The Chicago Bears made a blockbuster trade with the Carolina Panthers, where they acquired two first-rounders, two second-rounders and wide receiver DJ Moore in exchange for the No. 1 pick.
One of those first-round selections is the No. 9 pick in the 2023 NFL draft, which still puts the Bears in a prime position to land a top prospect.
But with a slew of needs through the first wave of free agency, there are multiple directions general manager Ryan Poles could go.
USA Today Sports’ Nate Davis revealed his latest mock draft, where he has the Bears making a sort-of-surprising pick at No. 9 — Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez.
The 6-1, 197-pound All-Pac-12 performer had four INTs and seven passes defensed in 2022 and showcased his explosive athleticism at the combine, running a 4.38 40-yard dash, posting a 41½-inch vertical leap and broad jumping 11 feet, 1 inch. The Bears, who surrendered the most points in the NFL in 2022 (27.2 per game), need help throughout their defense, though corner has been especially problematic despite the recent second-round picks invested in Jaylon Johnson (2020) and Kyler Gordon (2022).
It’s not surprising because of the player, nor the need, rather there are bigger positions of need with that first selection. But, at this point in Davis’ mock, Will Anderson, Tyree Wilson and Jalen Carter are already off the board.
Many believe Chicago could take one of the top offensive tackles in Paris Johnson Jr. or Peter Skoronski. But Poles made it clear in free agency that he won’t prioritize need over passing on best player available on their board.
The Bears have Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, but they’re in need of a solid third cornerback on defense. Gonzalez would be a great pick for Chicago at ninth overall. And it certainly helps that the Bears have four picks inside the top 64, which gives them the freedom to address other areas of need.
