Players The Chicago Bears Would Target If They Trade Down
It might still be months before the Chicago Bears go on the clock in the 2023 NFL draft, but it’s already becoming clear who they’ll target if they pick #1 or #2 overall. Nothing is settled yet. The Bears must lose their remaining two games to be assured one of those spots. Given the state of their roster, it’s not hard to imagine. If it happens, the two names everybody will discuss from January to April are Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson and Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter. Nobody else will be in the conversation. That is unless the Bears do what many hope and trade down.
It is a logical idea. This team is in the middle of a rebuild. GM Ryan Poles wants to build through the draft. To do that, he needs picks. Moving down from #2 with a team seeking a quarterback should net them a healthy return of high selections. That is only part of the puzzle, though. Poles must also ensure he still drafts a good player, even after moving down. It brings up an interesting question of who the Bears GM might target were he to fulfill those trade wishes. Here are five names that make the most sense (presuming they stay between #5 and #10).
These are names the Chicago Bears will have circled.
Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
While Carter is the unquestioned top defensive tackle in this class, Bresee isn’t far behind. He’s got the same mixture of size, power, and athleticism to create problems on the interior. His issues are health-related. He only played four games in 2021 and missed another two this year. So there are concerns about whether his body can hold up. That said, when he’s healthy, he flashes the ability to dominate the line of scrimmage both as a run defender and interior pass rusher.
Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
While Anderson is the most proven edge rusher in this class, many believe Murphy has a higher ceiling. ESPN draft expert thinks his athleticism is on par with #1 overall pick Travon Walker and Murphy’s been much more productive with 18.5 sacks and 36.5 tackles for a loss in three seasons. Many believe he is only scratching the surface of his true potential. There are technical issues he must work to improve. A competent coaching staff can quickly correct such things.
Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
Head coach Matt Eberflus said length is one of the critical traits his team will look for in player evaluation. Wilson is said to have 36-inch arms. So he’s got that covered. Then there is the exciting mixture of power and quickness he also displays as a pass rusher. Wilson has been a consistent, versatile presence for the Red Raiders across two years, with 14 sacks and 27.5 tackles for a loss. If there is anybody that fits the classic 4-3 defensive prototype in this class, it is him.
Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
The Chicago Bears have always been a defensive town, but this is a new era. This team belongs to Justin Fields now. Poles must do everything he can to make life easier for the young quarterback. Skoronski might not have the same upside as one or two other blockers in this class, but experts agree he is the safest bet to have a long, solid career. He was excellent at left tackle for the Wildcats. The Bears could move him to right tackle or kick him inside to replace Cody Whitehair at left guard.
Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Fields hasn’t gotten nearly enough help at wide receiver this year. So many drops and not enough instances of guys making plays. Chicago needs a legitimate go-to target. Johnston is a freak of nature with 6’4 size and deep speed. He can take over games. While his route running needs work, there is no denying he can be a mismatch against NFL defensive backs. A trio of him, Darnell Mooney, and Chase Claypool would make for the most talented group the Bears have put together since 2013.