The No. 1 total choose within the 2023 NFL Draft is now connected to a brand new staff.
In a late Friday information announcement, the Chicago Bears traded the primary total choose to the Carolina Panthers. In alternate, the Bears acquired the ninth total choose this 12 months, the 61st total choose this 12 months, a 2024 first spherical choose and a 2025 second spherical choose. As well as, the Bears acquired WR DJ Moore within the commerce. You’ll be able to guess on the No. 1 total choose at DraftKings Sportsbook.
Right here’s the complete commerce, from ESPN’s Adam Schefter:
Panthers get: No. 1 total choose in 2023 NFL Draft
Bears get: No. 9 choose, No. 61 choose, Panthers first rounder in 2024, Panthers second rounder in 2025, extensive receiver D.J. Moore
The Panthers are about to leap on a brand new franchise QB with the No. 1 choose, however which one will they select? In the meantime, the Bears keep within the top-10, get further picks for the longer term, and add a dynamic weapon for Justin Fields by buying Moore.
Carolina grade: B
For Carolina, this implies they’re locked into getting their selection on the QB place. Earlier than, Carolina was on the outskirts at ninth total, doubtlessly lacking out on the entire prime QBs once more. Now, head coach Frank Reich will get to decide on his QB to develop on the prime of the draft. Shedding DJ Moore is a big blow to the franchise, however Moore was greater than seemingly a asset that they had to surrender within the commerce. Now, Carolina can actually rebuild and begin with a QB from this draft class.
Who will the choose be? There are 4 names in rivalry: Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, Alabama’s Bryce Younger, Florida’s Anthony Richardson, and Kentucky’s Will Levis. Any of them might go No. 1 total to Carolina with out it being an enormous shock. Learn our story on why Richardson was the large winner of the draft mix. Our Mark Schofield additionally wrote a narrative trying again on Younger’s proudest sport at Alabama.
For now, Carolina might go in any path at QB. This commerce provides them their first selection.
Chicago grade: A
For Chicago, they received precisely what they wanted. They traded again, have been capable of get a prime flight extensive receiver in a free agent class and draft class that was weak on the place, and now have extra photographs to choose extra gamers to inventory that roster. Bears GM Ryan Poles knew precisely what he wished when the Bears received the primary total choose, and he made certain he received it. Now, utilizing these picks goes to be the subsequent huge hurdle.
The Bears went from having one of many worst receiver teams in soccer in the beginning of final season to a thrilling room stuffed with gifted younger veterans forward of subsequent 12 months. Chicago already had drafted and developed Darnell Mooney right into a downfield risk, and purchased Chase Claypool from the Steelers for a second spherical choose on the commerce deadline. Moore will instantly develop into the No. 1 choice for Fields, and will put Claypool and Mooney ready to succeed.
The Bears can now use their cap house to rebuild the offensive and defensive traces. This commerce units Chicago up properly in each the current and the longer term.
