Updated ranking of Chicago Bears’ 2023 NFL Draft needs

The Chicago Bears are in the home stretch of their 2023 NFL Draft prep. The first round kicks off from Kansas City in just over three weeks, and with all-star games, the NFL Combine, and pro days all in the books, GM Ryan Poles is putting the finishing touches on his big board.

Schooled NFL draft analysts will tell you value trumps need in the early rounds. It’s critical for teams like the Bears, who are in the midst of a complete roster rebuild, to identify high-end starters regardless of whether they fill an immediate need.

Nevertheless, it would be foolish to ignore needs altogether. The best NFL draft scenarios are when value meets need. For example, if the Chicago Bears’ biggest need is an offensive tackle, and Paris Johnson Jr. is on the board at No. 9, Poles will waste little time calling his name.

Here is an updated breakdown of the Bears’ five biggest needs as the 2023 NFL draft inches closer.

1. Offensive Tackle

Offensive tackle is, by far, the Chicago Bears’ biggest need. The current starting right tackle is Larry Borom. Maybe it’s Teven Jenkins. That’s not good enough, especially not if the team is serious about giving QB Justin Fields a chance to emerge as a true superstar in 2023.

I expect the Bears to select an offensive tackle in the first round. And even if it isn’t a player like Paris Johnson Jr. and, instead, is Peter Skoronski, it’ll be a prospect capable of lining up at right tackle in 2023.

2. Interior Defensive Lineman (3-tech)

If Jalen Carter slides to No. 9, the Bears must give him long and serious consideration. His off-field issues seem like they’re beginning to drift from the forefront of draft analysts’ minds, which should help him restore some of his top-10 value by NFL draft weekend.

I like Carter as a great value pick for the Chicago Bears in the first round. He’s widely viewed as the top non-quarterback in the class. Sure, there’s risk involved. But if Paris Johnson Jr. is selected before Chicago is on the clock, Carter could be the next-best choice.

3. Edge Rusher

The Chicago Bears need to elevate their pass rush in 2023. They didn’t add a veteran in free agency who projects as a significant upgrade. Perhaps Tyree Wilson is on the board at No. 9. Super-athlete Nolan Smith could be there, too. If the Bears decide to trade back, they can target a player like Lukas Van Ness or Myles Murphy later in Round 1.

4. Center

Center won’t be a position the Bears target in Round 1, but it’s a huge need that should be addressed before the close of the third round.

Interior offensive linemen tend to slide further than draft analysts project this time of year. I have a strong feeling that the Chicago Bears will be in a position to land a starting-caliber center in the second round.

5. Cornerback

The best way to combat the high-flying passing offenses spreading through the NFL is with a talented and deep group of cornerbacks. The Bears have two very good starters in Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, but the depth behind them is questionable. This is a sleeper position for the Chicago Bears’ first-round pick. Prospects like Christian Gonzalez and Devon Witherspoon could both be on the board at No. 9, and they’d each be massive upgrades.

I wouldn’t hate it if the Bears pick a cornerback in Round 1, especially if a shocking run on offensive tackles happens a few picks before Chicago selects.