Chicago Bears 2023 NFL Draft big board: 21 prospects to consider for Rounds 1-2

When general manager Ryan Poles last met the media on Jan. 17 — the day that the organization introduced Kevin Warren as president and chief executive officer at Halas Hall — the Bears were halfway through their free-agency meeting. Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia Rank: 1 Brugler: “While I have similar grades on him and Will Anderson Jr., the value of Carter’s interior disruption is what gives him the edge.” Jahns: Free agency comes first. Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr. Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State Rank: 9 Brugler: “A fluid big man, Paris Johnson Jr. is quick out of his stance, with the movement skills to mirror pass rushers around the arc or show off his pulling range in the run game.” Jahns: The Bears need athletes for their zone scheme up front — currently the basis of their offensive identity — and Johnson might just be the best tackle in the draft. Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh Rank: 35 Brugler: “His lack of size will be more pronounced versus NFL blockers, but Kancey has the disruptive qualities that will translate to the pro game.” Jahns: The Bears will be looking for three-technique options in all rounds, and Kancey was Pittsburgh’s first unanimous All-America selection since Aaron Donald. Cody Mauch, G/C, North Dakota State Rank: 39 Brugler: “… doesn’t have elite length or sand in his lower body, but his movement skills and innate competitiveness will make him an NFL starter early.” Jahns: The Bears tried to inject some personality into their offensive line by signing Lucas Patrick in free agency last year.