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Bears trade back from No. 1 with Panthers for a haul in new mock draft

The Chicago Bears are gearing up for an important 2023 offseason, where they’re projected to have more than $100 million in salary cap space and the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

There are no shortage of options for the Bears in regards to the top selection, most of which include trading down with a number of likely suitors. The Colts have been the most popular option given their need for a quarterback and the attractiveness of Chicago staying inside the top four even after trading back.

But the Panthers are another team that would make sense if Poles is fine with trading back outside the top four. CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso has the Bears trading back with Carolina in his latest mock draft, where Chicago still picks in the top 10. Not to mention, the compensation from the Panthers is impressive.

In exchange for Carolina trading up to No. 1, the Bears receive the ninth overall pick, two second-round selections, along with 2024 first- and third-round picks, a second-round selection in 2025 and wide receiver Laviska  Shenault.

With the No. 9 pick, Chicago selects Clemson defensive tackle Bryan Bresee, which shores up a big need at three-technique, which is one of the most important positions in Matt Eberflus’ defense.

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.

Sure, Chicago wouldn’t land Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. or Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter in this scenario,

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