The Chicago Bears had a successful 2023 NFL draft. Adding a first-round offensive tackle, a cover cornerback and beef along the defensive line on Day 2, and a potential starting running back and speedy receiver on Day 3 adds up to a rookie class that will play a significant amount of snaps next season.
According to ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen, those snaps will be so significant that the Bears rookies will make the biggest impact of any first-year group in the league.
"The Bears added depth and talent at premium positions, with a couple of potential Day 3 steals," Bowen wrote. "Darnell Wright is your Day 1 starter at right tackle. Both Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens have the traits to create interior disruption on the defensive front, and corner Tyrique Stevenson brings a physical play demeanor to the secondary. Plus, running back Roschon Johnson and wide receiver Tyler Scott could factor into the offensive game plan as rookies."
Wright will start at right tackle. Dexter and Pickens will factor heavily in the defensive line rotation with roles nearly as important as starters. Stevenson should start at outside corner opposite Jaylon Johnson, sliding Kyler Gordon inside. Not bad for the first four picks.
The fourth round produced Johnson and Scott, two guys who will be counted on in various roles. Johnson will cut his teeth on special teams. He'll likely be third on the running back depth chart when training camp begins, but he has enough ability to climb the pecking order quickly. Scott has a clear path to being the No. 4 wideout, assuming Darnell Mooney is fully healthy. If Mooney's recovery hits a delay, Scott can begin his rookie season as Chicago's WR3.
If the Chicago Bears' rookie class has a big season, the arrow will point way up for Poles and his rebuilding efforts. He's armed with two first-round picks in 2024, which will expedite the team's quest to get back to winning football.
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