Bears 2023 fictional draft: post-Roquan trade edition

The Bears have made their rebuilding plans crystal clear in recent weeks, with Roquan Smith and Robert Quinn being traded.

These moves are obviously a blow to Chicago’s defense in the short term, but given the draft capital they’ve received and the financial freedom they’ll have going forward, Ryan Poles will have plenty of chances to build a list in his image.

With more draft capital, there’s a higher chance of smashing the 2023 NFL Draft prospect, which makes me pretty happy. I’m a sucker for literally everything draft-related, so while trading Quinn and Smith was tough for me in that I love both players, I appreciate the opportunity to build through the draft.

Here is my last mock 7 round draft for the Bears after the new draft picks they acquired.

Round 1: Peter Skoronski, OT, North West

I’ve gone for a wide receiver-heavy approach in the first round of most of my simulations, but figured I’d turn it around a bit here. Skoronski is as tough as can be and has the football IQ, technique, raw power and athleticism to project himself as a Pro Bowl offensive lineman.

Round 2: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU

His output in 2022 has had its ups and downs, hence his drop on the chart. However, Boutte’s raw talent is impossible to ignore. He’s an explosive receiver who has the size, athleticism, ball skills, running acumen and post-catch ability to become an NFL star.

Round 2 (via Ravens): Jaquelin Roy, DL, LSU

The Bears’ defensive front will require investment this offseason, and adding a player like Roy to their inside defensive line could do a lot. It’s an explosive 3-technique defensive tackle with a polished arsenal of hand techniques that can rush the passer and close gaps well against the run.

Round 3: John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota

Schmitz plays in a position that often isn’t early in the draft, and he’ll be 24 when he’s drafted. That said, he’s been the best center in college football this year, and I don’t know how close the second-best man has been. He is a leverage technician with great spatial awareness and very good body control at the point of attack.

Round 4: Kenny McIntosh, RB, Georgia

WCG friend Johnathan Wood of DaBearsBlog tweeted an interesting graphic that showed Khalil Herbert’s superiority over David Montgomery in the running game, but it also showed Herbert struggling to pass.

If the Bears don’t re-sign Montgomery, they may need to add a fullback who can block and catch passes to amplify Herbert’s strengths. McIntosh is a bigger fullback at 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, but he’s a soft-handed receiver who has 29 receptions in 8 games this year, he can block well out of the backfield, and he’s also a runner. difficult with above- average contact balance.

Round 4 (via Eagles): Ivan Pace Jr., LB, Cincinnati

The pace is smaller for a linebacker at around 6-foot-flat, but he seems like a prospect that would fit well into the Bears system. He’s a tenacious defender of the race with a searing engine, good downhill speed, and a fast processor in the box. He’s also a dominant blitz option with great use of the hand as a passing thrower and 7 sacks with 16 tackles for an 8-game loss in 2022.

Round 5: Jaheim Bell, TE, South Carolina

Versatility is the name of the game with Bell, who can take reps as a line tight end, “F” tight end, running back, running back and wide receiver. Although severely underutilized in South Carolina, he is an athletic weapon with a thick frame, good ball skills, and power after the catch. The tight end screens that Luke Getsy occasionally runs would go crazy with someone as explosive as Bell.

Round 5 (via Ravens): Eyabi Okie, EDGE, Michigan

Formerly known as Eyabi Anoma, Okie bounced around college football, playing for Alabama, Houston and UT Martin before transferring to Michigan. The former five-star rookie took on an off-the-edge rotational role for the Wolverines, but he’s a monster athlete at 6-foot-6, 270 pounds with absurd explosiveness and a physical edge. As raw as he may be, he’s a player worth taking a chance on.

Round 7: Keilahn Harris, WR, Oklahoma Baptist

When looking at a Division II prospect, you want someone who has outplayed their competition. This is the case of Harris, who had 70 catches for 902 yards and 7 touchdowns in 9 games this year. He also exploded for 92 catches, 1,084 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2021. He’s a fluid athlete with loose hips, good deep speed and experience as a kick and punt returner.