Elite draft prospect names Bears on short list of ideal landing spots
One of the 2023 NFL Draft’s most exciting prospects listed the Chicago Bears on a short list of teams he would love to play for. The Bears have made plenty of splashes in the free agency pool, but the team’s next opportunity to make a major wave in the NFL will come in the draft. […]
One of the 2023 NFL Draft’s most exciting prospects listed the Chicago Bears on a short list of teams he would love to play for.
The Bears have made plenty of splashes in the free agency pool, but the team’s next opportunity to make a major wave in the NFL will come in the draft. Though general manager Ryan Poles has done plenty to address a few glaring needs on the roster, Chicago will be in the market for an upgrade or two along its offensive line.
Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr. is a player many have linked to the Bears with the No. 9 overall pick. In a recent appearance on Bussin' With The Boys, Johnson, who many draft experts consider to be the top offensive tackle prospect in the 2023 draft class, expressed his interest to play in Chicago.
When asked if he had any teams he’d prefer to be drafted by, Johnson listed three teams:
- Tennessee Titans
- Chicago Bears
- Atlanta Falcons
It’s important to note that the Falcons currently hold the No. 8 pick, which comes before the Bears at No. 9 and the Titans at No. 11. However, the Falcons have plenty of different directions they could go in with the eighth pick in the draft.
The Bears’ offseason moves hint at an offensive tackle likely being on the team’s radar at No. 9 overall. Johnson, who protected Justin Fields at the collegiate level, can play on either side of the line and has the versatility to kick inside if he’s ever asked to do so.
Johnson and Chicago would be a match made in football heaven. The familiarity he has with Fields should not go overlooked, as getting a new offensive line to mesh can oftentimes be a difficult project.
If Johnson is available at nine overall, Chicago should not hesitate to make his draft dreams come true.
