When you’ve earned the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft, it’s safe to say there is more than one personnel issue that needs addressing. One of the needs for Chicago, however, is not quarterback. And that made the Chicago Bears’ ownership of the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft much more interesting. 

It's a pick they no longer own, after accepting a trade with the Carolina Panthers that gives the Bears four future draft picks and star WR D.J. Moore. With the major shakeup, Chicago now owns the No. 9 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. They remain big long-shots to win the Super Bowl on Illinois betting apps, but at least a plan is coming together in Chicago to build around Justin Fields.

Bookies.com oddsmaker Adam Thompson has used his resources of NFL contacts developed over 20 years covering the league and the NFL Draft to create his hypothetical NFL futures odds on who gets selected ninth by the Chicago Bears in the 2023 NFL Draft. 

Chicago Bears First Round Pick Odds (No. 9)

These odds are for entertainment purposes only and were created by the Bookies team of handicappers.

The Bears ranked 28th in total offense and 29th in total defense en route to a 3-14 record and the well-earned No. 1 pick in the draft. But unlike many teams picking high, quarterback isn’t considered a major need in the Windy City. Fields managed only 17 passing TDs in 15 games, but he rushed for over 1,000 yards and his QBR of 17th was a vast improvement from his dead-last mark of 2021. 

There are many areas of need here, and with QB not on the radar, the Bears could afford to ship No. 1 away. They received a top-tier receiver (a major need) as well as two first-round picks and two second-rounders. 

Up front is where it starts, especially on the defensive side. Chicago ranked at the very bottom of the NFL in sacks and in overall QB pressure, and only Houston allowed more rush yards per game. 

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Peter Skoronski Odds To Join Chicago Bears

Offensive tackle is a spot of immediate need, and the Bears could have their pick of the litter. That includes Paris Johnson Jr. of Ohio State and Peter Skoronski of Northwestern, who played his college ball just 16 miles up the road from Soldier Field. 

That said, Skoronski is considered the most NFL-ready, the most-steady and consistent. He was named the Big Ten Lineman of the Year, an accomplishment in a conference that requires toughness up front.  Skoronski's ability to move inside and play guard offers versatility the other two may not have. 

Johnson has NFL-ready quickness and is a little bigger. He may have the highest upside but also may need the longest time to reach it. Broderick Jones of Georgia is battle-tested from his time anchoring the line of the defending champion Bulldogs. 

The Bears will have options on the D-line as well. At No. 9, Chicago likely misses out on Alabama's Will Anderson Jr. and Texas Tech's Tyree Wilson, two elite edge rushers. Georgia DL Jalen Carter was considered a No. 1 overall pick prospect when Chicago held the spot. He might still be there at No. 9, though it's unlikely. 

Other immediate-impact defensive players will still be on the board. Clemson's Myles Murphy and Iowa's Lukas Van Ness present options at No. 9. Murphy is smaller but more explosive and was highly productive for the Tigers, Van Ness has the size and is an Illinois native. He wasn't even a starter for Iowa in 2022 but still garnered second-team All-Big Ten accolades. 

The Field is led by the receiver position as the Bears could look to give Fields another reliable target. Jaxon Smith-Njigba of Ohio State and Quentin Johnston of TCU could both join Moore as the team looks to help Fields get to the next level from a passing standpoint. 

Chicago Bears 2023 Draft Picks

• Round 1 (9, from CAR)
• Round 2 (53, from BAL)
• Round 2 (61, from CAR)
• Round 3 (64)
• Round 4 (103)
• Round 4 (133, from PHI)
• Round 5 (136)
• Round 5 (150, from NE)
• Round 7 (218)
• Round 7 (258, compensatory)

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