The Chicago Bears became the first team in seven years to trade the No. 1 overall pick and then traded their first-round pick again on Day 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Chicago already has its franchise quarterback in 2021 No. 11 overall selection Justin Fields and used its initial selection to get him a top receiver in D.J. Moore via trade with the Carolina Panthers.
But how did the Bears do with their draft selections? Let’s take a look.
Bears NFL Draft Picks 2023
- Round 1, Pick 10 Overall (From NO via PHI): Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
- Round 2, Pick 53 Overall (From BAL): Gervin Dexter Sr., DT, Florida
- Round 2, Pick 56 Overall (From JAC): Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami
- Round 3, Pick 64 Overall: Zacch Pickens, DT, South Carolina
- Round 4, Pick 115 Overall (From NO): Roschon Johnson, RB, Texas
- Round 4, Pick 133 Overall (From PHI): Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati
- Round 5, Pick 148 Overall (From NE via BAL): Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
- Round 5: Pick 165 Overall (From PHI via NO): Terell Smith, CB, Minnesota
- Round 7, Pick 218 Overall: Travis Bell, DT, Kennesaw State
- Round 7, Pick 258 Overall (Compensatory): Kendall Williamson, DB, Stanford
Bears NFL Futures Odds
Now that the NFL Draft is complete, get ready for the 2023-24 NFL season with the latest Bears odds and futures betting markets.
Bears Draft Grade 2023
Bears NFL Draft Grade: B-
Our Frank Ammirante credited the Bears for their fourth-round pick of running back Roschon Johnson, who he called “arguably the most complete back in the draft."
However, Ammirante docked Chicago points for picking Wright over Jalen Carter, who the Eagles selected after trading with the Bears for the No. 9 pick.
Click to see our full report card of 2023 NFL Draft Grades.
Note: The following information was written prior to the 2023 NFL Draft.
Bears Draft Team Needs 2023
1. Defensive Line
Chicago gave up the second-most rushing yards in the NFL (2,674, 157.3 per game) due largely to its inability to control the line of scrimmage, but also had the fewest sacks in football (20).
Thus, the Bears could use an interior defensive player who can occupy linemen but also get after opposing passers.
2. Cornerback
Chicago’s defense was better against the pass, but still gave up the 18th-most yards (218.6) in the NFL in 2022. The Bears still have All-Pro safety Eddie Jackson, who should be available for training camp after a Lisfranc injury ended his 2022 season, but could use a high-end cornerback to lock down opposing receivers.
3. Outside Linebacker/EDGE
The Bears could use help inside but also outside, where they only averaged about one sack per game. A game-wrecking EDGE, like what the Lions have in Aidan Hutchinson, would help Chicago immensely.
Bears May Also Consider Drafting: Running Back, Offensive Line
Bears NFL Draft Round 1 Mock 2023
- Round 1, Pick 9 Overall: Jalen Carter, Defensive Lineman, Georgia
As of April 7, our own Anthony Cervino is predicting the Bears will pick the game-wrecking interior D-lineman from the two-time defending national champs. Read our full NFL Mock Draft.
Bears NFL Draft Pick History
Bears NFL Draft Picks 2022
- Round 2, Pick 7 (7th Overall): Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
- Round 2, Pick 16 (16th Overall): Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State
- Round 3, Pick 7 (71st Overall): Velus Jones, WR, Tennessee
- Round 5, Pick 25 (168th Overall): Braxton Jones, OT, Southern Utah State
- Round 5, Pick 31 (174th Overall): Dominique Robinson, EDGE, Miami (Ohio)
- Round 6, Pick 7 (186th Overall): Zach Thomas, G, San Diego State
- Round 6, Pick 25 (203rd Overall): Trestan Ebner, RB, Baylor
- Round 6, Pick 29 (207th Overall): Doug Kramer, C, Illinois
- Round 7, Pick 5 (226th Overall): Ja’Tyre Carter, G, Southern University
- Round 7, Pick 33 (254th Overall): Elijah Hicks, DB, California
- Round 7, Pick 34 (255th Overall): Trenton Gill, P, NC State
