Unless Jalen Carter falls to No. 9, which would be a sign teams seriously dinged the Georgia defensive tackle for character and makeup concerns, there might not be a premium defensive player on the board for Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles to select.
The Bears could deem Carter’s Bulldogs teammate Nolan Smith, who measured 6-foot-2, 238 pounds, large enough to fit in Matt Eberflus’ scheme as a hybrid pass rusher. Perhaps Carter will experience a wait when the draft kicks off April 27 and he’s there for the Bears to consider.
If not, the Bears — who have made only marginal improvements to a shoddy pass rush and defensive line — would have to go a different direction. It’s impossible to say how things will shake out, and maybe a talent no one expected will remain when Poles has the chance to make the first first-round pick of his tenure.
This dilemma, the one the Bears surely are working through, is the price the Bears had to pay to get wide receiver DJ Moore back from the Carolina Panthers in the trade involving the No. 1 pick.
The Bears might be in position to select the first or second offensive tackle of the draft. If they have similar grades on multiple offensive tackles, maybe Poles will look to trade down again. Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr., Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski, Georgia’s Broderick Jones and Tennessee’s Darnell Wright are all possibilities to go in the top half of Round 1.
Teams study the history of positions and where they come off the board. That’s at least worth considering when contemplating how far down Poles could trade. In six of the last 10 drafts, the second offensive tackle came off the board between pick Nos. 2 and 13. The third offensive tackle was selected between Nos. 4 and 17. That includes a couple of drafts that were particularly bad for high-end talent at the position in 2017 and ′18.
The Bears would have to find a trade partner if they are looking to move down.
Chicago Bears picks in 2023 NFL draft (April 27-29)
Here’s how Brad Biggs sees the first round of the draft playing out.
Young was the best quarterback in the nation last season. He’s not a perfect prospect because of his 5-foot-10 height, but a perfect QB doesn’t exist in this draft class.
If the Texans can’t get Young, perhaps they’ll push their QB dilemma to 2024, when there projects to be a stronger class of passers, and instead select a polished edge rusher. Houston would be in position to trade down as well.
The Colts will trade up one spot to get the second quarterback off the board and end their carousel of veteran passers.
The Cardinals have a pressing need up front after J.J. Watt retired and Zach Allen left in free agency. Wilson has the flexibility to play a variety of spots and wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks.
The Seahawks have been looking at quarterbacks heavily, and with Geno Smith signed to what essentially is a two-year contract, Richardson would have time to develop as a No. 2 for coach Pete Carroll.
Cornerback looms as a need after trading former No. 3 pick Jeff Okudah, but the Lions can really amp up their front with Carter.
The Raiders have a need at quarterback but could join the early list of teams looking hard at the Class of 2024 by addressing another real need — cornerback.
The Falcons need to be better at getting after opposing quarterbacks and defending wide receivers. So for it’s either a pass rusher or cornerback. Smith is an undersized rusher, and some believe he will land in the top 10.
Ryan Poles’ greatest roster need is to stock the defensive front with edge rushers and at least one tackle. The strength of the draft if the Bears don’t find a partner to trade down is at offensive tackle — and Poles can more than justify adding protection for quarterback Justin Fields.
Howie Roseman figures to be looking for help on either side of the line or maybe at cornerback. When in doubt, stay in the trenches, and Skoronski will be a nice fit on a veteran line.
The Titans have loomed as one of the teams that could move up for a quarterback. If Levis falls, he could be the ultimate replacement for Ryan Tannehill.
Even before the trade of Brandin Cooks, the Texans had needs at wide receiver. Their depth chart is pretty much barren, and Smith-Njigba can step in immediately as the No. 1.
It stands to reason that general manager Joe Douglas will want to add protection for the quarterback that is taking forever to land — Aaron Rodgers.
There are a lot of questions about how things will shake out for quarterback Mac Jones in Year 3. There are also questions about the secondary that Gonzalez can help answer.
The Packers need to add some juice at thr skill positions to give QB Jordan Love his best chance to succeed. They also need to beef up the pass rush — and Murphy had a terrific pro day.
Coach Ron Rivera needs to add some frontline help to the secondary, and the Commanders have surely gotten a close look at Banks on the nearby Maryland campus.
The Steelers addressed the interior of their offensive line via free agency and can add a tackle to complete an offseason makeover.
A big target in the middle of the field is just what quarterback Jared Goff needs. Mayer is a more than capable blocker on the edge as well.
The Bucs have needs across the board with a roster that has been old for a while. Youth is particularly required up front on defense.
There are questions about Kancey’s size. If the Seahawks are fine with his 30 ⅝-inch arms, he would be a nice piece in the middle of Clint Hurtt’s defense.
(Miami Dolphins forfeited the 21st pick)
Quarterback Justin Herbert has some nice targets on the outside, but the Chargers are lacking speed. Flowers would fill that void nicely.
If the Ravens believe they can get a healthy and productive season from wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., they can turn their attention to the secondary.
Forbes is a physical cornerback who is skilled in man coverage. If the Vikings cannot find an edge rusher, he would be a nice fit.
Tight end Evan Engram, on a one-year contract, has durability questions. The Jaguars love throwing the ball to that position and Kincaid, if medicals check out on his back, would be a perfect fit.
In order for Daniel Jones to build off a decent 2022 season, the quarterback needs more help on the outside. The Giants will have their pick of several solid options.
Robinson to the Cowboys is a perfect fit with running back Tony Pollard playing on the franchise tag and coming off an injury.
The Bills lacks size and power on the interior of both sides of their lines. Bresee would help the defense immediately.
Protecting quarterback Joe Burrow, who should land a massive contract extension this offseason, needs to be priority No. 1 for the Bengals.
The Saints have needs all over but are especially deficient on the interior of the defensive line.
GM Howie Roseman rarely comes up short when it comes to collecting pass rushers, and he can add to the stable with the athletic McDonald.
The Chiefs could look for an edge rusher to help mitigate the loss of Frank Clark — or the offensive-based team could provide Patrick Mahomes with another big weapon with playmaking ability.
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