The Chicago Bears’ plan for the 2023 NFL Draft is becoming more clear after the first week of free agency. The Bears addressed a handful of team needs with major signings, but ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. believes Chicago will wait until the draft to fill one critical hole on the roster.

Chicago’s two most notable signings came on the defensive side of the ball with Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards. 

Lets Try This Again.

So Far #DaBears Additions;

– DJ Moore – WR
– TJ Edwards – LB
– Tremaine Edmunds – LB
– Nate Davis – OG
– DeMarcus Walker – DT/DE
– PJ Walker – QB
– Travis Homer – RB
– Andrew Billings – DT
– Robert Tonyan – TE
– D'Onta Foreman – RB pic.twitter.com/sM6YyFdzDl

— Irish Bears Network | Ciaran (@IrishBearsShow) March 16, 2023

Many assumed the Bears would throw big money at some of the premier offensive lineman on the market, but the team watched as Mike McGlinchey and Jawaan Taylor signed elsewhere.

The Bears did end up inking RG Nate Davis to a three-year deal, but there is still work to be done at the offensive tackle position. According to Kiper’s latest first-round mock draft, he has Chicago finding its answer at tackle with the No. 9 overall selection

OT Paris Johnson – Ohio State

While the Bears could be in play for a defensive lineman here — particularly if Jalen Carter drops — I see offensive tackle as their biggest hole after their moves in free agency. They added guard Nate Davis to start on the right side, but are they really trusting Teven Jenkins to lock in the right tackle job? They could have their choice of the class' tackles here. Johnson played both tackle spots and right guard for the Buckeyes, and he already has blocked for quarterback Justin Fields. Chicago needs to keep supporting Fields and get him a stellar lineman with this pick, and it could still address the defense with its two second-round picks (Nos. 53 and 61) and early third-rounder (No. 64).

Drafting a player like Johnson, who has one of the highest ceilings in his entire class, would be the final puzzle piece to what has been an extremely successful offseason on the offensive side of the ball.

The fit makes even more sense considering Johnson protected Fields in their time together at Ohio State.

Ohio State OL Paris Johnson Jr. on the possibility of blocking for Justin Fields once again ??

“It would be an honor to be back with him again”#Bears #BearDown #DaBears #NFLCombine2023 #thesickpodcast pic.twitter.com/ltC13rVLQN

— The Sick Podcast with Adam Rank (@sickpodadamrank) March 4, 2023

Not only would Fields have an upgraded cast of pass catchers to throw to, but his protection will be enough to take a major stride in his development as a passer. Plus, drafting a tackle who has many of the same elite physical traits as the top free agent options is a more cost-effective approach to rebuilding the offensive line.

General manager Ryan Poles has excelled in the franchise’s most pivotal offseason in recent memory. Fortifying his offensive line in the draft is the final step in transforming a unit with incredible potential in 2023 and beyond.