2023 NFL Draft: 4 best prospects to fall out of the 1st round

As is the case every year in the NFL Draft, we saw some players expected to be first-round picks slip into Day 2. This year, the most surprising faller was a quarterback who, just a couple of days ago, was the betting favorite to go in the top three.

Who are the biggest names to fall into Day 2, and should any be targets for the Chicago Bears?

Let’s take a look.

Joey Porter Jr. – Cornerback, Penn State

Widely considered one of this year’s top cornerbacks, Porter Jr. is still on the board. While the Chicago Bears are relatively set in the secondary, something is intriguing about the idea of reuniting Porter Jr. with his Penn State teammate, Jaquan Brisker. This might be a name to watch for Bears fans. Adding him would give Chicago one of the best secondaries in the NFL.

Michael Mayer – Tight End, Notre Dame

Another position group where the Chicago Bears appear set, but it’s hard to ignore such a phenomenal talent slipping into the second round.

Mayer has been called ‘baby Gronk’ in college, and it’s easy to see the comparison. He does everything well as a tight end and is one of the safest picks in this year’s draft. Admittedly, that makes him a ‘boring’ pick, and perhaps that helps explain his fall. Mayer would give the Bears a lot of flexibility at tight end, with Cole Kmet entering a contract year and Robert Tonyan nearing his 30th birthday.

Adetomiwa Adebawore – Defensive End, Northwestern

Adebawore was a fringe first-round prospect, but it was still possible for him to go in the late 20s. He’s still available in the second round, and if there’s anyone that Ryan Poles may trade up for, it’s Adebawore.

The Chicago Bears desperately need help on the defensive line, and Adebawore looks like an immediate-impact player. He may even be kicked inside to be the all-important 3-tech in Matt Eberflus’ defense.

Will Levis – Quarterback, Kentucky

The Bears don’t need a quarterback, and while I thought Levis was being overhyped, I’m still shocked to see Levis fall completely from the first round. At this point, any team needing a quarterback is getting a steal.

It’s also a good reminder of the human side of football. These players are humans just like us, and it had to be a crummy evening for Levis, sitting there with his family, dressed up, but never hearing his name called. Some empathy is warranted. Hopefully, the young man finds a new team quickly in the second round.