Pre-Draft Projected Starters: 2023 Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears weathered a disappointing 2023 season. After the team traded away their two top defenders, they went on a 10-game tailspin that saw their season record fall to 3-14. Fault could be found on both sides of the ball. The team finished 23rd in the league on offense and a putrid last on defense. The spirits of Gale Sayers and Walter Payton could be heard crying foul.

But alas, all is not lost. Starting with their franchise quarterback, Justin Fields, the Bears do possess some valuable pieces to their puzzle as they move forward. They also came out aggressively in the free-agent market and spun a trade that yielded them a quality receiver and a bountiful of draft picks. Picking their offensive and defensive starters for next season is tricky, mainly due to the fact that there will be so many new faces in camp this fall. But let’s give it a whirl.

Chicago Bears Offense

Quarterback

This conversation begins and ends with Fields, who showed signs of brilliance last year. At the very least, he was able to keep the Bears competitive in most of their contests. A gifted athlete, Fields only needs to improve his passing efficiency to take the next step forward. Also, with his improved receiving corps and a hopefully rebuilt offensive line, Fields may finally have the opportunity to show people his full potential.

Offensive Line

Changes are coming to the Bears’ offensive line. The first change came with the free-agent signing of ex-Tennessee Titan Nate Davis to play right guard. This will cause the domino effect whereby current right guard Teven Jenkins will move to the left guard position. Also, Cody Whitehair, the incumbent left guard, will most likely become the new starting center. Reliable Braxton Jones should remain at left tackle but there is a chance he could be moved to the left guard spot.

My prediction is that the Chicago Bear’s next right tackle will be introduced at this year’s NFL Draft. With the ninth pick in the draft, I believe the team will draft Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr. or Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski to help solidify their offensive line. Georgia’s Broderick Jones is another option at this draft position.

Also, look for the Bears to draft their center of the future in the second round in 2023. With the 61st pick of the draft, my crystal ball tells me that they will draft John Michael Schmitz, the talented center from Minnesota.

Running Backs

The Chicago Bears lost a reliable running back when David Montgomery opted to sign a free-agent contract with the Detroit Lions. In his place, they think they have found a winning combination. Speedy holdover Kahlil Herbert will be paired with the power-running free-agent pickup, D’Onta Foreman. Foreman was a breakout star last year for the Carolina Panthers after Christian McCaffrey was traded to San Francisco.

The two backs will complement each other well with their different styles of running. For good measure, the team signed former Seattle Seahawks back Travis Homer to handle third-down pass protection and receiving duties.

.@ColeKmet battles his way into the end zone ?

?: #MINvsCHI on FOX pic.twitter.com/g20Rgb9tk3

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 8, 2023

Tight Ends

Cole Kmet had another productive season last year as he continued to be Field’s favorite target. He led the team in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. He has become a key red-zone target for the Bears. To complement Kmet, the Chicago Bears looked due west and signed former Green Bay Packers tight end Robert Tonyan to a one-year contract. Tonyan is a reliable end who should give Field’s another viable third-down receiving option.

Wide Receivers

The Bears have their most talented group of receivers since the days of Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, and Earl Bennett. The addition of the talented D.J. Moore gives Fields another potent weapon. He will join the holdover receivers, speedy Darnell Mooney and possession receiver Chase Claypool as part of the Bear’s Aerial Circus. Equanimeous St. Brown is in the wings should an injury occur to the starting trio.

Chicago Bears Defense

Defensive Line

The Chicago Bears’ defensive line is a glass-half-empty, glass-half-full situation. The glass is half-empty because they are still missing that disruptive player at one edge position, and they also do not have a good candidate for the three-technique tackle position.

Edge Isaiah Foskey out of Notre Dame is a name frequently mentioned as a possible Bears selection at slot 53 of the draft. And Zacch Pickens out of South Carolina would be an excellent choice at the start of round three to slide into the other tackle spot.

The glass is half full because they wisely signed free-agent edge rusher DeMarcus Walker who had seven sacks for the Titans last season. And ex-Raider Andrew Billings should be a stout addition at the nose tackle spot.

Linebackers

The Bears have hit the Trifecta with this position. The strength of this position starts with second-year middle linebacker Jack Sanborn who had an outstanding 2022 rookie season. General Manager Ryan Poles then assertively signed Tremaine Evans and T.J. Edwards to play the outside linebacker positions. Some teams undervalue these positions, but the Bears determined they had needs there, so they moved quickly at the start of free agency to acquire those players.

Safeties

This is another position of strength for the Chicago Bears. Eddie Jackson has been a stabilizing force for the Bears for several seasons. He ranks as one of the top free safeties in the league. And Jaquan Brisker had a dynamic first season at the strong safety position. Elijah Hicks provides depth at safety and he is a key special teams contributor.

Cornerbacks

Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon are locks for two of the three starting corner positions. Gordon provides flexibility here as he can play both the slot and on the outside. The third starter will likely come from the draft. Eli Ricks from Alabama might be a name to remember as someone who could fill this role.

Chicago Bears Forecast

There you have it. Still a lot of balls up in the air, but it will be fun to watch how everything shakes out. Go Bears!!!