Few teams have the expected impact that the Chicago Bears will on the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. In this Bears NFL Mock Draft using the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator, we go seven rounds of action and completely overhaul the roster. In these scenarios, trades were active among others via the Mock Draft Simulator, but the Bears held steady and did not make any trades.
Latest Chicago Bears 2023 NFL Mock Draft
Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama | Round 1, Pick 1
It doesn’t make sense for the Bears not to draft Will Anderson Jr. with the first overall pick. Arguably the top player in the draft class and at a position of need, Anderson gives the Bears a new identity on defense with this selection.
It should be said that Anderson may have been the top player drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft had he been eligible. But since he wasn’t, the Bears have to grab him.
He’s a fast pass rusher with a ferocious attitude. Anderson’s instincts are already at an All-Pro level, and he plays the run as well as he rushes the passer.
Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee | Round 2, Pick 55
Few players in this draft class are pigeonholed into a specific position the way Darnell Wright will be. Wright, who tried to switch to left tackle prior to the season for Tennessee, felt much more comfortable on the right side, and it showed in his efforts on the field.
He’s a terrific right tackle in a league that covets left tackles. Otherwise, he’d be a surefire first-round pick. Instead, the Bears grab a right tackle with high-end All-Pro potential in his rookie season.
Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee | Round 3, Pick 64
Dipping back into the Tennessee talent pool, the Bears get a speedy, versatile receiver in Jalin Hyatt for Justin Fields and Co. on offense. Hyatt has more than enough speed to latch on immediately in the NFL, and his route-running skills have improved in every season in college.
Emil Ekiyor Jr., G, Alabama | Round 4, Pick 100
The depth of interior linemen in the 2023 NFL Draft is staggering, and Emil Ekiyor is proof of that. Available at the turn of Round 4, Ekiyor’s selection is almost a no-brainer for the Bears here.
MORE: 2023 NFL Draft Big Board
Making his money on the ground game, Ekiyor’s biggest strength is in the run game. That said, he’s no slouch in pass protection, as he has great balance and footwork.
Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State | Round 4, Pick 131
The Bears need a bevy of help on the offensive line, and with Cody Mauch available here, he was made the third offensive lineman in five selections to start this Bears Mock Draft. Mauch is a lean, mean, mauling machine for North Dakota State.
What makes Mauch the easy selection here is the fact he can play a variety of spots on the offensive line for Chicago. The need at guard and tackle will allow Mauch to find his comfort zone and where he can excel in the NFL at the start of camp.
Colby Wooden, DT, Auburn | Round 5, Pick 132
Securing a terrific pass rusher up the middle, Colby Wooden returned to Auburn after toying with the 2022 NFL Draft — and he improved his craft doing so. Wooden is a three-down pass rusher with a great ability to jump gaps and stuff run plays as well.
Mike Morris, DL, Michigan | Round 5, Pick 155
Similar to the approach with Cody Mauch in Round 4, the Bears grab Mike Morris from Michigan to help out at numerous spots on the defensive line. At 6’6″ and 292 pounds, Morris is a massive man who played most of his snaps on the outside for the Wolverines.
He has the strength to play inside in the NFL and the speed to play outside. Wherever he lines up will benefit the Bears as early as Morris’ rookie year.
Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State | Round 7, Pick 196
Length and range are how you sum up Julius Brents’ game. The 6’4″, 202-pound cornerback found a home at Kansas State the past two years after three with Iowa, improving each year with the Wildcats.
He has great play speed and is tremendous when the ball is in the air. There’s not much Brents can’t do, and he’s a threat to take the ball the distance if he makes an interception.