The Bears are sitting pretty atop the 2023 NFL draft, where they’re not looking to select a quarterback. That gives them plenty of leverage, especially as there are a number of teams desperate to find their franchise quarterback.
GM Ryan Poles should have no shortage of suitors for that top pick, and the Colts are a popular pick to trade up to jump division rivals the Texans. Houston has been another team mentioned, and the division rival aspect could play into it. But there are other teams that could certainly make it appealing for Chicago to trade back with them.
In a new mock draft from CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso, the Bears find a trade partner in the Raiders, who move up eight spots to land their quarterback in Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud. In exchange, Chicago acquires a draft haul to move. back to No. 7 and selects Clemson linebacker Trenton Simpson.
Simpson can become the quarterback of the Bears defense. He has that type of high-end athletic skill set. In the trade back, the Bears get this pick from the Raiders along with their 2023 picks in Round 2, Round 3 and Round 5, a 2024 first and third, plus a 2025 first and fourth.
Now, the selection itself doesn’t make sense for a Bears team with clear deficiencies along the defensive and offensive lines, as well as wide receiver. Linebacker is a need, but it’s not among the most pressing ones on the list, especially considering the emergence of undrafted rookie Jack Sanborn at middle linebacker.
But there’s plenty to love about the compensation Chicago receives from Las Vegas. The Bears move back eight spots to land the Raiders’ 2023 selections in the first (No. 7), second (No. 38), third (No. 70) and fifth (No. 143). But they also acquire four additional picks in 2024 (first and third) and 2025 (first and fourth).
Essentially, that turns the No. 1 pick into seven additional picks, including three total first rounders.
Certainly the allure of landing a generational talent in Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter or Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. is strong. But if you get that kind of haul, it’s almost impossible to turn down.
