Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles is off and running with his draft weekend to-do list, looking to improve a last-place roster and accelerate the team’ s return toward playoff contention. Bears trade down again and select Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright with the No. 10 pick in the NFL draft Column: Drafting Darnell Wright the latest item on the.
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles is off and running with his draft weekend to-do list, looking to improve a last-place roster and accelerate the team’s return toward playoff contention.
In a demanding and busy offseason, Poles has expressed eagerness to do his heaviest lifting through the draft. That process began in Thursday night’s first round and will continue through Saturday evening.
Bears remaining picks in 2023 NFL draft
As Poles and the Bears navigate the weekend, we will offer you a comprehensive look at each of the players the team selects.
Catch up on our draft coverage
Height, weight: 6-5, 333
Why the Bears drafted him
Wright is a massive man who is hard to move. And while he has experience playing on both sides of the offensive line, he excelled last season at right tackle, where he can be plugged in as an immediate starter for the Bears. Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr., who was selected No. 3 by the Houston Texans, singled out Wright as the opponent he had the most difficulty against last season. In 2021, Wright also had an eye-catching performance against Georgia’s Travon Walker, who was the top pick in the 2022 draft. Wright’s upside is undeniable and the flashes on his college tape are difficult to ignore.
Why he wasn’t drafted sooner
Wright was the second offensive tackle selected Thursday, so it’s not as if he had a grueling wait to hear his name called. Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr. was the first offensive lineman off the board, picked at No. 6 by the Arizona Cardinals. The Bears, after trading down one spot and passing on Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, selected Wright over fellow offensive tackles Peter Skoronski of Northwestern — who went No. 11 to the Tennessee Titans — and Broderick Jones of Georgia.
In his own words
“As far as my talent and what I can do, I knew I could go this high. But it just took the right team to see that, the right coaches who know what they’re looking at and they know what I can be. I haven’t even reached my (potential). I’m just scratching the surface of what I can be. I think they know that. And I know that. It’s going to be fun.”
Analyst’s take
“He’s a mauler. He started 42 games at Tennessee. Go back and watch any of these games. Watch him against Travon Walker at left tackle (in 2021). Watch him at right tackle this year against Will Anderson. Watch him against the elite players in college football and watch him go eliminate them and shut them out. Then you just watch how he moves bodies. His power is real. His base is good. Everybody needs to be coached in this business. It’s a different game in the NFL than it is in college. But I think there’s an awful lot to like about his size, about his movement, about his power, about his mentality, about his experience.” — Brian Baldinger, analyst for Fox Sports, NFL Network and Audacy
You should know
In January, Wright had a strong week at the Senior Bowl playing for the American team that perhaps not coincidentally was coached by Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. “It means a lot to know I already have a relationship a little bit with that guy,” Wright said.
Height, weight: 6-6, 310
Why the Bears drafted him
The team entered the draft with huge needs on the defensive line, and after passing on Georgia’s Jalen Carter Thursday night, it loomed as an area the Bears had to attack on Day 2. Dexter became a five-star recruit out of Lake Wales, Fla., High School despite waiting until his junior year to begin playing. Dexter got a ton of playing time for the Gators over the past two seasons, totaling 106 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 4½ sacks and an interception. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.88 seconds at the scouting combine and maybe more important was at 7.5 seconds in the three-cone drill, fifth among all defensive tackles.
Why he wasn’t drafted sooner
Dexter has a great frame and probably would have had his name called sooner if there were more disruptive and explosive play on tape. That said, he was the sixth defensive tackle selected — four spots after the Pittsburgh Steelers chose Wisconsin’s Keanu Benton — and the belief is Dexter’s best football is all ahead of him.
In his own words
”I can bring versatility, Wherever my place may be, I am going to contribute that way. I’m looking to compete, looking to get better. You can win some one-on-ones (as the three-technique) and I love being on an island, just you and that guard. As well as the zero, the shade, I am pretty comfortable with them all.”
You should know
The Bears doubled down on defensive tackles, selecting South Carolina’s Zacch Pickens at No. 64 to start Round 3, so versatility for both players will lead to more playing time. The Bears selected Dexter with the pick they received from the Baltimore Ravens in the Roquan Smith trade. So now they have Tremaine Edmunds playing on an $18 million a year deal — $2 million less than Smith averages in Baltimore — and Dexter. It would make sense that the Bears used the pick they got for Smith on a defensive linemen because for Edmunds to be effective, the team needs to be significantly better up front.
Height, weight: 6-0, 198
Why the Bears drafted him
The Bears traded a fifth-round pick (No. 136) to the Jacksonville Jaguars to move up five spots from No. 61 to draft Stevenson, who had three interceptions, 14 passes defended and four tackles for a loss in his final two seasons at Miami. He also played two years at Georgia, with 10 passes defended there. Stevenson is a big, physical cornerback who ran the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds at the NFL combine. The ESPN draft broadcast labeled him “super, super, super aggressive.” Stevenson joins a young Bears cornerbacks unit that includes Jaylon Johnson and 2022 second-round pick Kyler Gordon. Poles said Stevenson ideally is an outside corner but also has the versatility to move inside.
Why he wasn’t drafted sooner
The Athletic draft analyst Dane Brugler had Stevenson as his 11th-ranked cornerback, noting that Stevenson needs to be more disciplined in coverage and against the run. Stevenson admitted his frustration with his playing situation at Georgia led him to transfer.
In his own words
“For people who don’t know me … you’re going to get a dawg player that’s coming in with his head high, holding himself to his integrity, his dedication and his passion to the game. You’re getting an all-out baller who is coming in ready to make an impact from Day 1.”
You should know
Stevenson said he tries to model his game after veteran Patrick Peterson. “I love how he’s a big corner,” Stevenson said. “He’s able to get in and out of his breaks. He’s able to do athletic things. He was able to return and just showcase his athleticism.”
From the front office
“Big, physical corner,” Poles said. “Tackles. Will strike you. Good ball skills. What stands out about him in coverage, he has a ton of poise. Really stays in control through all of his movements and especially when the ball’s in the air. So we’re excited about him.”
Height, weight: 6-4, 291
Why the Bears drafted him
Pickens was a four-year contributor at South Carolina and was named the team’s MVP last season. He has shown the ability to be disruptive against both the run and pass. At his best, Pickens is athletic with his get-off and has the quickness to excel at the next level. He can beat defenders inside or outside and has demonstrated ability to penetrate. Athletically, the transition to the NFL shouldn’t be difficult.
Why he wasn’t drafted sooner
Like Dexter, Pickens is another prospect in the trenches who will require development and proper coaching to bring the most out of himself. Some talent evaluators want to see him display a more consistent ability to detach from blocks while learning to play with better pad level.
In his own words
“My physicality. I’m going to bring all that. I know I show it sometimes, but I can even be more consistent and that’s one thing I’m practicing on now, to be more consistent and becoming a guy they can count on more than just, ‘OK. He showed flashes.’ I’m gonna be more accountable holding myself to a higher standard than I did ever when I was in college.”
Analyst’s take
“He looks the part. Not only is he 6-4, 291. But he has long arms — superlong arms. He’s smart, a team leader. You talk about the explosiveness to get into that backfield and do some damage, he did it. He’s athletic enough. He chased down ball carriers and with lateral pursuit he can get after it. The pass rush potential is definitely there.” — Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN analyst
From the front office
Poles sees both Pickens and Dexter as hybrid defensive tackles, with both showing the versatility to play the nose or at 3-technique. With Pickens offering a self-critical assessment and acknowledging his efforts to become more consistent, Poles sees a window of opportunity for that to occur.
“It’s technical work, hand usage, the ability to lock out even better. He has 34-inch arms. So once he’s able to clean that up, he’ll be able to keep his frame clean and get off blocks even better. The one cool thing — and we kind of picked it up at the combine interviewing him — is his ability to self-assess and know what his strengths and weaknesses are. That’s important to us because he can really attack his weaknesses.”
Height, weight: 6-0, 219
Why the Bears drafted him
The backup to No. 8 overall pick Bijan Robinson, Johnson had 392 carries for 2,190 yards and 23 touchdowns, and 56 catches for 420 yards and three touchdowns over four seasons at Texas. He’s a hard-nosed running back who has the ability to break tackles and also is a proud pass protector and strong special teams player. Bears scout John Syty raved about Johnson’s leadership and makeup, saying that he is “wired differently.” Johnson is a converted high school quarterback with high intelligence — and lower mileage since he moved to running back late in his career.
Why he wasn’t drafted sooner
The Bears already have two running backs in Khalil Herbert and 2023 free-agent addition D’Onta Foreman, but they were enticed enough by Johnson to add him to the room. He was primarily a backup at Texas and was The Athletic’s seventh-ranked running back.
In his own words
“I never really viewed myself as like a backup. Regardless of who was getting the carries, I tried to prepare myself as if I was the starter. I didn’t really let the perspective of me being a backup have an effect on me. Just kind of take it day to day and try to increase my role on the team, whether that was on special teams behind Bijan or at running back. I kind of flipped my perspective, and I think it paid off.”
Scout’s take
“You walk into the building and you go into the University of Texas and you know they’ve got Bijan. His name is plastered everywhere. You read it in the headlines all summer long. But you walk into that building, and they’re talking about this kid (Johnson). Before I even go out to practice and see the kid, you walk in and from the liaison to the strength coach to the trainer, across the board, everyone is singing the same message: ‘This is the hardest working kid in the building.’ And then you walk out to practice and you physically see it. You see how the kid’s built. You see how he goes through his drills and goes about his day. And then I had the opportunity to go watch him play Alabama, and then I saw him play versus Oklahoma as well, and everything just aligns, every exposure you have with this kid. And then you get him at the combine, you get him at the Senior Bowl, you got him at pro day, every single time, it’s all the same.” — Syty
Analyst’s take
“What I love about him is his intangibles aren’t just good. They’re phenomenal. That’s what (Texas coach Steve Sarkisian) said to me. Bijan is a star, a great guy, love him. He does all of the things right. Roschon is our leader. That says a lot.” — ESPN’s Todd McShay
You should know
Johnson said the physical transition from quarterback to running back was more difficult than the mental part of it. He switched positions when he got to Texas.
“Mentally, it wasn’t really that big of a challenge because as a quarterback, you’re having to know pretty much all 11 guys and their responsibilities,” Johnson said. “It simplified a lot of things. It made it a lot easier for me to just go out there and be able to play with my mind but train my body for certain things.
“Just little minute details within the game, whether that’s running with pad level or using your body as a weapon or making certain cuts fluently or not tensing up before contact. So yeah, it definitely helped just getting more reps at it.”
Height, weight: 5-10, 177
Why the Bears drafted him
Scott can really move as he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.44 seconds and his vertical jump at the NFL combine was 39 1/2 inches. The Bears can lean into production from Scott, too, as he was a two-year starter for the Bearcats, leading them with 54 catches for 899 yards (16.6 average) and nine touchdowns. Here’s is what really jumps out: 10 of his 14 career touchdowns were for 30 or more yards, so he’s got big play written all over him. If we’re being honest, the Bears struggled to get production out of speedy third-round pick Velus Jones Jr. a year ago — and this looks like a draft pick that acknowledges as much.
Why he wasn’t drafted sooner
Some thought Scott could be drafted in the back half of Round 2 or Round 3, but he remained on the board into Day 3. That’s probably in part due to the fact there were a glut of similarly skilled receivers — smaller guys that run well. If Scott is more concerned about opportunities for playing time, he’s probably in the right spot because if he plays well, the Bears are going to find ways to use him.
In his own words
“I (heard) quite a bit in this process of me being a raw receiver. You know, basically me being someone who is not necessarily the most technical but someone who is still learning the position. That’s a positive as well knowing that I still have a lot to learn to improve. Actually as far as my abilities and how high they go? The sky’s the limit. It’s cliche but it really is.”
You should know
Scott, still relatively new to the wide receiver position, was an All-State running back at Norton High School in Barberton, Ohio. That’s why it’s notable scout Ryan Cavanaugh said Scott is a little more refined as a route runner than the team expected. That background as a running back is a plus too when you think about yards after catch, but the Bears are looking at Scott to be a vertical threat.
What the scout said
“Love his speed, He can really take the top off. Justin (Fields) is going to like throwing to him deep. He does that well. I think he surprises us with route running and quickness and just everything about him. He’s a tough kid. He’s tough at the catch point. He’s really good with the deep ball, getting open deep as well as fighting for the ball deep. Good at tracking it. Good hands downfield. Just an awesome kid.” — Cavanaugh
Height, weight: 6-1, 246
Why the Bears drafted him
Bears scout Reese Hicks said Sewell is an instinctual player who runs well for his size, is a good tackler and is physical. He added Sewell has good ball skills in coverage and can blitz. “He’s got a good arsenal, rushes hard to the ball, good close,” he said. Sewell, the younger brother of Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell, played three seasons at Oregon, totaling 215 tackles, 20 ½ tackles for a loss, 7 ½ sacks, two interceptions, 11 passes defended and three forced fumbles. He was second-team all-Pac 12 in 2022. Hicks said Sewell didn’t play much on special teams in college but has the skillset to do so.
Why he wasn’t drafted sooner
The Bears are now stocked with linebackers after they signed free agents Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards to go with second-year player Jack Sanborn. Sewell is The Athletic’s 12th-ranked linebacker, and Brugler was among the analysts to question his speed, range and reactionary quickness.
In his own words
“A person who gives it his all. No matter what the situation is, I’ll do everything I possibly can to make the situation better.” — Sewell on the type of player the Bears are getting
Scout’s take
“He’s an instinctual player, he’s smart, he gets ball. He’s been around it a long time. His dad is a coach. He has that background, and it came naturally for him. At Oregon, he had some responsibilities calling the defense as well. I think when he gets settled here, he has that (functional intelligence) that we look for.” — Hicks
You should know
Sewell said he and his brother, Penei, are pumped to be NFC North rivals. Penei was the Lions’ seventh overall pick in 2021 and has started 33 games for them.
“I told him to line it up right now,” Noah said. “It’s going to be one heck of a matchup. We both compete. We’re always competitive, and I’m going to make sure I win a couple of reps.”
Noah is the youngest of four football-playing brothers. The other two are also linebackers: Nephi, who plays for the New Orleans Saints, and Gabriel.
“I learned a lot from my brothers, mentality wise, on the field,” Noah said. “They just helped me grow as a player and as a human being basically.”
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Gang Green not only drafted a running back on Saturday, but it also took a local New York City player. With the 143rd overall selection in the fifth round, the Jets selected Pittsburgh running back Israel Abanikanda, who grew up in Brooklyn. Abanikanda learned he was being chosen by the Jets while watching the draft news at Abraham Lincoln High School, his alma mater,.
Running back was not at the top of the Jets needs entering this year’s draft, but it was undoubtedly a concern.
Gang Green not only drafted a running back on Saturday, but it also took a local New York City player.
With the 143rd overall selection in the fifth round, the Jets selected Pittsburgh running back Israel Abanikanda, who grew up in Brooklyn.
Abanikanda learned he was being chosen by the Jets while watching the draft news at Abraham Lincoln High School, his alma mater, with his friends and family.
Abanikanda was the second Pitt player the Jets chose during Day 3 of the draft after selecting tackle Carter Warren in the fourth round.
“When I got the call, it was random,” Abanikanda said. “I was just laying my head on my mom and it just rang, so I looked and saw New Jersey. Then I looked up and saw the Jets are up and I was like, ‘Man, I’m staying home.’ I was so excited, it is unreal.
“It’s a dream come true as I always wanted to stay home and stay close to family, so it’s an unreal experience.”
Abanikanda ended his career at Pitt with 2,177 yards and 28 touchdowns on 390 carries (5.6 avg.) while catching 38 passes for 354 yards (9.3 avg.) and three TDs. Fans might remember Abanikanda from when he made Panthers history last year. In Pitt’s 45-29 victory over Virginia Tech, Abanikanda rushed for 320 yards and six touchdowns on 36 carries (8.9 avg.) and broke former Heisman Trophy winner Tony Dorsett’s school single-game rushing record of 303 yards set against Notre Dame on Nov. 15, 1975.
Not only is Abanikanda known for his skills on the football field, but he was also a two-time gold medalist in the 100-meter dash at the New York Mayor’s Cup Race and a bronze medalist at the state track meet in the 100 meters.
Abanikanda will fit the Jets’ offensive scheme well, as he’s a downhill runner with excellent home run speed. He also has a ton of experience running in zone-blocking schemes at Pitt.
“They’re getting a running back that can break tackles, that can run any type of scheme,” Abanikanda said. “Outside zone, inside zone, I also can line up in the slot, catch the ball, breakaway, home run runner.”
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