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Chicago Bears 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Defensive Line Reload

By Jacob Schyvinck

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 08: Will Anderson Jr. #31 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after a defensive stop against the Texas A&M Aggies during the second half at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 08, 2022 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 08: Will Anderson Jr. #31 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after a defensive stop against the Texas A&M Aggies during the second half at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 08, 2022 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Oct 1, 2022; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (8) runs during the third quarter against the Kansas Jayhawks at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2022; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (8) runs during the third quarter against the Kansas Jayhawks at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 2, 57th Overall: John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota

For the Chicago Bears to completely get humming on offense, most notably running the football, center needs to be on the list this offseason. Free agency might present some options, but the 2023 NFL Draft has a clean fit.

He won’t be for every team (much like Tyler Linderbaum in last year’s draft, where selecting him might mean tweaking the offense), but John Michael Schmitz can work for the Chicago Bears. He’s the zone center in the class, with the quicks, linear explosion, and ability to be masterful working to the second level in zone. Schmitz has the finishing mentality as well, and could be the instant starter in Chicago.

Round 3, 66th Overall: Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Iowa State

The trade for Chase Claypool should help solve one of the issues plaguing the Bears receiving core.  He can win downfield and flashes the catch point wins. Darnell Mooney has one year left on his contract, and is the versatile, quick-twitch threat. With deep threats galore, finding a true chain-moving separator is the bucket to fill.

Xavier Hutchinson is a perfect fit in that role. He’s a very talented separator in the short and intermediate areas of the field. He wins the slant as good as anyone in the 2023 NFL Draft class. What’s great is Hutchinson will expand the target zone for Justin Fields with his massive catch radius, and his drop rate is extremely low. Hutchinson makes the tough catches look extremely easy.

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