Bears bolster offensive line in latest 2023 mock draft from Fox Sports

The Chicago Bears shook up the 2023 NFL Draft when they traded the No. 1 pick to the Carolina Panthers for wide receiver D.J. Moore and a haul of draft selections in 2023, 2024, and 2025, including the No. 9 pick in this year’s first round.

Since then, the Bears have been active in free agency, bolstering their defense with linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and TJ Edwards, and defensive lineman DeMarcus Walker. Chicago added help to their offensive line with guard Nate Davis, too.

But there are still gaping holes on the roster. Right tackle immediately comes to mind, and in the latest 2023 NFL mock draft from Fox Sports, the Chicago Bears take a swing at one of the top offensive lineman in the draft class, Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski.

“If anything is good or right in the world, the Bears will keep Skoronski in the Chicagoland area,” Fox Sports’ Carmen Vitali wrote. “Chicago signed Nate Davis on the interior but has yet to address any need on the outside of the line. And there is a need. Skoronski is by far the most polished Northwestern player, and short arms never stopped Rashawn Slater from being one of the best at his position. I say Skoronski follows in his footsteps and gives the Bears the upgrade they need at left tackle while Braxton Jones continues to develop.”

Bears haven’t prioritized right tackle in free agency… yet

The Chicago Bears passed on top right tackles in free agency (so far). Mike McGlinchey signed a monster deal with the Denver Broncos, and Jawaan Taylor topped McGlinchey’s deal to become the new left tackle in Kansas City.

At the time of this writing, Kaleb McGary (Falcons) and Orlando Brown Jr. (Chiefs) remain unsigned. If the Bears ink either of them, you can toss mock drafts with Chicago selecting an offensive lineman in Round 1 into the trash bin.

The Bears balked at paying McGlinchey top dollar, and it’s unknown if they were ever in talks with Taylor. If Ryan Poles was unwilling to pay their market price, it’s unlikely he’ll cough up big money for McGary or Brown. Indeed, he may have McGary and Brown rated higher. Hence he’ll be willing to write a big check.

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Chicago Bears will have an in-depth evaluation of Peter Skoronski

As for Peter Skoronski, his short arms have many NFL scouts grading him as a guard. And he profiles as a potential Pro-Bowler on the inside. But Chicago’s decision to sign Nate Davis in free agency, and the presence of both Teven Jenkins and Cody Whitehair on the roster, make drafting a guard in the first round a longshot.

Still, quality offensive linemen are hard to find. And if an offensive lineman — regardless of position — grades out as a potential All-Pro, he warrants consideration, even in the top 10 of Round 1.

Both Poles and coach Matt Eberflus attended Northwestern’s pro day Tuesday and got an up-close look at Skoronski. They’ll have a thorough evaluation of him, so if they’re comfortable with his potential as a right tackle, there’s no reason to doubt them.

We’ll have more clarity on whether Skoronski is in play at No. 9 after the first wave of free agency ends. If the Chicago Bears end their spending spree without a veteran right tackle added, mock drafts like this one will be a lot more popular.