Author Topic: 2023 NFL Draft  (Read 13793 times)


Dave23

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Re: 2023 NFL Draft
« Reply #451 on: March 19, 2023, 10:01:23 pm »
I actually like all 4 of the picks in that mock.

boogie

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Re: 2023 NFL Draft
« Reply #452 on: March 20, 2023, 07:12:37 am »
I could live with this:

As we get closer and closer to the NFL Draft, the Bears’ draft picture becomes clearer and clearer. The first wave of free agency is done, and the Bears completely reshaped their linebacker and running back corps, while adding a little help on the offensive line and defensive line. Ryan Poles is expected to add even more help on both lines in the draft, and could add talent at several more positions, like cornerback, tight end and wide receiver. Bottom line, there are still a lot of holes on this roster, so the Bears simply need to add the best talent they can find as they try to transition from tearing the roster down to building it back up again.


As always, these mock drafts aren’t an attempt to accurately predict what will happen when the picks start coming in for real on Apr. 27. That’s impossible. These mock drafts are meant to be a fun way to introduce fans to a wide variety of NFL prospects. Additionally, PFF’s mock draft tool hasn’t added the Bears’ conditional seventh round pick yet (No. 258) so it is not included.

NO. 9: DEVON WITHERSPOON - CORNERBACK - ILLINOIS
Ryan Poles had his eyes on Paris Johnson Jr. and Peter Skoronski with his first pick of the draft, but when Witherspoon surprisingly fell into his lap, he couldn’t pass up the opportunity. Witherspoon was the best cornerback in college football last season, giving up just 22 catches on 62 targets (35.4%) and a 25.3 passer rating when targeted, per PFF. Witherspoon didn’t allow a touchdown all year, and notched three interceptions. Adding Witherspoon also allows Kyler Gordon to focus on playing slot, where he improved as the year went on. With Witherspoon, Gordon and Jaylon Johnson all together, the Bears will also field one of the most formidable, young secondaries in the league.

NO. 54: B.J. OJULARI - EDGE - LSU
The Bears boost their defensive line play with a pure speed rusher coming off the edge. He may only play in clear passing rushing opportunities to begin his career, but he’s got the stuff to develop into a serious defensive line threat, just like his brother Azeez Ojulari. B.J. was a consistent contributor throughout his college career with 16.5 sacks, 25.5 TFLs and 128 tackles in 31 games.

NO. 61: JOE TIPPMANN - CENTER - WISCONSIN
If you’re over undersized centers in Chicago, then Tippmann could be your guy. He’s really big, at 6’6”, 313 lbs, but can move surprisingly well for his size. Tippmann is strong when used as the point of attack in the running game, and nimble when asked to kick out in zone schemes. According to PFF, he only surrendered one sack over two seasons as Wisconsin’s starting center, too. If there’s a knock on Tippmann, it’s that he can be too grabby. He was flagged six times in 2022, per Sports Illustrated.

NO. 64: KARL BROOKS - EDGE - BOWLING GREEN
We know Poles values impressive Senior Bowl performances among all the college prospect showcases based on his comments from last season, and Brooks was one of the buzziest defensive linemen from this year’s event. He earned praise for his ability to shed blocks with his hands, and his pursuit through the play. Brooks notched 20 sacks over the past two seasons, and added another in the Senior Bowl.

NO. 103: BLAKE FREELAND - LEFT TACKLE - BRIGHAM YOUNG
The Bears believe they found a middle-round offensive line gem in Braxton Jones last season, and hope they did it again. Freeland is both reliable and experienced as an outside lineman. He earned a starting job part way through his true freshman season with the Cougars, and started 41 games over his four years at BYU. He was at right tackle for 15 of those starts between 2019 and 2020, and at left tackle for 26 starts over the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Most importantly, Freeland only surrendered one sack in 1,129 pass blocking snaps from 2020-2022, according to PFF.

NO. 133: DORIAN WILLIAMS - LINEBACKER - TULANE
The Bears loaded up in the middle of their defense by signing Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Walker, but they keep an eye to the future by selecting Williams. Experts tab Williams as one of the best incoming linebackers in pass defense, but note that he struggles to get off blocks. The Bears are most interested in his length (80+ inch wingspan) and his playmaking ability at the position, though. He had two interceptions and two forced fumbles in 13 games last season.

NO. 137: KOBIE TURNER - DEFENSIVE TACKLE - WAKE FOREST
Turner brings some positional versatility to the Bears defensive line, with experience playing both nose tackle and in the b-gap. He’ll help the team the most as a run stuffer, with the ability to soak up a block for linebackers behind him to run free. Turner never quits on a play, and often makes tackles in pursuit from the backside as running backs hesitate. The Bears will also love that Turner has had to fight for every opportunity in his college career. He started as a walk-on in Richmond, earned a scholarship the next year, then transferred to Wake Forest where he proved he could hang against stiffer competition in the ACC.

NO. 149: KENNY MCINTOSH - RUNNING BACK - GEORGIA
The Bears find a way to replace a lot of what Montgomery brought to the offense with a late-round pick. McIntosh has a penchant for scoring in the low red zone (10 rushing TDs in 2022), is a dynamic playmaker in the passing game (65 catches for 747 yards, four TDs since 2021), and is reliable when picking up the blitz (one pressure in 27 opportunities last year per PFF). He’ll have the chance to mix in alongside Herbert and Foreman.

NO. 219: PUKA NACUA - WIDE RECEIVER - BRIGHAM YOUNG
Nacua doesn’t have the speed to burn cornerbacks deep, but he has the ball skills to win contested catches. The Cougars used him as a big slot at times, and that’s where he could thrive in the NFL. At 6’2”, 201 lbs he gives the Bears a little bit more size, but he can challenge teams horizontally, too. BYU liked to use Nacua on screens or jet sweeps, so he could fit in Luke Getsy’s offense well.

Dave23

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Re: 2023 NFL Draft
« Reply #453 on: March 20, 2023, 07:50:39 am »
There’s a lot to like about that mock as well.

It’s not sexy, but it has good bones…

VJ

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Re: 2023 NFL Draft
« Reply #454 on: March 20, 2023, 10:12:12 am »
Everybody was reading up on WRs last year and Poles double dipped on the secondary.  It wouldn't surprise me one bit if Poles surprises with pick 9 while everyone is clamoring for the lines.  Of course Poles and Cunningham know how important and fundamental the trenches are being linemen themselves.  But if Witherspoon or Robinson is his BPA, he will not hesitate.

dallasbear

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Re: 2023 NFL Draft
« Reply #455 on: March 20, 2023, 10:54:37 am »

CB is still a need when you figure Kindle Vildor right now is the starter.  The D-line is screaming for attention right now as is RT. 

Bears look set at HB.  Even though Foreman is only signed for one year...adding Robinson this year would crowd the depth chart.

Hebert led the NFL is rushing average and Foreman was way up there too.  Certainly Poles wouldn't add a first round HB.  No way.    But he's a stud.  Not gonna happen.

JACKIEJOKEMAN REDUX

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Re: 2023 NFL Draft
« Reply #456 on: March 20, 2023, 11:03:04 am »

 CJ Gardner johnson is now a Deeeeetroit Lion @ 8.0 million for one year.

 You are telling us we couldn't pay him 9.0 million a year for three years?

 We pay Eddie Jackson 14.0+ a year.

 Any interest in Austin Echler from Chargers ?

 He's asking permission to talk around.

WshflThinking

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Re: 2023 NFL Draft
« Reply #457 on: March 20, 2023, 12:20:03 pm »
Any interest in Austin Echler from Chargers ?

 He's asking permission to talk around.


Quien Sabe. I am not Poles

dallasbear

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Re: 2023 NFL Draft
« Reply #458 on: March 20, 2023, 12:30:12 pm »

 CJ Gardner Johnson is a FA next year.  Bears can evaluate Eddie Jackson and decide whether to honor his last year of his contract in 2024 and go after CJ.

Bears would have to give up a draft choice for Echler.  He's an awesome talent but soon to be 28.  Bears backfield would be crowded with him. 
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davebear

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Re: 2023 NFL Draft
« Reply #459 on: March 20, 2023, 02:02:25 pm »
I saw an interview with Jimmy Johnson and he was saying BPA is the player that is best for your team and has what you look for.  Poles has pretty much explained he has groups of players in each round classified into groups meaning each group has equal talent and mental qualities.  If a player from the blue group is still around late second you would have to consider them.

I also saw a scout analyzing Robinson.  In addition to being the best runner he has the skills to move out to wide receiver and beat corners.  He’ll be a matchup nightmare with the right coordinator.

Some way though they have to improve pass protection and not with late round projects.  I like the posted draft with the tackle and center.

It would be hard to pass on an elite pass rusher or tackle round one though.
« Last Edit: March 20, 2023, 02:05:39 pm by davebear »

dallasbear

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Re: 2023 NFL Draft
« Reply #460 on: March 20, 2023, 02:39:34 pm »

I'm thinking if Carter or Wilson are there at 9 the Bears will take either. 

Otherwise there might be some jockeying to improve the Bears #53 and #61 picks in the 2nd round at the cost of dropping from #9.  I think the Bears can find quality dropping into teens from #9 and possibly enhancing #53 to get closer to the low 30 range.

I think DE is the big need since they can move Walker inside.  I think the Bears will sign more FAs at DE, RT, and DT that can start and create competition at those positions with the first 3 or 4 picks (our 3rd rounder at #64 is effectively a late second rounder with the Dolphin forfeit). 

method

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Re: 2023 NFL Draft
« Reply #461 on: March 20, 2023, 02:44:24 pm »
There is also a chance a web falls to 9 that someone wants to trade up for…

dallasbear

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Re: 2023 NFL Draft
« Reply #462 on: March 20, 2023, 02:53:06 pm »
As for Bijan Robinson.  Not a need.  But he could transform the offense.  Besides being a  4.46 back with WR speed that can beat corners - he has the power to run over people.  He wasn't used extensively as a receiver but I didn't see any problems with him catching the ball.

I've seen all his games but last season he was held to under 3 yards per carry by 2 defenses:  Alabama and TCU. 

Another halfback that is kind of under the radar that I saw the last couple years is from Texas A&M (my son goes there).  Devon Achane.  Small but tough and incredibly fast (4.32 40).  Good receiver and excellent return guy.  But for a guy under 190lb he can run inside. 

Sportster

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Re: 2023 NFL Draft
« Reply #463 on: March 20, 2023, 03:28:01 pm »
The D lives or dies off what the line does. If that doesn't get fixed, doesn't matter who they pick for the backfield. They won't be able to do much back there without some disruption up front. There will be more injuries as the secondary and backers will constantly need to tackle more when the backs get through the line....

JACKIEJOKEMAN REDUX

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Re: 2023 NFL Draft
« Reply #464 on: March 20, 2023, 04:05:12 pm »

 Sporty what's scary is that after going thru free agency signings which is ongoing we have something called the draft coming up.

 Let's be real ... the trenches have been for the most part ...ignored.

 Is that where the draft kicks in ?