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After two months with the first overall selection, the Chicago Bears did what most NFL fans expected. They traded down.
Chicago finalized the trade with the Carolina Panthers on Friday. The Bears received Carolina’s 9th overall pick, plus their second-round pick, a first-round pick in 2024, a second-round pick in 2025, and wide receiver D.J. Moore.
The move gives Chicago plenty of draft capital to build a young team around quarterback Justin Fields.
In our recent three-round mock draft, the Bears used their first four selections to build on both sides of the ball.
Despite bringing in D.J. Moore through the trade with Carolina — the Bears draft another weapon for Justin Fields.
Johnston played in 14 games for the Horned Frogs last season. He finished with 60 catches for 1,069 yards and six touchdowns.
Next Gen Stats gave Johnston a total score of 83, ranking him the fifth-best wide receiver at the combine.
NFL.com compares Quentin Johnston to former Bears and Eagles wide receiver Alshon Jeffery.
Johnston provides the Bears with incredible athleticism and speed. Given time, he can work his way into a WR1 position.
The Bears add a rookie linebacker with their first second-round pick.
Henley played the 2022 season with Washington State.
The 23-year-old played 12 games, finishing with 106 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, four sacks, one interception, and three forced fumbles.
At the NFL Combine, Henley ran a 4.54 40-yard dash. Next Gen Stats ranked him fourth among linebackers.
Henley is an asset in stopping opposing rushers — a trait Bears fans will be happy to have. Last season, the Chicago defense allowed 4.9 yards per carry.
Chicago adds to the offensive line with the 61st overall pick, taking center Luke Wypler from Ohio State.
Wypler played in 13 games last season. He allowed only one sack on 827 snaps played.
Pro Football Focus gave him an overall grade of 82.4.
At the NFL Combine, Wypler ran a 5.14 40-yard dash, with a vertical jump of 30.5″ and a broad jump of 8′ 10″.
NFL.com compares the 21-year-old to Minnesota Vikings center Garrett Bradbury.
Wypler will get the opportunity in training camp and preseason to take over the starting job.
Chicago grabs cornerback Garrett Williams with the 64th overall pick.
Williams played seven games for Syracuse last season. He recorded 36 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions, and a forced fumble.
Pro Football Focus graded Williams 71.1 overall.
PFF says Williams has not taken a penalty in the last two seasons. He will fit nicely with a Bears team that was called for the third-fewest penalties in 2022.
With a number of cornerbacks under contract for the 2023 season, Williams will have to fight his way onto the 53-man roster.
The 2023 NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 29th.
