In week 7, the Chicago Bears beat the New England Patriots 33 to 14 in Foxborough, but have failed to win a game ever since. It seems the roster has flipped upon itself compared to recent years; the defense sucks, but the offense is a league-best. As injuries continue to plague our team and our opponents are only getting harder, I don’t see the Bears winning many more games this season. But, I do see the Bears getting a very high draft pick. A few weeks ago, I made my predictions for players that would be available for the Bears in the first round, but I never included these two cream-of-the-crop players; because I never imagined the Bears to have such a high draft pick. These two players are superstar pass rushers: Will Anderson Jr. and Jalen Carter. Many Chicago Bears fans believe an offensive lineman should be drafted with our first pick; however, these two young defensive monsters are too talented to pass on. Will Anderson Jr. is freakishly similar to former Bears all-pro defensive end Khalil Mack. Last season Will Anderson Jr. recorded 17.5 sacks and received the 2021 Bronco Nagurski Trophy only as a sophomore. Will Anderson Jr. continues to walk in his footsteps of last season with 10 sacks in 2022. Even with 243 pounds of muscle, Will Anderson Jr. can quickly pressure the quarterback with his 4.5-second 40-yard dash.
Jalen Carter is the other side of the token that could beef up the Bears’ defense this off-season. Jalen Carter played for the best defense in college football last season with the 2021 National Champion Georgia Bulldogs team alongside Trayvon Walker, Jordan Davis, Quay Walker, and Devonte Wyatt. What is most striking about Jalen Carter is his draft comparison. Weighing 300 pounds and at a height of 6 foot 3, many draft experts are comparing Jalen Carter to the former third overall pick in 2019, Quinnen Williams. These two college phenoms could be the next Monsters of the Midway, and one of the building blocks to anchor the defense around. With the Chicago Bears’ secondary already consisting of Jaquan Brisker, Eddie Jackson, Kyler Gordon, and Jaylon Johnson, I believe a few adjustments to the pass rush could bring this defense back to its 2018 glory.
The opportunity for the Bears to trade down is always up for grabs as well. Many quarterback-needy teams are going to want to get their hands on Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, or Will Levis, so trading for the Bears’ high draft pick is something I think teams will consider negotiating. Only time will tell where and who the Bears draft in 2023. I’d be comfortable with losing out the rest of our schedule to keep a high draft position, but I wouldn’t mind a win over the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field.
Love the idea of grabbing a stud on the d line. Especially if those 2 are available!!