NFL.com thinks these two Bears will earn a spot on 2023’s All-Rookie Team

The tried and true method of rebuilding a team into a championship contender is the NFL draft. Stacking quality draft classes year over year leads to the kind of sustained success GM Ryan Poles wants to accomplish with the Chicago Bears.

The Bears’ 2023 NFL draft class can be one of those quality draft classes.

According to NFL.com’s Chad Reuter, two of Poles’ first three picks have a chance to be among the best rookies of 2023.

Reuter predicted which first-year players would make the NFL’s All-Rookie Team this year, and Bears first-round offensive tackle Darnell Wright and second-round cornerback Tyrique Stevenson made the cut.

“The Bears can take the next step in 2023 if Justin Fields ascends to top-10 quarterback status in Year 3,” Reuter wrote. “Chicago selected Wright to play right tackle on the revamped offense line, which is tasked with not only protecting the young signal-caller but also leading a power run game with D’Onta Foreman, Khalil Herbert, and fourth-round pick Roschon Johnson (whom I considered for this list) at running back.”

All eyes will be on Wright throughout the 2023 season. He was the guy Poles passed on Jalen Carter for. While it’s true the Chicago Bears’ need at offensive tackle was more pressing than defensive line at the time, the comparisons between Wright and Carter during the season will be inevitable. Plus, Wright does have to keep Justin Fields clean. It’ll be easy to determine if he’s a success or failure.

As for Stevenson, his physical style of play should quickly make him a fan favorite in Chicago.

“Stevenson is already making plays during practices and will lean on his natural talent and confidence while honing his craft early on,” Reuter wrote. “He’s a physical presence in coverage and coming downhill against runs and screens.”

The Bears had a glaring need at cornerback during draft weekend, making Stevenson a smart and logical choice. Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon are entrenched in the starting lineup, but Chicago’s depth chart behind them was weak before Stevenson’s arrival.

Stevenson will pair with Johnson on the outside, allowing Gordon to thrive as the nickel/slot cornerback.

It’s worth noting Reuter considered Roschon Johnson, the Chicago Bears’ fourth-round running back, for his All-Rookie Team projection too. It’s further proof that Poles added a deep class of talented rookies to a roster that desperately needed it.