Chicago Bears Score Big with Extra Draft Pick

The Chicago Bears received an unexpected boost to their draft picks for the 2023 NFL Draft. On Thursday, the NFL awarded the Bears an extra compensatory pick in the seventh round, giving them a total of nine draft picks to work with this April. The news has sparked excitement among the team's fans and experts, suggesting that the Bears have already made significant progress towards building a stronger team for the upcoming 2023 season.

The Compensation System

The NFL's compensatory pick system awards teams with additional draft picks in exchange for the number of compensatory free agents lost compared to the number that were signed by a team the previous year. The Bears received their extra pick based on this system, which takes into account factors such as average salary per year, snap count, and postseason awards per player.

Poles’ Draft Strategy

Ryan Poles, the general manager of the Bears, will now have an additional seventh-round pick to work with, giving him more flexibility and options to build up the Bears' roster. With the No. 1 overall pick in hand, the Bears already have a significant advantage in the draft. However, Poles is likely to deal the pick since he has publicly stated that Justin Fields is his starting quarterback for the future. With so many positions on the roster to fill, Poles could even trade down twice in the first round to build up their arsenal of selections.

Current Draft Picks

The Bears now have nine draft picks in total, including the No. 1 overall pick. They also have the 53rd overall pick in the second round, which they acquired from the Baltimore Ravens. The rest of their picks include the 65th overall pick in the third round, the 103rd overall pick in the fourth round, the 134th overall pick in the fourth round from the Eagles, the 136th overall pick in the fifth round, the 151st overall pick in the fifth round, and the 220th overall pick and 258th overall pick in the seventh round.

A Positive Sign for the Future

The addition of an extra draft pick is undoubtedly good news for the Bears, and it has created a positive buzz around the team's future prospects. The team's poor 3-14 record in 2022 led to a complete overhaul of the coaching staff, and with Poles at the helm, the Bears are now focused on rebuilding their roster. The extra draft pick only adds to their resources, and it is a sign that the Bears are already taking steps towards achieving their goals.

The Chicago Bears have already made significant strides towards rebuilding their roster for the 2023 season, and the addition of an extra draft pick is a positive sign for the team. Poles now has nine draft picks to work with, including the No. 1 overall pick, and he will undoubtedly use them to build a stronger team for the future. With Poles' expertise and a new coaching staff in place, the Bears' future is looking bright, and fans are eagerly anticipating what the team can achieve in the years to come.