantly heavier than he was when he weighed in at the NFL Combine, and had to cut his Pro Day short because he was too winded to complete all his drills.

But a lot of mocks have Carter being drafted before the Bears come on the clock and the Bear taking an offensive tackle.

ESPN Draft analyst Todd McShay actually thinks the Bears could trade back if Carter is off the board.

“If Carter isn’t there, I could see Chicago entertaining a trade back for even more draft capital,” McShay wrote.

McShay does note the Bears could stay at No. 9 and draft an offensive tackle as well.

Our own insider Josh Schrock has the Bears trading down and drafting Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright.

McShay thinks if the Bears trade down it could be for more defensive lineman help, not to target Wright, a right tackle that might be available later in the first-round.

“It needs defensive line help, and dropping back into range for Iowa’s Lukas Van Ness, Georgia’s Nolan Smith or Pitt’s Calijah Kancey makes sense.”

The Bears have needs in the trenches on both sides of the ball, an offensive tackle to protect Justin Fields or someone who can disrupt opponent’s pass game.

You can’t go wrong either way.

Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.