Several pro football writers updated their mock drafts this week. Here's what they're predicting the Bears will do with the No. 9 overall pick:
Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune (March 26)
Pick: Georgia tackle Broderick Jones
Comment: GM Ryan Poles can go with a lineman on either side of the ball and declare he has filled a pressing need. As a former offensive lineman — and having made only one major addition in free-agent guard Nate Davis — it seems smart to stay on the O-line. Jones is a redshirt sophomore with a sturdy frame and good athleticism. Bears coaches can sort out which side he'll play on.
Will Brinson, CBS Sports (March 30)
Pick: Northwestern offensive lineman Peter Skoronski
Comment: This would be a pretty ideal situation for the Bears unless they're dead set (as some teams likely are) on moving Skoronski to guard instead of tackle. Ninth overall isn't too early if he's a really good guard, but he needs to be really good if that's their plan.
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com (March 28)
Pick: Northwestern offensive lineman Peter Skoronski
Comment: The polished technician would be a plug-and-play starter for the Bears at either tackle spot.
Eric Edholm, NFL.com (March 27)
Pick: Ohio State tackle Paris Johnson Jr.
Comment: I don't know if Johnson is one of GM Ryan Poles' blue-chip prospects or not. But after the Bears did not sign one of the top free-agent tackles, they draft a long, athletic, smart and versatile prospect.
Jason McIntyre, Fox Sports (March 29)
Pick: Ohio State tackle Paris Johnson Jr.
Comment: The Bears have spent lavishly in free agency, but not on the offensive line ... protect Justin Fields and give him a chance to win.
Jordan Reid, ESPN (March 29)
Pick: Georgia tackle Broderick Jones
Comment: Don't be surprised if Jones is the top offensive tackle off the board. I continue to hear his name in this range. General manager Ryan Poles covets length and physical traits, and Jones might have the most upside of the tackles in this class. The interesting dynamic about this is that Braxton Jones, a fifth-round pick last year, showed promise as the starter at left tackle. Would Jones slot into the right or left tackle spot here? It's a great problem to have for a Chicago team that continues to remodel its offense around quarterback Justin Fields.
Keith Sanchez, The Draft Network (March 29)
Pick: Texas running back Bijan Robinson
Comment: Ryan Poles has been making all the right moves in free agency, trading down from the No. 1 pick and receiving great compensation. The Bears let David Montgomery go in free agency and Poles decides to fill that void by drafting Bijan Robinson. Robinson is an elite-level back and a true difference-maker at the RB position. A backfield with Fields and Robinson should place a lot of stress on defenses.
Brad Spielberger, Pro Football Focus (March 27)
Pick: Ohio State tackle Paris Johnson Jr.
Comment: After the first few waves of free agency, one thing seems certain: Whether offense or defense, this Bears pick will be a trench player. Johnson is a versatile offensive lineman with the size and athleticism to play on the inside or at tackle, with his 36 1/4-inch arms landing in the 97th percentile among tackles. The former Ohio State teammate of Bears quarterback Justin Fields started in 2021 at right guard before moving to left tackle, but he's a perfect fit in this scheme wherever Chicago ultimately puts him, with great movement skills at the second level for Chicago's outside-zone rushing attack. Johnson's 85.5 run-blocking grade on outside-zone runs in 2022 ranked sixth among FBS tackles, and that was at a new position on the other side of the offensive line. If he can get more consistent and continue to develop in both facets, he's the exact type of tackle that Chicago's new brass covets.
Mike Tannenbaum, ESPN (March 28)
Pick: Northwestern offensive lineman Peter Skoronski
Comment: I loved what Bears GM Ryan Poles did in maximizing the value of the first overall pick with his trade with Carolina, and he has spent well in free agency. But the Bears still have a ton of holes on their roster. Rebuilding always starts up front for me when developing a young quarterback, so I am going with a tough, dependable and local offensive lineman in Skoronski, widely considered the most refined pass-protector in this class.
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports (March 26)
Pick: Ohio State tackle Paris Johnson Jr.
Comment: No team has been busier this offseason than the Bears, who added talent on both sides of the ball, including guard Nate Davis, tight end Robert Tonyan, defensive end DeMarcus Walker (7.0 sacks with the Titans in '22) and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. There's still a need at right tackle and edge rusher but with many of the top free-agent offensive lineman already signed elsewhere, and since this draft class is deeper at EDGE than OT, Chicago takes Paris Johnson Jr. here. He played left tackle last season at Ohio State and was the right guard during the '21 season. Protecting Justin Fields is priority No. 1, and they can circle back at pick No. 53 (or even 61) to get that pass rusher.
