Raiders should call the Bears about No.1 pick in 2023 NFL Draft
The Chicago Bears are in a rare position in the 2023 NFL Draft: a team with the No.1 pick that isn't in need of a franchise quarterback. Consequently, the Raiders should call the Bears, asking what it would take to acquire the top selection.
In a Tuesday news conference, Bears general manager Ryan Poles said, "I'd absolutely have to be blown away" to draft a QB in this year's draft. The Athletic's Kevin Fishbain affirmed Poles' long-term commitment to QB Justin Fields.
"Fields is the Bears' guy," he wrote.
The Raiders have the No.7 pick, which could be out of franchise-QB range. Las Vegas needs one since it's likely moving on from nine-year veteran Derek Carr and has no viable starter. Backup Jarret Stidham has an 0-2 starting record.
Tankathon predicts the Raiders will select Kentucky QB Will Levis, yet he lacks the production of Alabama's Bryce Young or Ohio State's C.J. Stroud.
Young won the 2021 Heisman Trophy and threw 79 touchdowns in two seasons as a starter, and Stroud threw for 85 touchdowns in two seasons as the Buckeyes' starter and was a two-time Heisman finalist. Levis threw 46 touchdowns in a four-year career at Kentucky and Penn State.
Stroud and Young hold enormous potential and will go in the top five, according to Tankathon, meaning Las Vegas needs to be aggressive.
The Raiders have the assets to send a fair trade package centered on their No.7 pick this year.
The Bears could still fill their need for a pass-rusher— they had 20 sacks, the fewest in the league— by selecting Texas Tech's Tyree Wilson or Clemson's Myles Murphy at No. 7.
Las Vegas should dial up Chicago and make a solid move for both teams.
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