2023 NFL Draft: The Chicago Bears are on the clock

The Chicago Bears finished the 2022 NFL season with a 3-14 record following their Week 18 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and now hold the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Bears received the help they needed from the Houston Texans, who defeated the Indianapolis Colts and improved their year-end record to 3-13-1. Who knew a tie would factor so greatly in the race for the No. 1 overall pick.

It’s a best-case scenario for a Bears team that already has their franchise quarterback in place with Justin Fields. General manager Ryan Poles can select his choice of the best non-quarterback available with the top pick, or trade down to the highest bidding team that’s looking to move up for a quarterback like Alabama’s Bryce Young.

Most Bears fans will prefer a trade-down scenario now that Chicago holds the top selection. It allows Poles to acquire high-value assets early in his rebuilding efforts. The Texans, Colts, Carolina Panthers, and Seattle Seahawks come to mind as teams that could try to trade into the first pick.

If no trade comes to fruition, the Bears are guaranteed either Will Anderson Jr., Alabama’s premier pass rusher, or Jalen Carter, the Georgia defensive lineman who’d fill the all-important three-tech role perfectly for coach Matt Eberflus.

Raise a glass and celebrate, Chicago Bears fans. You’re on the clock.