Players The Chicago Bears May Land With Current 2023 Draft Slot

The Chicago Bears losing to the Detroit Lions did carry one advantage. It puts them closer to a guaranteed spot in the top 10 of the 2023 NFL draft. Right now, they are projected to hold the 6th overall pick next April. That would be their highest selection since 2017, when they took Mitch Trubisky. It’s a safe bet that GM Ryan Poles won’t be targeting a quarterback this time. Justin Fields has cemented himself as the starter moving forward. This opens up the door to a world of different possibilities.

It raises a fun question. Who might Poles target a few months from now if that pick position holds? I took to researching the incoming draft class. Things can obviously change. Certain players may choose to stay in school. Others may suffer an injury or get into trouble off the field. Presuming things remain steady, here is a short list of prominent talents the Bears may have to choose from when they go on the clock.

The Chicago Bears will have plenty of options.

Jalen Carter (DT, Georgia)

Every great 4-3 defense in history has always had a dominant interior pass rusher. The Bears know this. They had Dan Hampton and Steve McMichael in the 1980s. They had Tommie Harris in the mid-2000s. If Eberflus’ system is going to work as intended, they have to find that kind of force. Carter has showcased absolute game-wrecking ability at times for Georgia. His last two games against Tennessee and Mississippi State prove that. They couldn’t block him. He’s quick, strong, and relentless.

Myles Murphy (DE, Clemson)

Losing Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn in one year sucked the Bears’ pass rush dry. They need a new building block on the edge. Murphy has classic defensive end size (6’5, 275 lbs). He has long arms, solid power and demonstrates the necessary speed and quickness to beat tackles with alarming consistency. His 14.5 sacks and 24.5 tackles for loss in the past 20 games offer proof of that.

Tyree Wilson (DE, Texas Tech)

Don’t be fooled by the early projections of Wilson being a Day 2 pick. Those are changing rapidly. The guy has 14 sacks and 27.5 tackles for a loss in his past two seasons with the Red Raiders. His 6’6 size, long arm, jolting power, and underrated quickness make him a nightmare to contain. Sooner or later, he’s getting his hands on the quarterback.

Peter Skoronski (OT, Northwestern)

Preserving Justin Fields should be a priority for the Chicago Bears. That means investing in the offensive line. Skoronski will conjure images of Jimbo Covert with size and nasty disposition. His technique has made great strides this year in pass protection. Run blocking won’t be an issue, either. He may not be flashy, but he’ll be a rock solid starter for years wherever he lands.

Olu Fashanu (OT, Penn State)

If Skoronski is the high-floor guy, then Fashanu is the high ceiling. Draft experts are drooling over him, and for good reasons. He’s big and long and might be the best athlete at his position in the entire draft. He can stonewall guys repeatedly in pass protection and doesn’t lack power in the run game. The craziest part is he’s only 20 years old. If he is this effective now, imagine what he might become in the future.

Quentin Johnston (WR, TCU)

Would Poles select a receiver that high? Anything is possible. It may depend on what he does in free agency. It’s clear how lacking in firepower the Bears are. Johnston is the one receiver in this class with the athletic profile of a freak. He’s 6’4 but runs with real vertical speed. He can take over games at the drop of a hat. All a quarterback has to do is put it in his vicinity, and he’ll make a play. That is what Fields needs.