Several NFL analysts have updated their mock drafts since the start of the league year, reflecting the Bears' blockbuster trade, in which they sent the No. 1 pick to the Panthers in exchange for the receiverDJ Moorere and four draft selections. Here's what 14 analysts think the Bears will do about the #9 pick they received from Carolina:
Charlie Campbell, Walter Football (March 20)
Choose:Northwest tackle Peter Skoronski
Comment:The Bears brought Justin Fields a No. 1 receiver in D.J. Moore on the trade with Carolina. Down here in 9th place, Chicago can pick up a left tackle for Fields. The Bears might have a shot at Jalen Carter, but even if he doesn't slide to them, landing a left tackle to protect Fields is good value and an upgrade. Skoronski impressed as Northwestern's replacement for Rashawn Slater. Skoronski was dominant in 2022, allowing one sack and very little pressure all season. He also showed improved strength and power as a run blocker. Skoronski could be a plug-and-play starter at guard or right tackle in the NFL. Could prove to be a starting left tackle.
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Ian Cummings, Pro Football Network (18. März)
Choose:Iowa-Edge-Rusher Lukas Van Ness
Comment:There's a reason you see Lukas Van Ness projected in Round 1, even if his pass-rushing arsenal is relatively raw. At 6'5", 272 pounds, with 34" arms and a speed under 4.6, his athletic profile doesn't come across often. He can generate dominating power at the edge, but he also has the leverage and hip flexibility to maximize his characteristics.
Josh Edwards, CBS Sports (March 20)
Choose:Georgia Defensive Tackle Jalen Carter
Comment:There's a lot going on in Jalen Carter's world, so it's difficult to say where he'll be picked. The talent suggests he may be long gone. The Bears traded back and could theoretically still take the player they originally wanted for No. 1 overall.
Kevin Fishbain, The Athletic (21. März)
Choose:The Bears trade with Commanders from 9 to 16 and tackle Georgia against Broderick Jones
Comment:I'm scoffing at a scenario where Jones is there at 16 and would be the Bears' first Round 1 tackle since Gabe Carimi in 2011. Poland and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy - who were part of the Bears' contingent for Georgia pro-tag in Athens last week - can decide who crosses over to the right side of the lineBraxton Jonesand Broderick Jones, but they'd be in potentially great form with young bookend tackles on rookie deals.
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (March 21)
Choose:Northwest tackle Peter Skoronski
Comment:I love this choice for the bears. Skoronski would be an instant upgrade with the right tackle forJustin Fields.
Mel Kiper, ESPN (March 21)
Choose:Ohio State battles Paris Johnson Jr.
Comment:While the Bears could be in play for a defender here - especially if Jalen Carter falls - I see offensive tackle as their biggest hole after their free-hand moves. Here they could choose the tackles of the class. Johnson played both tackle spots and right guard for the Buckeyes, and he has already blocked for quarterback Justin Fields. Chicago needs to continue backing Fields and get him a stellar lineman with this pick, and it could still address defense with its two second-round picks (Nos. 53 and 61) and early third-round player (No. 64).
Todd McShay, ESPN (March 11)
Choose:Northwest tackle Peter Skoronski
Comment: This is the risk of trading back to #9; three edge rushers are already off the board. So Chicago could instead switch to the offensive line -- one of its other big needs -- when going all-in on Justin Fields.
Cam Mellor, Pro Football Network (21. März)
Choose:The Bears trade with Raiders from 9 to 7 and tackle Ohio State against Paris Johnson Jr.
Comment:The Chicago Bears have enough draft capital to move and secure their favorite players in big need areas. They're moving up two spots here to grab top tackle on the board, skipping the OT-needing Atlanta Falcons in the process. Paris Johnson Jr. played a year in left tackle in Columbus and looked good in every way. Tall and athletic, Johnson is at his best when he's on the move, paving the way for skill players in space - something Justin Fields was quick to capitalize on.
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports (March 22)
Choose:Texas Tech Edge-Rusher Tyree Wilson
Comment:Your line of defense will need a lot of help to get into this draft. Tyree Wilson could end up being the best edge player in this class. He has a foot injury that has limited his off-season work somewhat.
Josh Schrock, NBC Sports Chicago (March 21)
Choose:Ohio State battles Paris Johnson Jr.
Comment: With Jalen Carter gone, Ryan Poles takes the best left tackle in the draft and moves Braxton Jones to the right. Johnson is a 6-foot-6, 313-pound tackle with 36 1/8-inch arms. He's got all the physical tools you need in a tackle and the athleticism to go far in the Bears' zone run program.
Kyle Stackpole, CBS Sports (March 20)
Choose:Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Comment:The bears are moving! First, they trade the No. 1 overall pick to the Panthers for two firsts, two second and a proven wide receiverDJ Moore. Then they go out on Day 1 of free agency and lock in two of the best linebackers availableT.J. EdwardsAndTremaine Edmundsin addition to solid guardNate Davis. You've already filled some holes, but there's more to do. And with her newly acquired No. 9 picks, the Bears give Justin Fields a familiar weapon in Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a distance runner with elite agility skills.
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports (March 22)
Choose:Iowa-Edge-Rusher Lukas Van Ness
Comment:Van Ness is a young, tall and athletic outside pass rusher with lots of size. Perfect addition to defending the bears.
Brentley Weissman, The Draft Network (22. März)
Choose:Georgia fights Broderick Jones
Comment:While many have Paris Johnson Jr. as OT1, I actually think Jones is the best prospect and has the most benefits.
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports (20. März)
Choose:Ohio State battles Paris Johnson Jr.
Comment:No team has been busier this offseason than the Bears, who added talent on both sides of the ball including guard Nate Davis, tight endRobert Tonian, defensive EndeOf Marcus Walker(7.0 sacks with the Titans in '22) and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. There's still a need for right tackle and edge rushers, but since many of the top free-agent offensive linemen have already signed elsewhere, and that draft class is deeper at EDGE than at OT, Chicago is bringing Paris Johnson Jr. here. He played LT at Ohio State last season and was 21st RG during the season. Justin Fields' protection is a #1 priority, and they can come back at pick #53 (or even 61) to get that pass rusher.