The Chicago Bears have secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft (thanks to some help from Lovie Smith’s Houston Texans).
When looking back at the players previously selected first overall, it’s no surprise that most were quarterbacks. And given the Bears won’t be drafting a quarterback (as they have Justin Fields), there will no doubt be quarterback-needy teams calling GM Ryan Poles looking to move up to that top spot.
For all intents and purposes, Chicago controls the draft. And Poles will have several avenues to consider ahead of the draft. Even if the Bears don’t wind up trading the pick, there are some top defensive talents available, including Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. and Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter.
Here’s a quick look back at every player selected first overall dating back to the 2013 NFL draft:
2022: EDGE Travon Walker (Jaguars)
2021: QB Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars)
2020: QB Joe Burrow (Bengals)
2019: QB Kyler Murray (Cardinals)
2018: QB Baker Mayfield (Browns)
2017: EDGE Myles Garrett (Browns)
2016: QB Jared Goff (Rams)
2015: QB Jameis Winston (Buccaneers)
2014: DE Jadeveon Clowney (Texans)
2013: OT Eric Fisher (Chiefs)
