Daniel Jeremiah sends Bears pass-rush help in final 2023 NFL Mock Draft

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah published his final 2023 NFL Mock Draft Wednesday, including a surprising pick for the Chicago Bears at No. 9.

Jeremiah has Texas Tech stud pass-rusher Tyree Wilson falling into GM Ryan Poles’ lap.

“Wilson could easily go No. 2 overall to the Texans,” Jeremiah wrote. “He slips a bit, and the Bears hit a home run at No. 9.”

Wilson is rumored to rank high on Houston’s wish list. There’s been talk inside league circles suggesting several teams have the Red Raider ranked higher than Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. on their draft boards. That’s ludicrous to me.

Still, if Wilson slides to the Chicago Bears’ pick, it’ll be the kind of value-meets-need selection that teams dream about happening in the first round.

Tyree Wilson is a perfect fit for Chicago Bears” defense

Here’s what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote about Tyree Wilson in his scouting report:

“Long-limbed defender who figures to turn into a full-blown nightmare for opponents if he continues to grow into both his frame and his game. Wilson’s combination of traits and athleticism should yield flashes of dominant play in both phases as he continues to get bigger and stronger. His length and lateral quickness are ingredients for chaos as a back-side run game disruptor. He’s capable of ranging and tackling from distance if the run flows wide.

‘On the flip side, he’s not very instinctive as a run defender and his play demeanor could stand to be a little thornier when attacking blocks. Wilson has the physical tools to create pocket push as a power rusher early on, but the hand usage and rush plan will need tutoring for him to become a well-rounded, two-way rusher. He might not set the world on fire in Year 1, but the talent and vaulted ceiling will be easy to see soon enough.”

It’s safe to say Wilson would be a well-received pick among Chicago Bears fans. It’s the kind of selection that will garner unanimous “A” grades from NFL writers because of the impact he’ll have right away on Chicago’s pass rush, which finished last in sacks in 2022.

Unfortunately, I don’t see this pick happening. Even if Wilson falls to nine, I can’t imagine Poles passing on Paris Johnson Jr. and Peter Skoronski. Both top-tier offensive linemen are on the board when the Chicago Bears pick in Daniel Jeremiah’s mock draft. Chicago has a massive hole at right tackle, and with the importance placed on QB Justin Fields, addressing the offensive line will be the priority.