The 2022 Bears season isn’t over yet, but as the new year approaches, it’s time to look to the 2023 NFL Draft.
Chicago has plenty of holes in the roster and fortunately has eight picks (possibly nine with a compensating pick projected in the seventh round), giving them plenty of opportunities to fill the gaps with young, cheap players, making them very precious.
In preparation for the upcoming draft, we’ve put together a mock seven-round draft. In this version, the Bears recapture a generational talent with the No. 2 pick who isn’t named Will Anderson Jr.. Plus, they continue to fill in the gaps at OL, WR, LB, CB, RB and EDGE.
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If the engine of the Bears defense is three-point, then Carter is the perfect choice at No. 1. 2. Very few NFL teams can generate pressure and disrupt the pocket from the inside, which makes players like Chris Jones, Aaron Donald and Fletcher Cox very valuable.
By drafting Carter, the Bears would get a defensive tackle with an elite ability to stop the run and rush from the inside. With a player like Carter, defensive, Domonique Robinson and Al-Quadin Muhammad will come more easily to quarterback as the offense focuses on the star rookie inside.
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Wright is perfectly sized for a left tackle at 6-foot-5, 347 pounds and with 33.7-inch arms, but he’s done his best work in 2022 at right tackle. In the game against Alabama, the All-SEC first-team right tackle held superstar prospect Will Anderson to three tackles, zero sacks and just a half tackle for the loss.
As a member of the Volunteers, Wright played in 46 games, starting in 41 (26 at right tackle, 13 at left tackle, and two at right guard). He played 18 consecutive games as a right tackle without allowing a sack. Wright was also a semi-finalist for the Lombardi Award, given to college football’s top offensive lineman.
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Assuming the LSU wide receiver stays in the NFL Draft, Boutte can play inside and out. At 6-foot, 185 pounds, he’s not tall, but he’s well built and plays with strength and tenacity. With the ball in his hands, Boutte is always fighting for extra yardage and can be a game breaker.
Boutte was originally slated to be a first-round pick, but after a drama-filled 2022 season. Also, after an ankle injury ended his 2021 season, there will be concerns over durability, and it’s unclear where he will be drafted.
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A converted safety, Overshown has the skills to defend the run and the pass. At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, he’s a modern “safety box,” aka linebacker, with the size and speed to run from sideline to sideline and deliver hard-hitting blows to ball carriers. .
Head coach Matt Eberflus has shown a preference for more undersized, faster linebackers and with Overshown rumored to run 4.5 or better, he should fit into the Bears offensive pattern.
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The Maryland cornerback has worn many hats for the Terps defense. Bennett played cornerback, safety and nickel, giving him the versatility to find game time on the Bears right away.
The two-time honorable mention All-Big Ten cornerer can also be put on the court and defended due to his incredible speed and quickness. By adding Bennett in the secondary, the Bears can find a third corner that can play alongside Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon.
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Gray is a prototypical reverse zone pattern. He has excellent vision and knows how to create running lanes. He finished his senior year with 1,366 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns averaging 6.4 yards per carry.
The former Oklahoma running back also receives a threat out of the backfield, with 99 receptions and 827 yards during his college career.
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A converted tight end, Hayes is a development prospect who could become an NFL starting left tackle. He’s 6-foot-6, 307 pounds with long arms and has the Mauler tendencies that GM Ryan Poles and fans love to see in movies.
Hayes played 39 games for the Wolverines, with 28 starts at left tackle. He was twice selected to the All-Big Ten and was a member of two Joe Moore-winning offensive lines (top OL), the first consecutive winners in history.
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Gaye is a great development player for the Bears. At 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, he’s a solid point player with a big scramble. Additionally, his size and strength against the run would make Gaye an excellent situational run blocker.
The LSU prospect hasn’t had much production as a passing thrower (6.5 career sacks), but he has the size and athleticism to become a contributor on the defensive line.
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