Kiper Has Chicago Bears Taking A Tackle, But Not Who You Think

While many people expect the Chicago Bears to select a tackle (offensive or defensive) in the 2023 NFL Draft, ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper has taken one which is a surprise.

We are just over two weeks away from the start of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Chicago Bears are finishing off their plan of attack. General manager Ryan Poles likely knows who he wants. Now it is just a matter of what to do depending on what the other teams do. Whoever he wants might not be available or another highly touted prospect might be available and he might have to change course.

There are a number of prospects who are linked to the Bears n the first round. However, the majority of the picks have them selecting a tackle. It does not matter if it is on defense or offense. A lot of the names are Jalen Carter, Broderick Jones, and Paris Johnson.

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper also has the Bears selecting a tackle with their ninth pick. However, it is not a name that has been thrown around by a lot of experts.

In his fourth mock draft, Kiper has a surprise not only for the Chicago Bears but for the draft in general. He has Chicago picking (subscription required) Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright. Wright would be the draft’s first offensive lineman taken in the draft.

Chicago dropped eight spots in Round 1 but picked up a massive haul in its trade with Carolina, allowing it to keep premium picks in this draft and add future capital as well. And if it wants to add an instant starter at No. 9, offensive tackle is the position to target…

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Wright started 27 games at right tackle in college; his tape against Will Anderson Jr. and Alabama was phenomenal. He’s the best right tackle in this class. This is a selection to keep quarterback Justin Fields clean.

Poles already showed that he is all in on Fields. He traded the number one pick when many draft experts felt that going after a quarterback and trading Fields could be beneficial.

Not only did Poles trade the pick, but he also picked up wide receiver D.J. Moore, giving Fields a number one receiver. Additionally, He signed guard Nate Davis to solidify the interior part of the offensive line. Furthermore, he added tight end Robert Tonyan to give Fields another big target to go along with Cole Kmet.

Wright would solidify the outside part of the line. After free agency, the Bears still have a need for a tackle, especially on the right side.

The Bears have Braxton Jones as the left tackle. He impressed a lot of people last season by playing every snap. It will be interesting to see him develop and become even better.

Wright gets the endorsement from Anderson, who projects as a top-five pick. He names Wright as the best offensive lineman he faced in his college career. That is high praise.

Wright has the power to seal off the edge so the running backs have nice holes to run through. Additionally, he handles the pass rush, giving the quarterback a nice pocket to work with.

It will be an interesting draft for the Chicago Bears. Being in the mix for some of the top picks in the draft will add excitement for their fans.