The Bears are a lock to land a top-five draft pick in the 2023 NFL draft. But they also have a high chance of landing the No. 2 or even No. 1 overall selection, depending on how these final two weeks shake out.
GM Ryan Poles is going to have an important decision to make in regards to whether he’s going to keep the pick or trade back with a willing team. There will be no shortage of teams in need of a quarterback, but there are also some top defensive prospects, like Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson and Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, on the board that could be appealing.
In a new mock draft from The Draft Network’s Jaime Eisner, the Bears trade back from the No. 2 overall pick with the Bengals for quite a haul. Not only do they land three draft picks (including two in the first round of the 2023 draft), but they get a veteran WR1 for quarterback Justin Fields.
Here are the terms of the deal:
TRADE:
CHI receives: Tee Higgins, 2023 1st-round pick (No. 28 overall), 2023 2nd-round pick (No. 59 overall), 2024 3rd-round pick
CIN receives: 2023 1st-round pick (No. 2 overall)
With Chicago trading back to No. 28 overall in 2023, Eisner has them addressing the defensive line with Georgia edge rusher Nolan Smith.
The Bears moved way down here but did so knowing that the second group of EDGEs aren’t too far apart. If they decide to pass on the Will Anderson Jr.’s, Tyree Wilsons, and Myles Murphys of the world, the next tier of EDGEs features some intriguing options.
Nolan Smith is a physical player who can be productive against both the run and pass. Smith can play a significant role in year one but is someone Matt Eberflus can potentially develop into a game-wrecker given his raw talent.
For a team like the Bears with holes at multiple positions, trading back from No. 2 and acquiring additional draft capital (and a veteran receiver for Fields) makes a ton of sense.
While it’s certainly tempting to land a generational defensive talent in Anderson or Carter, will Poles see the value in getting more bang for his buck with additional picks (and a receiver)? That’s a decision he’s going to have to make in the coming months.
Would you make the trade? Is that enough for the No. 2 overall pick? Let us know in the comments.
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