Top prospects to keep an eye on as Georgia and TCU fight in the National Championship
Chicago Bears fans are now ready to focus on the 2023 NFL draft. Chicago will have eight picks in this draft. They will be looking to increase the depth and talent of the roster.
As Georgia and TCU take the field tonight in the College Football National Championship, there are a number of prospects from both schools that could be on the Bears’ radar in 2023.
Here’s our list of 10 players that can fill much-needed gaps in Chicago’s offense and defense.
DL Jalen Carter, Georgia
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Jalen Carter was the best player on a defensive line that had three first-round draft picks in 2022 (Travon Walker, Jordan Davis, and Devonte Wyatt), and he’s one of the most versatile defensive linemen in the draft with an ability to rush the passer, beat double teams, and defend the run.
Carter is a 6-foot-3, 300-pound defensive lineman who can play 3-4 or 4-3. Carter will have an immediate impact wherever he goes.
Projection of the First Round
TCU, WR Quentin Johnston
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Quentin Johnston is the ideal build for a No.1 WR of the NFL. At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, he will line up as the “X” receiver for many teams, playing outside to the far side of the field. Johnston’s size is not a problem, and he can still run at a tremendous pace, as demonstrated by his touchdown of 75 yards in the Fiesta Bowl against Michigan.
Johnston is a great vertical threat because of his speed and the longer he has to run. Johnston is the perfect option for teams that need a wide receiver with a large body to be the primary target in the passing games.
Projection of the First Round
OT Broderick Jones, Georgia
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Broderick J. Jones may be the first offensive lineman to be drafted in 2023. At 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, he’s got great feet and impressive athleticism, making him one of the best left tackles in college football.
The redshirt sophomore was sub-in for the national championship game vs. Alabama. However, in his first year as a starter he was awarded first-team All SEC honors.
Projection of the First Round
EDGE Nolan Smith Georgia
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Nolan Smith, who is undersized at 235 lbs, is an impressive run defender. He can get great penetration against larger offensive linesmen and has great first steps.
With his current size, he’s likely a better fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker, but needs to improve his pass coverage.
Second round projection
iOL Sedrick van Pran, Georgia
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A redshirt sophomore with good size, center Sedrick Van Pran doesn’t have to enter the draft, but depending on how the championship game goes, he’s got a chance to improve his draft position.
At 6-foot-4, 310 pounds, he’s got good size for a zone scheme center. He also demonstrated exceptional lateral quickness, and was able to reach linebackers at the second-level.
As a pass blocker, he’s shown good ability to anchor and absorb pressure from interior defense linemen. He might, however, return to Georgia due to his age to improve his draft position in 2024.
Third Round Projection
iOL Steve Avila, TCU
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Steve Avila, redshirt senior, is a two-time All-American. He is also one of the top offensive linemen in Big 12. He’s a versatile and experienced lineman who has played center and guard with the Horned Frogs. Avila’s size and strength are the most striking features. Avila is 6’4″ and 334 lbs. He has a strong anchor in his inner self and is seldom beaten by bull-rushing linesmen.
An excellent fit for zone-blocking schemes. He’s one of the best at mauling the defender, aggressively engaging and moving them off the line of scrimmage before looking for work at the second level.
Third Round Projection
RB Kendre Miller, TCU
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Kendre is a great performer. As a sophomore, Miller was a three star recruit in high school. He also served as a backup running back. This led to Zach Evans becoming a five-star recruit at Ole Miss. He averaged 7.5 yards per carry and rushed for 623 yard and seven touchdowns in backup.
Evans left and Miller took over the starting position. Miller ran 1,342 yards with 17 touchdowns and averaged 6.2 yards per run. Miller is a balanced runner and can catch the ball from the backfield. He’s also a strong pass-blocker and will interest many NFL teams.
Projection: Fifth Round
OT Warren McClendon, Georgia
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Warren McClendon book concludes with Broderick, the future first-rounder. He’s 6-foot-4, 300 pounds and a tremendous run blocker and does great climbing to the second level and blocking linebackers.
His pass protection and pad level must be improved. He can lose control and leverage with defenders, making it difficult to complete blocks.
Projection: Sixth round
DL Dylan Horton, TCU
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Dylan Horton’s skills as a pass rusher are still very raw, but he is extremely athletic and has high ceiling potential. For the Horned Frogs, the xxx has displayed his versatility playing inside at 3-technique and outside at 5-technique in TCU’s 3-3-5 defense. Unfortunately for Horton, it’s hard to have much production in this defense, but he’s got great size at 6’3, 275 pounds.
Horton, a former safety, will be a big hit at the NFL Combine. He might even make it onto the draft boards. He’s shown an ability to play out of a 2-point and 3-point stance and will excite teams even more with a great combine and Senior Bowl.
Projection: Sixth round
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