getty-bryce-young-alabama.jpg
Getty Images

Even though it's "early" in the pre-draft process, it doesn't feel too early to run through trade scenarios for the Chicago Bears at No. 1 overall. While it's true the current regime didn't pick Justin Fields, it feels like a trade back is bound to happen. 

What would it look like if the Panthers struck a deal with Bears? Let's examine. 

Also in this mock, there's not a No. 21 pick, as that's the selection the Dolphins forfeited due to tampering violations. 

One other thing, and this is important: The draft order below is now the official order through pick No. 24. Picks No. 25 through 32 are the playoffs teams and based on regular-season records.

For more extensive draft content, check out our latest prospect rankings and mock drafts, as well as our new weekly podcast, "With the First Pick," featuring former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman. 

NFL Mock Draft
Round 1
  Mock Trade from Chicago Bears
Round 1 - Pick 1
Kentucky • Soph • 6'4" / 229 lbs
Projected Team
Carolina
PROSPECT RNK
2nd
POSITION RNK
1st
The Panthers get aggressive to land their quarterback in the draft, and make this selection because they become enamored with Levis' athleticism and arm strength during the pre-draft process.
Round 1 - Pick 2
Ohio State • Soph • 6'3" / 218 lbs
Projected Team
Houston
PROSPECT RNK
1st
POSITION RNK
1st
The Texans go with Stroud over Bryce Young in what would be a hotly debated decision. The two are both high-caliber prospects with major upside.
Round 1 - Pick 3
Georgia • Soph • 6'3" / 314 lbs
Projected Team
Arizona
PROSPECT RNK
4th
POSITION RNK
1st
Carter is the ideal replacement for the retiring J.J. Watt. He's a long, hyper-athletic interior rusher who disruptive on three downs.
Round 1 - Pick 4
Alabama • Soph • 5'10" / 204 lbs
Projected Team
Indianapolis
PROSPECT RNK
3rd
POSITION RNK
2nd
Young is not a prototypical quarterback prospect, but it's time for the Colts to try an unconventional quarterback. Young's improvisation and poise are his greatest strengths.
Round 1 - Pick 5
Alabama • Soph • 6'4" / 243 lbs
Projected Team
Seattle
PROSPECT RNK
7th
POSITION RNK
1st
Anderson is one of the best edge-rushing prospects over the last decade, and is the exact type the Seahawks defense needs.
Round 1 - Pick 6
Illinois • Soph • 6'0" / 185 lbs
Projected Team
Detroit
PROSPECT RNK
6th
POSITION RNK
3rd
Witherspoon looks like a supreme athlete, and his 2022 film was squeaky clean. He could ascend to the first cornerback off the board in this class.
Round 1 - Pick 7
Clemson • Soph • 6'2" / 235 lbs
Projected Team
Las Vegas
PROSPECT RNK
5th
POSITION RNK
2nd
Another big defender who's a dynamic athlete. Simpson can become the quarterback of the Raiders defense.
Round 1 - Pick 8
Texas Tech • Soph • 6'6" / 275 lbs
Projected Team
Atlanta
PROSPECT RNK
19th
POSITION RNK
4th
Wilson is a long, athletic pass-rushing specialist. Music to the ears of GM Terry Fontenot.
Round 1 - Pick 9
Clemson • Soph • 6'5" / 305 lbs
Projected Team
Chicago
PROSPECT RNK
18th
POSITION RNK
3rd
Bresee is a freaky specimen who can disrupt from any position up front. He's the exact type the Bears desperately need. In the trade back, Chicago lands this pick from Carolina along with two 2023 second-round selections, a first-round and third-round pick in 2024, a 2025 second-round pick, and Laviska Shenault.
Round 1 - Pick 10
Iowa • Soph • 6'5" / 272 lbs
Projected Team
Philadelphia
PROSPECT RNK
31st
POSITION RNK
5th
Van Ness is going to be a major riser during the pre-draft process. He's long, plays with a nonstop motor, and has pass-rush moves to go along with smooth athleticism. The Eagles have to reload along the defensive line.
Round 1 - Pick 11
Northwestern • Soph • 6'4" / 313 lbs
Projected Team
Tennessee
PROSPECT RNK
34th
POSITION RNK
4th
The Titans want to control the line of scrimmage and had problems doing that this season. Skoronski is one of the safer prospects in this class.
Round 1 - Pick 12
TCU • Soph • 6'4" / 215 lbs
Projected Team
Houston
PROSPECT RNK
23rd
POSITION RNK
2nd
Johnston is a major vertical threat given his size and build-up speed. The Texans have to get better in the receiver room, especially if Brandin Cooks is moved in the offseason.
Round 1 - Pick 13
Ohio State • Soph • 6'6" / 313 lbs
Projected Team
N.Y. Jets
PROSPECT RNK
17th
POSITION RNK
2nd
Could the Jets be major players on the veteran QB market? I think they will. So for the draft, they build the offensive line with Johnson, a super-steady tackle prospect.
Round 1 - Pick 14
USC • Soph • 5'11" / 175 lbs
Projected Team
New England
PROSPECT RNK
8th
POSITION RNK
1st
Bill Belichick's track record with first-round receivers isn't great but with Nelson Agholor and Jakobi Meyers set to hit free agency, he may need to pick the sudden Addison here.
Round 1 - Pick 15
Alabama • Soph • 6'0" / 203 lbs
Projected Team
Green Bay
PROSPECT RNK
13th
POSITION RNK
3rd
Branch did everything on the back seven of Alabama's defense this past season. He'll be a welcomed addition to the Packers roster.
Round 1 - Pick 16
Florida • Soph • 6'4" / 244 lbs
Projected Team
Washington
PROSPECT RNK
22nd
POSITION RNK
1st
The Commanders roll the dice at quarterback with the raw but uber-talented Richardson.
Round 1 - Pick 17
South Carolina • Soph • 6'1" / 186 lbs
Projected Team
Pittsburgh
PROSPECT RNK
26th
POSITION RNK
4th
Smith's tenacity as an outside press corner fits what the Steelers want out of their defensive backs.
Round 1 - Pick 18
Notre Dame • Soph • 6'4" / 265 lbs
Projected Team
Detroit
PROSPECT RNK
10th
POSITION RNK
1st
Given the T.J. Hockenson trade, the Lions have a clear need at tight end. Mayer isn't a freaky athlete but checks many boxes in terms of on-field skill.
Round 1 - Pick 19
Georgia • Soph • 6'5" / 311 lbs
Projected Team
Tampa Bay
PROSPECT RNK
21st
POSITION RNK
3rd
Jones isn't ready to be a high-caliber NFL blocker right now. He has to get stronger and play with better balance. His movement skills give him plenty of upside.
Round 1 - Pick 20
Baylor • Fr • 6'3" / 335 lbs
Projected Team
Seattle
PROSPECT RNK
25th
POSITION RNK
3rd
Ika is a big-time specimen at around 330 or 340 pounds. He's the large human being -- with impressive athleticism -- the Seahawks need along their defensive line.
Round 1 - Pick 22
Florida • Soph • 6'5" / 347 lbs
Projected Team
L.A. Chargers
PROSPECT RNK
9th
POSITION RNK
1st
The Chargers continue the construction of their blocking unit in front of Justin Herbert with the powerful Torrence.
Round 1 - Pick 23
Penn State • Soph • 6'2" / 194 lbs
Projected Team
Baltimore
PROSPECT RNK
38th
POSITION RNK
1st
Porter is the man-to-man type the Ravens will love as they attempt to add youth to the secondary.
Round 1 - Pick 24
Clemson • Soph • 6'5" / 270 lbs
Projected Team
Minnesota
PROSPECT RNK
24th
POSITION RNK
4th
Murphy has an NFL body and stars against the run. He can learn the intricacies of rushing the passer from Za'Darius Smith and Danielle Hunter early in his NFL career.
Round 1 - Pick 25
Oklahoma • Soph • 6'5" / 315 lbs
Projected Team
Jacksonville
PROSPECT RNK
32nd
POSITION RNK
6th
The Jaguars add to the offensive front to protect Trevor Lawrence. Harrison is a masher on the outside.
Round 1 - Pick 26
Ohio State • Soph • 6'0" / 197 lbs
Projected Team
N.Y. Giants
PROSPECT RNK
11th
POSITION RNK
2nd
The Giants added in the trenches early in the 2022 draft. This time, they go receiver in Round 1. Smith-Njigba is a deceptive YAC type when healthy.
Round 1 - Pick 27
Arkansas • Soph • 6'5" / 234 lbs
Projected Team
Dallas
PROSPECT RNK
29th
POSITION RNK
4th
The Cowboys could be extremely multiple with Sanders on the defense next to Micah Parsons. Sanders is a long, athletic off-ball/edge hybrid.
Round 1 - Pick 28
Kansas State • Soph • 6'4" / 255 lbs
Projected Team
Cincinnati
PROSPECT RNK
30th
POSITION RNK
5th
Anudike-Uzomah would provide the Bengals even more depth and athleticism at the edge-rusher position.
Round 1 - Pick 29
USC • Fr • 6'6" / 320 lbs
Projected Team
Denver
PROSPECT RNK
72nd
POSITION RNK
10th
Vorhees is an NFL-ready interior blocker who'd be a welcomed addition on the interior for the Broncos, especially if Dalton Risner isn't re-signed.
Round 1 - Pick 30
Penn State • Soph • 5'10" / 204 lbs
Projected Team
Buffalo
PROSPECT RNK
42nd
POSITION RNK
8th
Washington, the Nittany Lions' leading receiver in 2022, adds another weapon to Buffalo's arsenal for Josh Allen.
Round 1 - Pick 31
Boston College • Soph • 5'9" / 175 lbs
Projected Team
Kansas City
PROSPECT RNK
47th
POSITION RNK
5th
More electric receiver options for Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City.
Round 1 - Pick 32
Texas • Soph • 5'11" / 215 lbs
Projected Team
Philadelphia
PROSPECT RNK
16th
POSITION RNK
2nd
Robinson running behind the league's best offensive line? Sounds like a blast for Philadelphia. Not so much for Eagles opponents.