FINAL Chicago Bears 2023 Mock Draft

The 2023 NFL Draft is finally here. And with it comes the end of the road for Bears 2023 mock drafts.

I’m confident this mock draft will come close to what Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles tries to accomplish over the next three days. It addresses the offensive and defensive lines, adds some weapons for QB Justin Fields, and fills obvious roster needs as the summer quickly approaches.

Indeed, the Bears are a tough team to predict in the 2023 NFL draft. There’s just as much chance that Poles will trade up in the first round as there is he’ll trade back. Chicago could target a premium position like an offensive tackle or go scorched earth and select RB Bijan Robinson.

Everything is possible for the Chicago Bears in this year’s NFL Draft. And that’s fantastic.

Here’s my last best guess at what a Bears 2023 draft class could look like. Let me know how you grade this draft haul on Twitter (@BryanPerezNFL).

Round 1: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

Perez’s Take: Johnson has been “my guy” since the 2023 NFL draft season kicked off. Poles should waste little time calling his name if he’s on the board when the Chicago Bears are on the clock. He’s a plug-and-play left (or right) tackle in the pros.

Round 2: Keeanu Benton, DL, Wisconsin

Perez’s Take: Benton is a fantastic consolation prize after the Chicago Bears miss out on Jalen Carter. At least, that’s what I assume will happen. Benton’s disruptive skill set will fit perfectly for the Bears as the all-important 3-tech.

Round 2: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Edge, Kansas St.

Perez’s Take: The next two picks are edge rushers, beginning with Anudike-Uzomah. The long and athletic pass-rusher would make it three-straight starters added by the Chicago Bears in the first two rounds. The Bears’ pass rush was invisible in 2022, in large part because of a talent deficiency. That won’t be the case after Day 2 of the 2023 draft.

Round 3: Isaiah Foskey, Edge, Notre Dame

Perez’s Take: Do I love Foskey’s skill set? No. I don’t think he’s flexible or bendy enough to be a double-digit sack guy. But he is a strong and physical linear defender who will set the edge and bring a thumper’s mentality on early downs.

Round 4: Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati

Perez’s Take: Wide receiver isn’t as big of a need as it was before the DJ Moore trade, but that doesn’t mean the Chicago Bears should ignore the position. Scott has speed for days and would give the Bears another playmaker for Justin Fields.

Round 4: Kendre Miller, RB, TCU

Perez’s Take: Miller has sweet feet for a well-built running back. He’s decisive and instinctive too. Miller is good enough to take carries away from Khalil Herbert and D’Onta Foreman. In fact, he could be the Bears’ starter by 2024 if he’s added here in the draft.

Round 5: Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama

Perez’s Take: A former five-star recruit, Ricks has the body type defensive coordinators love. Adding a player with his pedigree at this point in the draft is nothing but upside.

Round 5: Byron Young, DL, Alabama

Perez’s Take: The Chicago Bears defensive line was atrocious in 2022. Young is the kind of beef the run defense needs to force opposing offenses into unfriendly down and distances. He’d be a quality reserve on a defensive line that looks very different from last year’s.

Round 7: Carter Warren, OL, Pittsburgh

Perez’s Take: Why not swing at another offensive lineman at this point in the draft? Warren’s 2022 campaign ended early due to injury, but he checks all the boxes physically to play offensive tackle in the NFL. The Bears have had success with late-round offensive linemen, Warren is the kind of player who could be the next in that line of success stories.

Round 7: Alex Austin, CB, Oregon St.

Perez’s Take: Another plus-size cornerback? Why not! Austin (6-1, 195 pounds) will need to prove he’s athletic enough to hang with NFL receivers, but his top-shelf size makes it worth rolling the dice on him in the draft instead of losing him during the PFA signing frenzy.