The 2023 NFL Draft is stocked with elite defensive talent. Many expect the Chicago Bears will cash in, using early draft capital to pick up defensive linemen and linebackers.
However, quarterback Justin Fields, the most electric player on Chicago’s roster, needs support to realize his potential. For the sake of imagining a full overhaul of the offense, let’s consider what it would look if the Bears only added to the offensive side of the ball.
Disclaimer: The below two-round, three-pick mock draft is unrealistic and should not be considered a legitimate possibility. Enjoy.
Round 1, Pick 6
The Chicago Bears trade the first overall pick to Detroit in return for picks six, 18, 48, 55, and 81. With no need for a quarterback and no interest in defensive players (again, only in this bizarro-world scenario) Chicago can afford to slip back in the first round where plenty of offensive talent resides in projections.
For the team’s first selection, the Bears take 6-foot-4, 313-pound offensive tackle Peter Skoronski. The Park Ridge, Illinois-native and Northwestern product is as close to a sure thing on the offensive line as possible. He’s mean, ferocious, and athletic, capable of running a 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds.
Round 1, Pick 18
With their next first-round selection, Chicago grants Justin Fields’ wish, taking former Ohio State teammate Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The sure-handed speedster represents a reliable target for Fields, something he has lacked in his first two seasons in the league.
Drawing top defenders, Smith-Njigba would also unlock opportunities for Bears receivers Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool. After two picks, Fields’ offense looks markedly better.
Round 2, Pick 54
Perhaps the most underrated running back in the 2023 Draft Class, Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs brings speed, explosiveness, and versatility to any offense. At the NFL Combine, Gibbs ran the 40-yard dash in 4.36 seconds.
After transferring from Georgia Tech, the Dalton, Georgia native earned the lead-back role for the Tide along with second-team All-SEC honors.
In terms of playing style, he’s an Alvin Kamara lookalike. On a rookie deal, he presents incredible value for years to come.
Later Rounds
Late-round honorable mentions include:
- Josh Downs (WR, North Carolina)
- Sam LaPorta (TE, Iowa)
- Tank Bigsby (RB, Auburn)
- Chandler Zavala (G, NC State)
- Michael Wilson (WR, Stanford)
- Clayton Tune (QB, Houston)
Image courtesy of Northwestern Athletics
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