Will Anderson Jr., Anton Harrison Lead Off a Stellar Class


Justin Fields has emerged. The No. 1 overall NFL draft pick is in their grasp, and other teams are lining up at the telephone. This is the offseason the Chicago Bears use this momentum to take the next step, and in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, they deliver on that potential.

In this scenario, simulated trades were active among other teams via the Mock Draft Simulator. The Bears accepted a trade offer from the Colts, moving down to fourth overall while acquiring pick Nos. 35 and 79, and a first and second-rounder in 2024.

Latest Chicago Bears 2023 NFL Mock Draft

EDGE Will Anderson Jr., Alabama | Round 1, Pick 4

The Bears are in an enviable spot with the No. 1 overall pick. Assuming their confidence in Fields is legitimate, they can easily trade down, stay in the top four, acquire extra draft capital, and still pick a blue-chip defensive prospect like Will Anderson Jr.

OT Anton Harrison, Oklahoma | Round 2, Pick 35

This is a pure value pick for the Bears, but it also happens to address a fairly important need. Chicago would likely shift Braxton Jones over to right tackle in this scenario, but you can’t pass up on a first-round prospect with Anton Harrison‘s dual-sided talent and refinement here.

WR Trey Palmer, Nebraska | Round 2, Pick 53

If Trey Palmer runs as fast as he’s expected to, he probably doesn’t escape Round 2. Banking on raw speed has burned teams the wrong way in the past, but Palmer showed at the Senior Bowl he’s more than a speed threat. He has the throttle control, twitch, and body control to capitalize as well.

C Joe Tippmann, Wisconsin | Round 3, Pick 64

Fields excels at evading pressure and creating for himself, but that’s not an excuse to avoid upgrading at center. Joe Tippmann is a 6’6″, 320-pound powerhouse who can freely pave open lanes in the ground game and lock down interior rushers on passing downs.

RB Tank Bigsby, Auburn | Round 3, Pick 79

The Bears could end up re-signing David Montgomery. But with a deep RB class on the horizon and an abundance of picks after a presumptive trade-down, it might be more cost-effective to draft a replacement instead.

With his high-level twitch, vision, and burst, Tank Bigsby could be an upgrade down the road.

EDGE DJ Johnson, Oregon | Round 4, Pick 103

At the top of Round 4, DJ Johnson feels like a good Matt Eberflus target, to stack picks at the EDGE position. A former TE convert, Johnson has excess amounts of athleticism and bend at around 6’4″, 271 pounds — a true ball of clay to mold for the defensive mind.

CB Kei’Trel Clark, Louisville | Round 4, Pick 133

Kyler Gordon and Jaylon Johnson should hold steady at the boundary CB spots in 2023, but the Bears have room to upgrade in the slot. That’s a role that Louisville’s Kei’Trel Clark is made for. He’s undersized but incredibly amped-up and tenacious, with excellent ball skills.

DT Moro Ojomo, Texas | Round 5, Pick 137

Revamping the EDGE rotation is a must for Chicago, but the interior defensive line is just as important. Moro Ojomo is an absolute steal at the top of Round 5. Ojomo brings a rare power element to the fold with his unique build and explosiveness off the line.

WR Puka Nacua, BYU | Round 5, Pick 159

A starting WR trio of Palmer, Darnell Mooney, and Chase Claypool has some merit, but the Bears could use more depth and versatility beyond that.

MORE: BYU WR Puka Nacua Steals Show at 2023 Reese’s Senior Bowl

Puka Nacua is an alignment-flexible threat with simultaneous contested catch and RAC ability, who provides great value here.

TE Ben Sims, Baylor | Round 7, Pick 220

This late in our latest Bears NFL Mock Draft, adding TE depth behind Cole Kmet is as prudent a move as any, and Ben Sims could go on to be a steal in this class. He’s a strong blocker with a sturdy frame, and quietly, a smooth, athletic receiver in space.



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