Bruce Feldman Mock Draft: Chicago Bears land versatile offensive lineman in Round 1

Almost every 2023 NFL Mock Draft has the Chicago Bears selecting an offensive lineman in the first round. At this point, the only thing left to debate is which one.

Right tackle is the Bears’ biggest need along the offensive line, and scouting purists will tell you length at that position matters. I agree, which is why Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr. is the right choice. Many in football media think otherwise.

The bigger concern facing Johnson-to-the-Bears advocates is his hot draft stock. He’s moving up the top 10 in mock drafts. The Las Vegas Raiders are becoming a popular destination at No. 7.

Longtime college football writer Bruce Feldman agrees with that sentiment. He sent Johnson to the Raiders in his annual NFL mock draft, published on Friday.

Feldman’s mock draft was constructed through a combination of intel he’s gathered on this year’s prospects and team needs. For the Chicago Bears, the result was Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski at No. 9.

“The Bears need help up front and have a home-grown stud who should be good at tackle and could fill a need at center or guard,” Feldman wrote. “He’s that talented and versatile. He was more impressive athletically at the combine than many anticipated, vertical jumping 34.5 inches and broad jumping 9-7 (both second-best among O-linemen). The one thing he may be missing is ideal length for a tackle, with 32 1/2-inch arms, but he should be a standout interior lineman.”

Indeed, Skoronski is as talented as any offensive lineman in the 2023 NFL Draft. But whether he can fill the Chicago Bears’ need at right tackle is a big unknown. His arms don’t have the length traditionally required from the position. Simply put, he comes with some risk if the assumption is he’ll play tackle.

However, with Johnson off the board in this mock draft, Skoronski’s versatility will appeal to GM Ryan Poles. The Bears are in the midst of an offensive line rebuild. Sometimes, it’s better to simply add good players than to target specific positions.

Peter Skoronski is a good player who will make the Chicago Bears better.