2023 NFL Draft: Bears bolster defense in new 3-round mock draft

Most 2023 NFL mock drafts have the Chicago Bears selecting an offensive lineman with their first selection. It’s a logical projection and one that I think will come true. But what will they do with their valuable Day-2 selections?

The Bears have two picks in the second round and one in the third: No.s 53, 61, and 64. It’s a powerful string of three selections that can be packaged to move up in Round 2 if a player they have a high grade on slides. They can even package them together to move into the back half of the first round.

Assuming GM Ryan Poles stays put, there’s a good chance the Chicago Bears will use all three selections on defense.

Indeed, that scenario unfolded in the newest three-round mock draft from Tankathon.

Chicago Bears add Peter Skoronski in Round 1

As the weeks until the 2023 NFL Draft shrink, it’s become more common to see Peter Skoronski mocked to the Chicago Bears in the first round. I’ve been transparent about my preference for Paris Johnson Jr., who goes to the Tennessee Titans at No. 11 in this mock draft, because of his prototype offensive tackle traits. Nevertheless, Skoronski is a fine choice.

The Northwestern star would offer coach Matt Eberflus versatility in the starting lineup. He can start anywhere on the offensive line. If the Bears need him at center? He can do it. Guard? Sure, no problem. Right tackle? There’s a chance he can start there for 10 years too.

Skoronski’s floor is probably the highest of any player the Chicago Bears could draft in Round 1.

Bears begin run on defense with Keion White at No. 53

Keion White is an interesting prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. Some draft analysts view him as a first-round lock, while others have him slotted in this range. It’s unclear where NFL teams have him graded right now. He didn’t run the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and strained his hamstring during his second run at his pro day.

White looks the part. He’s 6-foot-5, 285 pounds, and has 34-inch arms. He plays with an intensity Eberflus covets, and he’d be a fit as a defensive end in the Bears’ defense.

“Athletic big man offering scheme versatility and projectable upside. White has good short-area quickness as well as speed in space,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote of White in his scouting report. “He lacks consistent early phase technique to control the rep, but his recovery talent, hustle and athletic traits put him in position to get in on the action. His pass rush is predictable and lacks focus, but he’s bendy and could take a big leap forward in this department provided the coaching catches up with the physical gifts. He’s still in the developmental phase, but his physical/athletic profile gives him a chance to become a plus starter as a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive end.”

The Bears haven’t added much to their pass rush in free agency, making an edge rusher a logical target with their first of two second-rounders.

Chicago Bears beef up defensive line with Siaki Ika at No. 61

With all due respect to the good folks at Tankathon, this pick is a big miss.

The Bears signed Andrew Billings in free agency as their run-stuffing nose tackle. I don’t see any way they add another 335-pounder to the defensive line, especially with their massive need for a three-technique.

The Chicago Bears can’t exit the second round without adding a three-tech, and if they use their first pick on an edge rusher, this selection will be more of a penetrating disrupter than a space-eating run defender.

3-round mock draft concludes with help for the Bears’ secondary

Utah’s Clark Phillips III closes out this three-round Chicago Bears mock draft. It’s a solid choice, the Bears will add a cornerback early in the 2023 draft.

Phillips ranks just outside the top 50 prospects and has the ball skills sometimes lacking from Chicago’s defensive backs. With Kyler Gordon and Jaylon Johnson locked in as the Bears’ top two cover corners, Phillips would a quality selection to serve as the nickel cornerback.