CFB conference championship weekend filled with potential future Bears

The Bears are 3-9 and last in the NFC standings. They are projected to have one of the top picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. With college football conference championship games this weekend, fans have an opportunity to see players that the Bears will target in the draft.

Jalen Carter

Jalen Carter is a 6’3” 300lb defensive tackle for the Georgia Bulldogs. Carter contributed three sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss for a Georgia team that won the national championship in 2021. Those numbers do not tell the full story as Carter’s statistical production was limited by playing with five 2022 first-round picks (on defense alone). Carter shows excellent instincts and can quickly locate the ball in the opponent’s backfield. Carter has good lateral agility for a man his size and surprises with his pursuit ability, especially in the run game. Carter has room for improvement in the pass-rush game, but he would be an ideal candidate for the crucially important 3-technique in Matt Eberflus’ defense.

Quentin Johnston

One of the reasons that TCU has shocked the college football world by entering the Big 12 Championship game at 12-0 is because of their superstar wide receive. Johnston is a big body (6’4” and 215lbs) that can high-point balls over smaller cornerbacks. While Johnston does not possess game-breaking speed like recent first-round wide receivers (Jaylen Waddle, Jameson Williams) he displays an ability to change gears that is uncanny for someone his size. Johnston routinely turns would-be short/medium yard gains into pickups of 20+ yards by accelerating away from defenders after the catch. Johnston is very agile and can stop on a dime, which allows him to get open against tight coverage. The Bears need a true number-one wide receiver to further Justin Fields’ development, and Johnston can step in and be that guy from day one.

Myles Murphy

Myles Murphy is the engine that makes the vaunted Clemson defense work. He possesses an array of NFL-ready pass-rush moves, such as a spin-move that offers shades of a young Robert Mathis. Murphy stands at 6’5” and weighs 275lbs. He combines superhuman upper-body strength, polished hand-use, and surprising burst to create pressure for opposing quarterbacks. Murphy can improve his lateral quickness and has a tendency to stand up upright off snap. Murphy has contributed 13.5 sacks for Clemson over the last two seasons. He would add much-needed pass-rush ability to a Bears defense that is tied for last in the NFL in sacks.