Now that the first wave of free agency is over. The Bears are starting to look even better than people predicted. General Manager Ryan Poles gave Fields a true number-one wide receiver in D.J. Moore. He also solved some problems on the defensive side of the ball, signing Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards. As the Bears now inch closer to the NFL draft, it is worth noting that they still have many holes to fill on this roster. Both the defensive and offensive lines need to be beefed up. Luckily, the 2023 draft class is full of talented prospects, especially in the previously stated positions. That being said, the most crucial part of the Bears’ future is Justin Fields; Drafting an offensive tackle should be the Bears’ number one priority in the draft.
Now that the Bears are down to number nine overall, they might have traded down to the best spot for the top offensive tackle prospect. The Bears’ interior offensive line seems alright for now. Cody Whitehair will move to center, newly signed free-agent Nate Davis and last season’s starter Teven Jenkins will hold down the guard spots. 2022 fifth-round pick Braxton Jones will likely start at left tackle, leaving the right tackle spot empty. That spot will inevitably be fulfilled by whoever the Bears draft at nine.
Three tackles will likely be available at nine. Scouts say the best tackle out of the three is Peter Skoronski. Skoronski hails from Northwestern, living in Park Ridge, Illinois, before that. Skoronski would be a massive hit for the Bears and their fanbase. They bring a hometown kid who has bled blue and orange for life. Skoronski ranks above the other lineman in just about everything you can ask for in an offensive lineman. He is a versatile guard who can dominate any rusher with his hands. Don’t be surprised if the Poles pull the trigger at nine.
The second-best tackle available would be Paris Johnson Jr. out of Ohio State. Johnson impressed scouts with his freakish athleticism and abnormally long arms, measuring over 36 inches each. Johnson’s hands aren’t as advanced as Skoronskis, but what he lacks in hands, he makes up with his athleticism. His role is best suited at left tackle, so Braxton Jones would have to shift to right tackle. Johnson may not be as good as Skoronski, but he is close.
The third-best tackle available is Broderick Jones. Broderick Jones came from Georgia and was the best tackle on the team for the years he started. Jones has, far and away, the grittiest mentality out of all the tackles. He can play both tackle spots, although his hand skills aren’t as impressive as the guards before him. One thing you can be sure of, though, is that he will do whatever it takes to put his defender on the ground.
