One position that’s rarely mentioned as a high priority in the 2023 NFL Draft for the Chicago Bears is cornerback. With Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon locked in as a quality starting tandem, Bears GM Ryan Poles is expected to target an offensive or defensive lineman with the No. 9 pick.
But a new mock draft from USA Today takes a unique spin on Chicago’s selection.
How about Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez in a Bears uniform?
“The 6-1, 197-pound All-Pac-12 performer had four INTs and seven passes defensed in 2022 and showcased his explosive athleticism at the combine, running a 4.38 40-yard dash, posting a 41½-inch vertical leap and broad jumping 11 feet, 1 inch,” USA Today’s Nate Davis wrote. “The Bears, who surrendered the most points in the NFL in 2022 (27.2 per game), need help throughout their defense, though corner has been especially problematic despite the recent second-round picks invested in Jaylon Johnson (2020) and Kyler Gordon (2022).”