2023 NFL Team Draft Page

The Bears are on the clock and in an enviable position. It's rare that a team picking #1 doesn't need an upgrade at QB. Yes, there's the smallest of chances that Chicago could move on from Justin Fields, but this isn't a year where there appears to be a generational, can't-miss QB prospect. Ryan Poles will already be fielding calls from QB-needy teams. A trade down seems almost inevitable but, if it doesn't happen, it's a straight choice between Will Anderson Jr and Jalen Carter with the first pick.

Georgia DT, Jalen Carter, would be my choice over Alabama EDGE, Will Anderson Jr. The Bears undoubtedly need to improve their pass rush, but their inability to stop the run was more glaring in 2022. Carter is a dynamic force who has only scratched the surface of his potential so far. At 6'3" and 310lbs, Carter dominated opponents at Georgia; he can take on double teams and get into the backfield to wreak havoc. Carter's PFF grade of 92.3 was third amongst qualifying interior defenders. More than anything, Carter will provide the Bears' young defense with much-needed leadership.

Chicago has a ridiculous amount of cap space with which to build the team ahead of the 2023 season (the most in the league by well over $50m.) David Montgomery headlines the list of free agents, but he could be allowed to leave with Khalil Herbert waiting for his opportunity to take over the lead role. With so much to spend, Poles needs to be more active in free agency this offseason than he was last. If solid decisions are made, it doesn't seem such a big leap to consider that the Bears will challenge for a divisional title, in the wide-open NFC North, in 2023.

- David Payne, DraftTek Senior Analyst

Please visit our Bears Team Page where you can see all the team's picks in the 7-round mock and more.