Chicago Bears 2023 Mock Offseason: Playing The Long Game

Every Chicago Bears 2023 mock offseason is about exploring possibilities. That is because there is almost no limit to them. What we know right now is GM Ryan Poles has tons of leverage. He holds the #1 pick. That means he can either use it on the best player available or trade it to a team seeking a top quarterback. It comes down to the offers made and how much he likes certain players in the class. Rumors have already begun surfacing about what might happen.

We know that Poles will stay focused on what he deems the premium positions. It sounds like the offensive and defensive lines are his top priorities. That is hardly a surprise. Both were glaring weaknesses for this team throughout 2022. It is merely a matter of how the Bears will attack both problems. Here is yet another possible scenario that makes sense.

This Chicago Bears 2023 mock offseason stays focused up front.

Cuts:

• OG Cody Whitehair – $5.8 million saved
• DE Al-Quadin Muhammad – $4 million saved

Re-signings/Extensions:

• Jaylon Johnson – 4-year extension for $70 million
• David Montgomery – 3-year deal for $21 million
• Cole Kmet – 4-year extension for $48 million
• Darnell Mooney – 4-year extension for $60 million
• Nicholas Morrow – 2-year deal for $10 million
• Armon Watts – 1-year deal for $1.08 million
• N’Keal Harry – 1-year deal for $1.08 million
• Trevon Wesco – 1-year deal for $1.08 million
• Matthew Adams – 1-year deal for $1.08 million
• Dane Cruikshank – 1-year deal for $1.08 million
• DeAndre Houston-Carson – 1-year deal for $1.165 million
• Patrick Scales – 1-year deal $1.165 million
• Josh Blackwell – ERFA deal for $750,000

Free Agency:

• DT Da’Ron Payne – 5-year deal for $95 million
• DT Poona Ford – 3-year deal for $21 million
• LB Bobby Okereke – 3-year deal for $24 million
• OT Jawaan Taylor – 4-year deal for $70 million
• WR Allen Lazard – 3-year deal for $33 million

It is a good market for defensive tackles this year. The Bears have every reason to take advantage. Adding Payne gives them the much-needed interior pass rush presence they lacked this past season. Ford is quietly one of the better interior run defenders too. Okereke is a solid, reliable linebacker who knows Eberflus’ defense. Taylor has emerged as one of the best pass-protecting right tackles in the NFL. Lazard is a top blocking wide receiver in the league and a dangerous red zone threat.

The Draft:

• Trade: #1 pick to Carolina for #9 pick, 2nd in 2023, 3rd in 2023, 1st in 2024, 2nd in 2024, and EDGE Brian Burns
• Trade: #9 pick and 3rd in 2023 to the Raiders for #7 pick

1st Round (via LVR): Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern

Poles made it clear his goal is to beef up the offensive and defensive lines this off-season. Finding a way to do both simultaneously is the ideal scenario. That is why he decides to take a calculated gamble by falling all the way to the bottom of the top 10. It also nets him a star pass rusher in Brian Burns while securing that coveted future 1st round pick. Then he jumps back up two spots to accomplish the other part of his task, securing what many feel is the best overall offensive lineman in the class. Skoronski was a superb tackle and can play there in the NFL. However, if the Bears are wary of his shorter arms, they can simply move him inside, where he’d likely end up a Pro Bowl guard.

2nd Round (via IND): Rashee Rice, WR, SMU

There are so many things to like about Rice. He’s not the biggest, strongest, or fastest. However, he has enough of those three elements to give defensive backs problems on every play. He’s a sharp route-runner, boasts strong hands, and makes the tough catches that Justin Fields needs more of. Maybe he isn’t a true #1 guy, but Rice has good player written all over him.

2nd Round (via BAL): Andre Carter II, EDGE, Army

Not only is Carter a freak of nature at 6’7 with 34-inch arms and excellent quickness, but he’s also noted for great intelligence and maturity. He flashed dominance on a regular basis. The only thing holding him back is the uncertainty around his military commitments. Recent updates indicate he has the green light to play. If he cleans up some technique issues, he will be hard to block in the NFL.

3rd Round: Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa

Athleticism and length were two things Matt Eberflus said he’d prioritize moving forward. Campbell exhibited both during his time at Iowa. He moves well for his 6’5 size and demonstrates an ability to be a problem in coverage. His instincts are good even though he doesn’t always utilize his best traits to their full potential. Working under this coaching staff will help with that.

4th Round: Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Iowa State

Bringing 6’3 size to the table is never a bad thing. Hutchinson couples that with underrated speed, good body control, and reliable hands. Despite inconsistent quarterback play, he was consistently productive during his three years of college. As he continues fine-tuning his routes, he will get better.

4th Round (via PHI): Quindell Johnson, S, Memphis

This Bears 2023 mock offseason had to determine if it was time to think about life after Eddie Jackson. So adding Johnson felt like the right move. He was an outstanding ballhawk at Memphis, with 10 interceptions and four forced fumbles. He also had over 300 tackles, demonstrating his willingness to do the dirty work.

5th Round: Kenny McIntosh, RB, Georgia

A true dual-threat weapon. Despite playing on a loaded roster, McIntosh still stood out during his final year at Georgia. He had 829 yards rushing and 505 receiving. He has good vision and acceleration to hit the holes when they appear. His soft hands also make him a constant threat as a pass-catcher.

5th Round (via BAL): Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

The young QB had the Volunteers in the hunt for a national title. He played his best football, demonstrating keen awareness, accuracy, and poise in big games. His knee injury was devastating since it likely cost him a chance to go in the 1st round. Getting him this late is a worthwhile long-term investment.

7th Round: Arquon Bush, CB, Cincinnati

He was constantly overshadowed by Sauce Gardner and Coby Bryant last season. Yet the nine interceptions and 21 passes defended prove one thing. Bush gets his hands on plenty of footballs. He has the height and length necessary to battle NFL receivers and is a decent athlete too.