Here’s what Todd McShay thinks Bears can get in trade for No. 1 overall

ESPN NFL Draft expert Todd McShay published a new 2023 mock draft Wednesday, and it has the Chicago Bears making a blockbuster trade with the No. 1 overall pick.

McShay has the Bears sending the top pick to the Indianapolis Colts for a bevy of selections.

“The return could come down to just how desperate the QB-needy teams get and how much they fall in love with a specific passer,” McShay wrote. “But I’d expect the Bears to receive something in the ballpark of the No. 4 pick, a second-rounder (No. 35), a fifth-rounder and maybe even an additional Round 1 selection in 2024.”

A trade like this would set the Chicago Bears up for long-term success. The No. 4 pick in this year’s draft could result in either Will Anderson Jr. or Jalen Carter as the Bears’ selection. Both prospects are considered the best non-quarterbacks in the 2023 class. And even if neither is on the board when Chicago is on the clock, the value of the No. 35 pick and a 2024 first-rounder will ease the pain.

Bears make trade and still land elite prospect in Todd McShay mock draft

In Todd McShay’s mock draft, the Bears do land Carter, who’d fill the all-important three-technique in coach Matt Eberflus’ defense.

“Carter’s production might not wow you (six sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss over the past two years), but he dealt with a knee injury this season and was behind numerous first-rounders on Georgia’s 2021 depth chart,” McShay wrote “Make no mistake: Carter is the real deal. He fires off the ball and uses his excellent strength to push blockers backward.”

Colts owner Jim Irsay has hinted at a desire to move up for a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft. He even took to Twitter Wednesday with a message directed to the Chicago Bears. It’s becoming more likely the Bears will strike a deal with a quarterback-needy team before the draft kicks off, and with the NFL Combine quickly approaching, expect trade speculation to ramp into high gear.

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