Chicago Bears 2023 Mock Draft: Going By What The Rumors Say

Every Chicago Bears 2023 mock draft is basically a guessing game. It showcases different scenarios that could unfold depending on what Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus want to do. Nobody can say for sure what they’re planning or what other teams will try once the bullets start flying. One thing we can do is stick close to some of the more persistent rumors surrounding the team. Some of them could end up being a smokescreen. Others might offer a clear indication of what’s coming.

Poles hasn’t been shy about making his intentions clear. The guy isn’t known for crafting misdirections as Ryan Pace did. Still, he won’t outright tell anybody what he plans to do. So let’s take a look at what feels right based on what we’ve heard.

This Chicago Bears 2023 mock draft is about following breadcrumbs.

Trade: 9th overall pick to Commanders for 16th pick, 47th pick, and 4th in 2024

1st Round (via WSH): Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

A few things here. The rumors persist that Chicago is angling to trade down again, hoping to stockpile more picks. Secondly, Poles indicated that it’s likely the team will hunt for their right tackle solution in the draft. With both of those factors in mind, Wright is the pick. He will be available in the mid-teens and is the most proven right tackle by a wide margin. Every other option on the board has exclusively played left tackle. Wright can step in and play that spot immediately. He’s big, strong, violent, and athletic. Everything they want.

2nd Round (via WSH): Adetomiwa Adebawore, DL, Northwestern

The Bears have hovered around Adebawore for months. He’s been in their backyard at Northwestern since arriving in college and made strong impressions at both the Senior Bowl and scouting combine. He brings athleticism, effort, and length to the table. While an edge rusher in college, many believe he’s a better fit inside at defensive tackle. This coaching staff would likely use him in both roles, hence the interest in him.

2nd Round: Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State

Remember the theme here. Poles and Eberflus want long athletes. Brents is definitely both of those things. He’s 6’3 with 34-inch arms. On top of that, he’s physical for a corner and isn’t afraid to throw his body around. He can match receivers one-on-one and has developed a nice nose for the football after four interceptions last season. This guy could be a monster with more technique polish.

2nd Round (via BAL): Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame

Foskey doesn’t get much hype because despite being consistently productive as a pass rusher for the Irish. He’s big, long, and a good athlete. The building blocks are there for a good player. His primary issue is a lack of diversity in his approach. He’s too reliant on one or two moves to get home. That won’t fly in the NFL. Thankfully good coaching can fix an issue like that.

Trade: 64th pick to Rams for 69th pick, 167th pick, and 171st pick

Trade: 69th pick to Colts for 79th pick, 138th pick, and 5th in 2024

3rd Round (via IND): Juice Scruggs, C, Penn State

Momentum has steadily built for Scruggs in the past few months. Teams are beginning to notice his mixture of intelligence, agility, and toughness. While not anything special physically, he’s well-put-together and a dog in the trenches. Doesn’t back down from anybody. He is a no-nonsense blocker teams learn to trust.

4th Round: Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane

The Bears tried to find that change-of-pace running back last year with Trestan Ebner. Sadly it didn’t work out. They need somebody who complements Khalil Herbert and D’Onta Foreman by being a threat in the passing game. Spears has the speed, route-running ability, and soft hands made for that role.

4th Round (via PHI): Moro Ojomo, DT, Texas

Depth up front is critical in any defense but it’s especially true in a 4-3 where the front four are required to do most of the heavy lifting. Ojomo is a powerful dude with long arms. He’s already a great candidate for a nose tackle, but he has some pass rush potential if he can learn to get up the field with more quickness.

5th Round: Charlie Jones, WR, Purdue

Jones exploded in 2022 with over 1300 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. He won’t win awards for size but he’s got speed and is a crisp route-runner. Smart teams will see him as an immediate option for the slot. He’s one of those guys that just seems to make the play when the ball is thrown his way.

5th Round (via IND): Quindell Johnson, S, Memphis

Turnovers is the biggest teaching point in this defense. Any Bears 2023 mock draft needs to keep that in mind. Johnson was a ballhawk at Memphis, demonstrating great instincts for grabbing the football in the air. If teams can overlook his size and okay-not-great physicality, he can be a major asset.

5th Round (via BAL): Viliami Fehoko, EDGE, San Jose State

Some guys just know how to rush the passer. Fehoko will get criticized for his lack of burst and bend. That doesn’t stop him from using his relentless motor and a savvy arsenal of moves to attack the backfield. His 22 sacks and 44 tackles for a loss over the past three years suggest he gets it done.

5th Round (via LAR): Stetson Bennett, QB, Georgia

Backup quarterbacks in the NFL must be smart, efficient, well-prepared, and steady under fire. Bennett showed all of those traits as a two-time national champion for Georgia. He’s undersized and on the older side, but he’s athletic enough for this system and throws with good anticipation and accuracy.

5th Round (via LAR): Josh Whyle, TE, Cincinnati

The Bears already have two tight ends that are good blockers with some receiving ability. What they need is a more dynamic pass-catching threat. Whyle has the mixture of height, hands, and speed to threaten the seam, creating mismatches through the air in the middle of the field.

7th Round: Starling Thomas V, CB, UAB

He doesn’t get the same hype as other prospects because of humble origins, but Thomas V is a freak athlete with 6’0 size and 4.3 speed. He had 15 passes defended in his lone year for UAB, demonstrating an ability to blanket receivers in press and get his hands on the ball.

7th Round (comp): Jake Moody, K, Michigan

Cairo Santos didn’t have a bad year kicking for the Bears, but there were enough signs of concern that it would be wise for the team to keep its options open. Moody has a strong enough leg to hit from beyond 50, has worked in poor weather, and showed he can step up in big games.