With the 2022-23 NFL season nearing a close, NFL analysts are slowly focusing their attention on the draft.
While the 2023 NFL Draft is two months away, it’s not stopping the early mock draft projections.
However, everyone is focusing on the Chicago Bears and what they will do with the number one pick.
It’s sparked plenty of rumours, with NFL analysts and former NFL players making their predictions on what will happen.
While these rumors make for great headlines, Lance Zierlein is giving his take on the draft situation for the Bears.
In his mock draft on NFL.com, he has the Bears keeping the pick and drafting defensive tackle Jalen Carter.
The Georgia Bulldog defensive powerhouse is someone Zierlein says can “help the run defense and pass rush.”
I’m watching all of Jalen Carter’s playoff games, and this rep against Michigan last year is just absurd.
Wins with the arm-over as the 3-tech. Slippery to get past the RT and powers through the RB to get to the QB. That’s THREE blockers he beat on one play. Insane. #Bears pic.twitter.com/hXk6KpTivP
– Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) January 17, 2023
With the Bears needing plenty of defensive help in these areas, it makes sense for him for the team to draft him.
While trading back can still net them Carter, Zierlein’s mock draft doesn’t dive into the trade theory rabbit hole.
With this mock draft, it’s all about the Bears fulfilling a need for their defense.
Getting the Georgia defensive tackle gives the Bears an interior threat they currently lack.
However, others might feel taking him with the first overall pick is too much.
Those who want to see the Bears amass draft capital will want to see them trade out of the pick.
They can trade back and still get someone like Carter, as Zierlein has the Houston Texans (2nd) and Indianapolis Colts (4th) selecting quarterbacks.
While there’s no trade in this mock draft, it shows who the Bears can trade with to get the same player Zierlein has them picking.
