The Chicago Bears are two games away from controlling one of the top two picks in the 2023 draft. You just have to lose both. Much of this depends on how well their opponents are playing. However, one thing is now clear. If the bears secure the #1 or #2, they have a lot of leverage. Now they could go down the boring route and design the best player on the board. Nobody would blame them. They desperately need superstar talent. At the same time, her list is riddled with holes. More draft picks would help fill them up. This is why so many people are hoping that GM Ryan Poles will try to trade down.
To do this, he needs something to lure other teams. Nothing does that more than quarterbacks. It wasn’t clear where the 2023 QB class sat. While there are some talented names in the mix, the reviewers were hesitant to declare them in the top 5. That all changed on Saturday when both Alabama’s Bryce Young and Ohio’s CJ Stroud walked off for what were arguably their best performances of the year. It was confirmation that both are absolutely capable of great things in the NFL and teams should want to achieve them.
CJ Stroud vs Georgia:
• 23/34
• 348 meters
• 4 TD
• 34 rushing yardsThe Buckeyes’ QB caught the world’s attention tonight.
Next stop, the NFL Draft 🔥 pic.twitter.com/WXAcrDZiYl
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) January 1, 2023
The Chicago Bears are in a prime place to play their part.
Winning one of their last two games would ruin the odds. When it happens, the setup is close to perfect. Assuming one of those QBs goes to Houston at No. 1 overall, the Poles would hold the keys to the other at No. 2. Among the top 10 are many teams in need, including Indianapolis (5th), Atlanta (6th), Carolina (8th) and Las Vegas (9th). It’s also worth noting that Seattle (3rd) is a wildcard as Geno Smith is a free agent and turns 33 this season. You might not want to pay him big bucks despite his surprisingly good 2022 season.
Because of this, the Chicago Bears could hold all the cards if they end up with one of the first two picks. Fans are already celebrating. It might be premature. This team has missed such opportunities in the past. Two late wins in 1997 stripped them of Peyton Manning. A meaningless win over the Jets in 2002 saw them miss out on Andre Johnson. Wanting to win is not a bad thing. However, there is a time when it becomes counterproductive. Most of the players in this squad will likely be gone by 2024. People have to keep that in mind. Call it tanking if you like, but the Bears will win a lot more if they finish 1st or 2nd overall.