Bears move up 1 spot in 2023 NFL Draft after loss to Eagles

The Chicago Bears played the Philadelphia Eagles tougher than many expected in Week 15’s 25-20 loss, which by itself is something of a morale victory.

That morale victory became an even bigger win following the Denver Broncos’ 24-15 upending of the Arizona Cardinals.

The Bears and Broncos entered Week 15 with matching 3-10 records. Because of strength of schedule, Denver ranked ahead of Chicago in the 2023 NFL Draft, they had the second pick, the Bears had the third.

Now, it’s flipped.

Bears control their 2023 NFL Draft destiny

At 3-11, the Chicago Bears are in sole possession of the second overall pick, meaning they’ll have their choice of this year’s top non-quarterback prospect. Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. and Georgia’s Jalen Carter are the early favorites.

A fourth win will be hard to come by for the Bears, as the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, and Minnesota Vikings remain on their 2022 schedule.

Assuming they finish the season at a pathetic 3-14, Bears fans can find solace in knowing they’ll be rewarded with an elite player on defense or a bounty of draft picks in a trade-down scenario.