Looking back, the 2023 draft class was an impactful one for the Chicago Bears. Outside of the players acquired in that draft, they also traded the first overall pick to the Carolina Panthers, which resulted in a massive haul that included franchise quarterback Caleb Williams.
Outside of trading the top pick, the Bears landed some impact contributors and starters with their picks, starting with right tackle Darnell Wright, who’s been instrumental along the offensive line. Wright is eligible for a contract extension, and it feels like a matter of when not if Chicago gets it done.
The Bears are selected defensive tackle Gervon Dexter and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, both starters, in the second round. Cornerback Terell Smith and linebacker Noah Sewell, selected in the fifth round, and fourth-round running back Roschon Johnson have been solid contributors. But there were plenty of duds in this class, including third-round defensive tackle Zacch Pickens, fourth-round wide receiver Tyler Scott and seventh round defensive tackle Travis Bell and safety Kendall Williamson.
CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco recently re-graded the 2023 draft classes. After initially giving the Bears a B+ back in 2023, Prisco upped it to an A, which has everything to do with the trade of that No. 1 pick and how it resulted in them landing Williams the following draft.
The skinny: They traded down with Carolina from the top spot and landed a nice haul in return, which has led to them drafting the foundation of this team. One of those players is right tackle Darnell Wright, who they took in the first round. He’s a good player. They had nine other picks in the draft. Of those nine, five are still on the roster and two are starters. They are second-round defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. and second-round corner Tyrique Stevenson. But they also took quarterback Caleb Williams with the 2024 first overall pick they got in the Young trade. They won that trade big time.
How I did: I didn’t like them trading down for a second time from No. 9 to No. 10 to take Wright. I said they should have taken Jalen Carter. I didn’t love the Dexter pick because of inconsistency questions. I liked the pick of back Roschon Johnson in the fourth, but after flashing as a rookie he had just two carries last season and would seem to be in jeopardy of being cut. While the draft itself was just OK, the trade saved it.
When all is said and done, the 2023 NFL Draft could very well be looked back on as the moment when the stars started to align for the Bears. They traded the No. 1 pick to the Panthers, which resulted in the first overall pick in 2024 (Williams), Wright at 10th overall, wide receiver DJ Moore, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, punter Tory Taylor and receiver Luther Burden III.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: CBS Sports issues new grade for Chicago Bears’ 2023 draft class
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
