NFL Combine Tracker: Which Prospects Have Met With Chicago Bears?
As the NFL Scouting Combine draws closer, teams are finalizing their draft boards, conducting interviews, and engaging in one of the most crucial evaluation periods in the lead-up to the NFL Draft. For the Chicago Bears, with the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, this Combine is especially important. The Bears have several needs to address, and general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus are looking for the right talent to help revitalize their roster and build a contender.
One of the key aspects of the Combine is the prospect interviews, where teams have the chance to meet with potential draftees, assess their character, and get a better sense of whether they are a good fit for the organization. The Chicago Bears have already begun meeting with several of the top prospects in this year’s draft, ranging from quarterbacks to defensive linemen, with the goal of finding players who can contribute immediately or in the near future.
Top Prospects Meeting with the Bears
Here is a look at some of the prospects who have reportedly met with the Chicago Bears during the NFL Scouting Combine.
1. Bryce Young (Quarterback, Alabama)
As one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in this year’s draft class, Bryce Young has been a focal point for many teams, including the Chicago Bears. While the Bears currently have Justin Fields as their starting quarterback, the team has taken interest in top quarterback prospects to either potentially trade the first overall pick or keep options open for the future. Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, is an incredibly accurate passer with elite playmaking ability. Although he’s on the shorter side (standing at 5’10”), Young’s football IQ, leadership, and poise make him a highly regarded prospect.
Why the Bears are interested:
Even though the Bears are unlikely to draft a quarterback with the first pick given their confidence in Fields, Young’s strong pedigree and the value of acquiring more assets in a potential trade cannot be overstated. The Bears will be evaluating how well he fits in with their long-term plans.
2. Will Anderson Jr. (Edge Rusher, Alabama)
Will Anderson Jr. is widely regarded as the best defensive player in the 2023 NFL Draft class. As an edge rusher, Anderson is a disruptive force who has consistently demonstrated his ability to wreak havoc in opposing backfields. His pass-rushing ability, combined with his high motor and versatility, makes him a prime candidate for teams looking to strengthen their defense.
Why the Bears are interested:
The Bears have struggled on defense in recent years, and the edge-rusher position has been a glaring weakness. Anderson’s ability to generate pressure and his knack for creating turnovers could make him an ideal fit for the Bears, especially as they look to build a more formidable defense under Matt Eberflus.
3. Jalen Carter (Defensive Tackle, Georgia)
Jalen Carter is one of the most dominant interior defensive linemen in this year’s draft class. With his size (6’3″, 314 pounds) and explosiveness, Carter has the ability to disrupt both the run and the pass. His combination of strength, quickness, and versatility has drawn comparisons to some of the best defensive tackles in the NFL.
Why the Bears are interested:
The Bears have been in desperate need of interior defensive help, and Carter’s ability to clog up running lanes and collapse the pocket makes him an ideal candidate for a team that needs to improve its defensive line. With the Bears currently lacking a dominant interior pass rusher, Carter could bring an immediate upgrade to the front seven.
4. Paris Johnson Jr. (Offensive Tackle, Ohio State)
Paris Johnson Jr. is one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 313 pounds, Johnson has the size and athleticism to dominate at the next level. His ability to protect the quarterback’s blind side and his skill at both pass blocking and run blocking make him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to bolster their offensive line.
Why the Bears are interested:
Chicago has been investing heavily in its offensive line in recent years, but more work is still needed to protect Justin Fields and provide him with better blocking. Johnson’s ability to step in and contribute immediately could be exactly what the Bears need to give Fields more time to throw and allow the offense to flourish.
5. Devon Witherspoon (Cornerback, Illinois)
Devon Witherspoon is regarded as one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2023 class. Known for his physical play and ball-hawking abilities, Witherspoon had a standout career at Illinois and is projected to be an early-round pick. His ability to cover wide receivers on the outside and his aggressive style of play make him a top target for teams in need of a shutdown corner.
Why the Bears are interested:
The Bears have been building their secondary, but adding a talent like Witherspoon could provide a significant boost. Chicago struggled defensively last season, particularly in the passing game, and adding an elite cornerback could help solidify their coverage units.
6. C.J. Stroud (Quarterback, Ohio State)
C.J. Stroud is another top quarterback prospect who has had discussions with the Chicago Bears. Stroud has the prototypical size (6’3″, 214 pounds) and a strong arm, and he’s proven to be a highly efficient passer at Ohio State. As a pocket passer, Stroud has a quick release and impressive accuracy, making him a compelling option for any team looking for a franchise quarterback.
Why the Bears are interested:
Like Bryce Young, Stroud is another quarterback to consider in case the Bears decide to trade the first overall pick. Chicago has been doing its due diligence on quarterbacks in the draft to evaluate their options, as the team could still entertain trade offers from quarterback-needy teams.
7. Lukas Van Ness (Edge Rusher, Iowa)
Lukas Van Ness is another highly regarded edge rusher in this year’s draft. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 272 pounds, Van Ness is a raw but highly explosive pass rusher who can create consistent pressure from the outside. His athleticism and ability to bend around the edge are impressive, and he has a great deal of untapped potential.
Why the Bears are interested:
The Bears are looking for pass-rushers to complement their defense, and Van Ness could be a great addition to a team that needs help creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Given the high demand for edge rushers in the draft, Van Ness could be an intriguing pick for Chicago if they decide to address the defense with their top picks.
What It All Means for the Bears’ Draft Strategy
As the Chicago Bears approach the NFL Draft, it’s clear that they are exploring all options with their first overall pick. The team is conducting interviews with a wide variety of prospects, from quarterbacks to defensive linemen, and it’s likely that they will ultimately trade the pick to a quarterback-needy team. However, they also have the option of selecting a player who can help them immediately, whether it’s a pass rusher like Will Anderson Jr. or Jalen Carter or an offensive tackle like Paris Johnson Jr.
The Bears’ draft strategy will likely be shaped by both their needs and the offers they receive for the first pick. Whether they choose to build around Justin Fields or bolster their defense or offensive line, the team is gathering crucial information on potential prospects to make the best decision for the future of the franchise.
With their extensive research at the NFL Combine, the Bears are positioning themselves to make a significant move this offseason that will help reshape their roster for the long haul.