The Chicago Bears have the ninth overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft after trading the No. 1 selection to the Carolina Panthers for a haul, including wide receiver DJ Moore.
Chicago has a slew of needs to address on the roster, most notably in the trenches with offensive tackle and the defensive line. Many expect them to go in one of those directions with their first selection — be it at No. 9 or in a trade-back scenario.
But in a new mock draft from NFL Network’s Peter Schrager, the Bears go in a surprise direction with Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez at ninth overall.
This strong, smart, speedy corner out of Oregon (via Colorado) is a gamer. The Bears have so many needs, and snagging a top cover man with the ninth overall choice makes them better tomorrow. He could go before Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon.
Given cornerback is a premium position — and factoring in that Gonzalez could be the best player available — it wouldn’t be a bad move by general manager Ryan Poles. After all, Chicago needs a third cornerback to pair with Jaylon Johnson (in a contract year) and Kyler Gordon (who could play exclusively in the slot).
Adding arguably the top cornerback prospect in the draft would go a long way for the Bears’ secondary. Especially if Poles believes this defensive line class is deep enough to land some impact players with their other draft selections.
Depending on how the board falls, there could be several scenarios for Chicago at No. 9 — whether it’s Jalen Carter falling, landing their top pick in offensive tackle, or simply trading back a few picks and landing additional capital.
