And just like that, the 2023 NFL Draft is in the books. Per usual, it was a wild and unexpected ride, starting with all the Round 1 action. Day 2 and Day 3 delivered surprises of their own. Some teams capitalized on the opportunity, while others came up short. Let’s take a look at the 2023 NFL Draft recap, analysis, and grades for the Chicago Bears. NFL Draft analysts Andrew Erickson and Thor Nystrom combine to provide their thoughts below.

• NFL Draft Grades for Every Team
• Thor’s Draft Grades (AFC | NFC)
• NFL Draft Day 1 Winners & Losers (Day 2 | Day 3)
• Fitz’s Round 1 NFL Draft Picks: Dynasty Rookie Draft Outlook (Day 2 | Day 3)
• Latest Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft

2023 NFL Draft Recap, Analysis & Grades: Chicago Bears

NFL Draft analysts Andrew Erickson and Thor Nystrom combine to provide their thoughts below.

Thor Nystrom’s Overview & Grades

Chicago Bears | Draft Grade: D

Chicago’s administration is clearly bullish in their own evaluations. We clearly saw this class differently.

I couldn’t have taken OT Darnell Wright in the top 10, because I don’t think he can be a standout NFL left tackle. And I hated the DT Gervon Dexter Sr. and CB Tyrique Stevenson picks.

The Bears were in jeopardy of earning one of my “F” grades before they salvaged things on Saturday. I loved the value they got at positions of need with RB Roschon Johnson and CB Terell Smith in particular.

Last year, when the Texans popped Dameon Pierce in Round 4, I tweeted: “Dameon Pierce is your darkhorse Rookie of the Year candidate. He’s going to start immediately in Houston.” On Saturday, when Chicago popped Roschon Johnson in Round 4, I tweeted the exact same with Johnson/Chicago subbed for Pierce/Houston.

Smith is a huge sleeper. He was a collection of athletic traits with no instincts prior to last year. But the light flipped on over the offseason and Smith was fabulous in 2022. He then tested like the freak Gophers coaches had forwarded him as. If Smith’s development arrow continues to point up, his selection will be looked back upon as highway robbery.

Andrew Erickson’s Overview & Grades

The Bears needed a future tackle and got the second-best guy on their board behind Paris Johnson Jr. Zero complaints from me with Darnell Wright slated to protect Justin Fields. Wright was a four-year starter (42 games) at Tennessee and performed extremely well during his senior year. He finished fourth in his class in PFF pass-blocking efficiency and performed admirably versus a fierce Alabama pass-rush unit led by Will Anderson. And per Sports Info Solutions, Wright finished with the second-lowest blown block percentage in the class (0.7%). Wright should be a plug-and-play option as the Bears right tackle in Year 1 and for the foreseeable future.

On Day 2, Chicago addressed more needs by doubling down at the defensive tackle spot and by drafting CB Tyrique Stevenson. Gervon Dexter finished 8th in tackles and 10th in total run stops in 2022, as the anchor in the Gators’ defense. He’s a bet on traits projection. Tyrique Stevenson allowed just 1.1 receptions per game as Miami’s boundary cornerback in 2022. With solid size — 6-feet, 198 pounds and a long wingspan — Stevenson fits the mold of a man coverage CB that fits the Matt Eberflus scheme.

Starting on Day 3, the Bears selected Texas running back Roschon Johnson. For a team that wants to build their identity on the ground, it’s a great pick in Round 4. Had Johnson not spent time sitting behind Bijan Robinson, he would have posted much better college numbers. Johnson posted an absurd 49% missed tackle rate in 2022 while also finishing fourth in yards after contact per attempt among the 2023 draft class. He’ll find earning playing time will be much easier to do competing with the likes of Khalil Herbert and D’Onta Foreman.

I also love the addition of WR Tyler Scott on Day 3. It’s another weapon for Justin Fields, and I expect the duo to generate splash plays downfield.

FINAL DRAFT GRADE: B

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