NFL 2023 Draft order: Who will have No. 1 overall pick?

With their defeat to the Vikings on Sunday and the Texans’ comeback victory over the Colts, the Bears (3-14) moved into first place in the 2023 draft order. The Texans (3-13-1) have the second selection in the draft.

Despite starting the season with just two victories and a draw, the Texans led the way to the top place and remained there until Week 16. However, Chicago was able to sneak in thanks to an upset by Houston over the Titans in Week 16.

After a surprise Week 7 blowout victory against the Patriots in primetime, the Bears found themselves at 3-4, but they went on to lose their next 10 games of the season (including six at home). In Week 3, on coach Lovie Smith’s homecoming, the Bears defeated the Texans at Soldier Field.

The Bears thank former coach Lovie Smith

Fans of the Bears may now publicly express their gratitude to former head coach Lovie Smith for securing the first overall selection. When the Bears had the first overall choice in 1941, they chose Michigan icon, Tom Harmon. In 1947, they picked Oklahoma A&M’s, Bob Fenimore. Fenimore played with the Bears for just one season, while Harmon never even got on the field for Chicago.

Ryan Poles, the general manager for the Bears, is optimistic that this year’s first overall choice would prove to be more fruitful. But the question remains whether Chicago will maintain the pick or if a healthy trading market will emerge, leading to an agreement.

The Texans might be on the lookout for a quarterback in the draft’s first round, along with a number of other clubs. The Deshaun Watson deal also gave Houston the Browns’ first and third-round choices.

Since the Bears have not formally committed to Justin Fields as the team’s 2023 starting quarterback, they are free to explore other quarterback candidates for the starting role. This season, though, Fields improved as a thrower and had one of the finest rushing seasons by a quarterback, gaining 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground while starting all 15 games. Unfortunately, after experiencing hip pain, Fields sat out in Week 18.

What will the Bears do with their pick

There is no lack of issues the Bears may address if they go in a different path, either with the first overall selection or by trading down. There are needs on the offensive line and at wide receiver, but they might also strive to improve the defense.

In 2013, Eric Fisher, an offensive tackle from Central Michigan, was taken first overall by the Kansas City Chiefs. Poles were the college scouting coordinator for the Chiefs.

On April 27-29, 2023, Kansas City, Missouri, will play host to the NFL Draft.