NFL Executives Share Their Thoughts on the Chicago Bears’ Draft Strategy

NFL Executives Share Their Thoughts on the Chicago Bears’ Draft Strategy

As the NFL Draft approaches each year, teams across the league spend countless hours dissecting film, evaluating prospects, and preparing for what is often one of the most crucial events of the offseason. For teams like the Chicago Bears, whose recent history has been marked by a rebuilding phase, the 2023 NFL Draft represents a pivotal moment in their quest to return to relevance in the NFC North. The Bears, under the leadership of general manager Ryan Poles, have a clear vision to reshape their roster, and the 2023 draft provides them with an opportunity to significantly accelerate their rebuild.

With a wealth of resources at their disposal — including the first overall pick in the draft, the No. 9 pick, and ample cap space — the Bears are in a unique position to make substantial moves that will shape their team for years to come. However, what exactly should the Bears’ draft strategy look like? And how do NFL executives view the direction the Bears are taking as they prepare for one of the most important drafts in recent memory?

In this article, we’ll dive into the Chicago Bears’ draft strategy as outlined by NFL executives and analysts, exploring the key positions they need to address, potential trade scenarios, and how they could capitalize on the resources at their disposal. We’ll also highlight what league insiders are saying about the team’s overall approach and how it might affect the Bears’ chances of success moving forward.

A Rebuilding Team with a Focus on Development

Under Ryan Poles, the Bears have made it clear that they are entering a phase of rebuilding. While the team has made a few key acquisitions to fill gaps, such as bringing in free agents to address the offensive line, the true foundation of this rebuild lies in the draft. Chicago has long struggled with roster consistency and player development, and there’s no doubt that the 2023 NFL Draft will play a pivotal role in whether the Bears can transform into a legitimate contender.

NFL executives agree that Chicago’s focus should be on long-term growth, with a particular emphasis on building around young quarterback Justin Fields. Fields has shown flashes of his incredible athleticism and playmaking ability, but he needs better protection and more weapons to take the next step in his development. As one anonymous NFL executive stated:

“The Bears have a lot of young talent, but they still lack a strong supporting cast around Fields. You can’t keep putting the guy in a situation where he’s running for his life behind a subpar offensive line. The priority for Chicago should be to invest in the pieces that can help Fields succeed, both on the offensive line and in terms of surrounding him with talent.”

This executive’s analysis reflects the prevailing sentiment among league insiders: the Bears’ first order of business in the draft will be to prioritize positions that can help Fields thrive, particularly the offensive line, wide receiver, and possibly adding depth to the defense.

Offensive Line: The Bears’ Most Urgent Need

One of the most widely shared opinions among NFL executives is that the Bears’ offensive line remains their most pressing area of concern. Justin Fields’ ability to develop as a quarterback hinges on the protection he gets in the pocket. In 2022, the Bears allowed 58 sacks, the second-most in the league. Fields, despite his mobility and ability to evade defenders, was often under siege, and this lack of protection led to a number of frustrating plays and missed opportunities.

As one NFL scout said:

“The Bears have a promising quarterback in Fields, but he won’t be able to reach his potential if they don’t invest heavily in the offensive line. It’s the most glaring need for them in the draft. They have to focus on securing that pocket to give Fields a chance to grow.”

The Bears have two major opportunities to address their offensive line issues in the 2023 draft. With the first overall pick, the Bears are in prime position to either select a game-changing offensive lineman or trade back to acquire additional draft capital. For some executives, trading back is the most attractive option, as it would allow the Bears to acquire more assets while still getting a top-tier offensive lineman later in the first round.

“If I were Chicago, I would be very open to moving back in the first round. There are a lot of teams that are in need of a quarterback or other key positions, and the Bears could move back a few spots, still get a great tackle or guard, and pick up an additional second or third-round pick. That could give them more flexibility in addressing other areas, like wide receiver or even defense,” said one AFC executive.

If the Bears do decide to keep the No. 1 pick, executives agree that selecting an elite offensive tackle is the way to go. Some of the top names on the board include Paris Johnson Jr. from Ohio State and Broderick Jones from Georgia. Both of these players have the size, athleticism, and potential to anchor the left tackle position for years, providing Justin Fields with the protection he desperately needs. As one NFC scout put it:

“Paris Johnson Jr. is the top guy on the board. He’s a plug-and-play left tackle who could help Fields right away. The Bears have a chance to solidify that position for the long-term future with a guy like him.”

Wide Receiver: Surrounding Fields with Playmakers

Another critical area where the Bears need to make an immediate impact is at wide receiver. While the team has some solid pieces in Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool, the Bears lack a true No. 1 target who can stretch the field and consistently create separation. To help Fields thrive, the team must look to add a top-tier wide receiver in the draft.

“Justin Fields needs more weapons. Mooney is a nice piece, and Claypool is a solid option, but they need that No. 1 guy to elevate the offense,” said an NFC general manager.

There are several talented wide receivers expected to be available in the 2023 draft, and the Bears have the resources to target them. At No. 9 overall, the Bears could have their pick of the top receivers, including Jaxon Smith-Njigba from Ohio State, Quentin Johnston from TCU, or Jordan Addison from USC. These players all bring unique skill sets, but they share one common trait: their ability to be difference-makers in the passing game.

“I think Jaxon Smith-Njigba would be a perfect fit for the Bears at No. 9. He’s a smooth route runner, can play both inside and outside, and has great hands. He would be an immediate upgrade for their receiving corps,” said an NFC scout.

If the Bears want to continue to build their offense around Fields, adding a dynamic wide receiver is a critical step in that process. Adding a high-caliber pass catcher will not only help Fields develop but also make the offense more dangerous, creating a balanced attack with both the passing game and the running game.

Defensive Reinforcements: A Work in Progress

While much of the focus for the Bears’ draft will be on the offense, particularly the offensive line and wide receiver positions, the defense remains an important area of focus. Chicago has some solid building blocks on defense, including linebacker Roquan Smith and edge rusher Robert Quinn. However, the Bears need to continue to add depth and talent to their defensive line, secondary, and linebacker corps.

“I’d like to see the Bears add another impact player to their front seven. They need someone who can get after the quarterback and help create pressure in the pass rush,” said one NFC scout. “A guy like Jalen Carter from Georgia could be an intriguing option if they decide to go that route. He’s a disruptive force on the defensive line who can help open things up for the linebackers and defensive backs.”

The Bears’ defense struggled at times in 2022, particularly in the secondary, where they lacked playmakers who could force turnovers and shut down passing attacks. If they can land a top defensive prospect later in the first round or in the second round, it could provide a significant boost to their defense.

In addition to Carter, the Bears could look at players like Devin Witherspoon from Illinois or Christian Gonzalez from Oregon in the secondary, addressing their need for a top cornerback to pair with Jaylon Johnson.

Trade Opportunities and Flexibility

As mentioned earlier, the Bears are in a strong position to either use their top picks or trade them to maximize the value of their draft assets. Executives agree that moving back from the No. 1 pick could provide the Bears with additional resources to address multiple areas of need. The team could trade down, stockpile more picks, and still target key positions like offensive tackle, wide receiver, or defense.

“If a team is willing to give up a king’s ransom for the No. 1 pick to get a quarterback, that’s something the Bears should seriously consider,” said one AFC executive. “They’ve got so many holes to fill, and they can use those extra picks to build the roster more quickly. They’ll have a lot of flexibility and could make a big impact with a few well-placed picks.”