4 under-the-radar prospects the Bears should target in 2023 NFL Draft

The 2023 NFL Draft is just over one week away, and Chicago Bears fans are probably sick of hearing about the same big-name prospects like Jalen Carter or Paris Johnson Jr.

Several hundred players hope to hear their names called during draft weekend, and a few could be excellent additions to the Chicago Bears, who aren’t mentioned nearly enough.

Let’s look at four Bears prospects flying under the radar right now.

Jonathan Mingo – Wide Receiver – Ole Miss

If Mingo played for Ohio State or Georgia, he’d probably be getting late first or early second-round projections. At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, he has fantastic size for his position, but still flashed speed with a 4.46 40-yard dash and a 1.54 10-yard split at the NFL Combine.

His stats don’t leap off the page, but as all Chicago Bears fans should know, stats only tell part of the story.

Mingo is also a willing and able blocker, and reportedly has a tremendous work ethic.

Joey Fisher – Offensive Tackle, Shepherd

Last week, I had the privilege of interviewing Joey Fisher (you can read that interview here), and he’s probably my favorite small-school prospect coming into this draft. His highlight reel is littered with examples of him stonewalling pass rushers and driving defenders to the ground, finishing his blocks with the kind of aggression that would make him a fan favorite like Teven Jenkins was in the 2021 draft.

Fisher also has experience blocking for a mobile quarterback, making him a better fit for the Chicago Bears. Considering the big jump from a Division II school to the NFL, his technique needs improvement. But after watching Braxton Jones in 2022, I have all the confidence in the world in this coaching staff.

Zach Harrison – Edge, Ohio State

Despite being a freak athlete with incredible size and length, Harrison isn’t generating the kind of pre-draft hype you might expect. At 6-foot-6 and 274 pounds with 36-inch arms, he’s a defensive coach’s dream prospect.

His motor doesn’t run as hot as some of his fellow draft prospects. Getting him into the Chicago Bears’ HITS system may be what he needs to find his fire. Harrison has unteachable athleticism and length. If he can expand his pass-rush techniques and play with more urgency, he could be the kind of defensive end that keeps offensive coordinators up at night.

Luke Schoonmaker – Tight End, Michigan

Drawing comparisons to Dawson Knox, Schoonmaker looks the part of a classic tight end. Big, strong, a powerful blocker, and a capable route runner, Schoonmaker is a perfect fit in Luke Getsy’s offense. He hasn’t had much hype leading up to the draft, even with a respectable Combine performance.

Despite adding Robert Tonyan in free agency, the Chicago Bears still need help in their tight end room. Schoonmaker could be just the guy for the job as a mid-day-three selection.