The Bears have a number of needs to address this offseason, which includes finding quarterback Justin Fields a No. 1 wide receiver.
There aren’t any options currently in the free agent market — which could change if guys like Michael Thomas and Tyler Boyd are cap casualties. And while some veterans could be on the trade block, general manager Ryan Poles would likely prefer not trading away assets.
With that said, there are some intriguing prospects in the 2023 NFL draft, including a familiar face for Fields.
In an interview with Bleacher Report, Fields said he would “no doubt” love if the Bears drafted his former Ohio State teammate, Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Of note, he said he would “no doubt” love it if the Bears ended up with former Ohio State teammate Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the draft. Considering Smith-Njigba led a 2021 Buckeyes team that also had Chris Olave and Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson with 1,606 receiving yards, he would be a major boost to the wide receiver group.
Smith-Njigba played in just three games last season with the Buckeyes due to a hamstring injury. But he was coming off an impressive sophomore season, where he had 95 receptions for 1,606 yards — both team highs — and nine touchdowns.
Fields and Smith-Njigba played sparingly together during the 2020 season, but he would give Fields a familiar weapon, not unlike what the Bengals did with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.
Smith-Njigba is expected to a first-round selection. But while Chicago has the top pick in the draft, they’ll likely be looking to trade back for more picks and a pick inside the top-10. With some other prospects expected to be on the board — and other needs — it seems highly unlikely the Bears would draft Smith-Njigba that high.
But perhaps, if Chicago lands an additional first rounder in 2023 or Smith-Njigba drops, Fields will find another playmaker in his former college teammate.
