Another 2023 mock draft has Bears taking elite pass rusher in first round

The good folks at The Draft Network published a new 2023 NFL mock draft Monday, and with the Chicago Bears sitting at 3-10 and tracking their first-round pick with every loss, it’s worth checking out who becomes the newest Bear at the top of Round 1.

Chicago maintained their hold on the No. 2 overall pick by losing to the Green Bay Packers in Week 13. If the Bears end the season with that selection, they’ll have their choice of the best non-quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft.

According to TDN’s Damian Parsons, that player is Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr.

Justin Fields has proven that he is the future quarterback and face of this franchise. Now, Chicago’s front office must understand and complete the assignment by adding high-end talent to this roster. Will Anderson Jr. is known as the “Terminator” and for good reason. He has spent the past few seasons terminating offensive blocking schemes and momentum. His burst, play strength, and relentless motor are the nucleus of his skill set—all while he continues to develop as a technical pass rusher (this is a scary thought). Anderson Jr. is a high-ceiling and talented player to improve this defensive unit.

Damain Parson, The Draft Network

At this point in the process (which is still very early), Anderson is the obvious choice. It would be shocking if GM Ryan Poles passes on the Alabama standout. Chicago’s biggest weakness on defense is the pass rush and no prospect in the 2023 NFL draft profiles with a higher ceiling in that area of his game than Anderson.

Find the perfect gift for the Bears fan in your life at The Bears Talk Shop

Anderson’s totaled 27.5 sacks over the last two seasons and possesses the kind of twitch and burst off the line of scrimmage that the best pass rushers have. He reminds me quite a bit of Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons, who’s taken the NFL by storm over his first two seasons in the league.

Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter is another popular pick for the Bears in 2023 mock drafts. Still, the value of pass rushers in today’s game pushes Anderson to the top of the list of draft prospects in the Chicago Bears’ crosshairs.