ESPN NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay published his first mock draft of the 2023 NFL Draft cycle, and his pick for the Chicago Bears is exciting.
The Bears fell to the No. 3 pick in the first round during their Bye week, thanks to the Denver Broncos losing to the Kansas City Chiefs. Denver’s pick is owned by the Seattle Seahawks, who received it as part of the Russell Wilson trade.
Still, even with the one-pick slide, the Bears end up with a player many draft analysts think is the best non-quarterback in the class: Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr.
Bears GM Ryan Poles would be thrilled with this scenario. Chicago is another trade-back candidate here, because Stroud is still out there. But then again, my No. 1 prospect is still available. After dealing away Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn, the Bears need edge rushers, and Anderson is explosive, instinctive and overpowering. Over the past two seasons, he has averaged more than a sack per game (27.5) and has piled up 56 tackles for loss and 131 pressures. That kind of production would be welcomed to a defense that has just 16 sacks this season (last in the NFL).
Todd McShay, ESPN.com
