The Chicago Bears' 2023 draft class has been almost universally praised as a job well done by GM Ryan Poles. But as exciting as any incoming class of rookies is, very few are in line for starting jobs right away, and that's true even for a Bears team coming off a 3-14 season.
In this post, I'll look at which rookie from the 2023 NFL Draft has the best chance to earn a starting job this season.
Here's how each of the Bears' 10 draft picks' chances to start will be graded: (1) Lock, (2) Highly Confident, (3) Toss Up, (4) Unlikely.
Let's get started.
Darnell Wright - Lock
You can add Darnell Wright's name to the starting lineup with a Sharpie. He'll begin the season as the starting right tackle. There is virtually no competition for Wright at this position, and even if there was, he has all the tools and physical traits to be the betting favorite.
Gervon Dexter - Highly Confident
Many NFL analysts considered Dexter a reach at the spot where he was drafted, and it's true that he needs some time to develop into a dominant interior defender. But Ryan Poles believes in him, which means there's a good chance he'll earn first-team reps. Dexter has incredible physical traits, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him earn a starting spot soon after training camp.
Tyrique Stevenson - Lock
Another player that many think was drafted a little too high, Stevenson was the target of a trade-up by the Chicago Bears. That's a huge vote of confidence, and considering the lack of other options at outside cornerback, I think it's a pretty safe bet that Stevenson will be a starter sooner than later.
Zacch Pickens - Toss Up
Pickens has potential as a three-tech defensive lineman, but it seems Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus really like Justin Jones as their starter. This leaves Pickens in a rotational role, but if he flashes something special when he gets his opportunities, then a starting spot could be waiting for him late in the year.
Roschon Johnson - Highly Confident
Khalil Herbert is a fine running back, and D'Onta Foreman is a great signing to help replace David Montgomery, but Johnson is a fourth-round pick that could have easily gone in the second. He's also Poles' guy. The general manager has raved about Johnson since the moment he called his name. I think Johnson will become the Bears' starting running back sooner than many expect.
Tyler Scott - Unlikely
DJ Moore will be the top wide receiver for the Chicago Bears, with Chase Claypool and Darnell Mooney firmly entrenched as the No. 2 and 3. Scott, at best, will be the No. 4 receiver on the depth chart. He'll have his chances to prove himself, and maybe in 2024, he can move up in the receiver pecking order.
Noah Sewell - Unlikely
Poles invested a lot of money in the linebacker room during free agency, bringing in two Top 10 linebackers to add alongside Jack Sanborn. Sewell has fantastic physical traits and sky-high upside, but like Scott, he'll find himself buried on the depth chart for 2023.
Terrell Smith - Unlikely
Smith should get plenty of special teams work, but I don't expect he'll factor. in the starting lineup unless a player like Jaylon Johnson gets hurt or Tyrique Stevenson underwhelms.
Travis Bell - Toss Up
As a seventh-round pick from a small school, Bell's path to a starting gig is a long one. But Poles has been gushing over him since draft weekend. He talks about Bell the way most GM's rave about their first-rounders. Maybe I'm just a sap for Cinderella stories, but Poles and his scouting staff see something truly special in Bell, and joining a defensive line coming off a historically bad season, maybe Bell flashes just enough to earn a starting role by season's end.
Kendall Williamson - Unlikely
The Bears' safety group is among the best in the league with Eddie Jackson and Jaquan Brisker. Williamson is nowhere near their talent level. He will be a special teamer who can fill in for either Brisker or Jackson in case of injuries, but it would be a shock to see him beat either of them out for their job. He'll fight for a practice squad spot.