The Chicago Bears are gearing up for the start of the 2023 NFL draft, where they’ll soon be on the clock in the first round.
After trading the No. 1 pick to the Carolina Panthers for a haul that included two first-rounders, two second-rounders and wide receiver DJ Moore, the Bears are still in a prime spot at ninth overall.
There are a number of directions Chicago can go with that pick, including trading back, a top prospect falling to them or taking a top offensive tackle.
Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr. is widely considered the best tackle in this draft class, and there’s a chance he could be in play for the Bears at No. 9.
Johnson would relish the opportunity to reunite with former college teammate Justin Fields.
“It would be a blessing to be there and play with Justin,” Johnson said, via the Chicago Sun-Times. “I love the system, I built a great connection with the offensive line coach and playing in that city would be awesome.
“It’d be super cool to play with Justin Fields. When I was a freshman, I was still trying to learn the scheme when they needed me, but now I’m in position to be the person that allows him to continue to have success.”
While there’s a good chance Johnson could be the pick for general manager Ryan Poles at ninth overall, many believe Johnson could be off the board by then. But, if the Bears did happen to land Johnson, he explained what sets him apart from other tackles in the draft.
“Have you seen my tape?” he told the Sun-Times. “You’ll see that’s what separates me: being able to finish you past the whistle. I want you to be so focused on me that you have no concern for my running back or quarterback. You’re concerned about me not hurting you.
“It’s a mindset. I pray for God to give me the mindset of a warrior because you can’t play the game like this, the way I’m talking to you right now.”
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