Now that the 2023 NFL salary cap is set, the offseason does, in fact, officially run through the Windy City. The Chicago Bears own the most cap space, by far, in all of the league and also own the number one overall pick in this year’s draft.

General manager Ryan Poles likely has a whole lot of interest in that pick, especially now that it’s been confirmed he’s going to trade the selection and stick with Justin Fields as his franchise quarterback.

In our latest mock draft, the Bears do trade that pick and are able to make some big moves because of it.

The Chicago Bears begin this 2023 mock draft by trading the number one pick within the division, a necessary risk

Trading the pick within the NFC North is certainly a risk, because then the Bears would be dealing with Bryce Young for the next several years. However, this return is well-worth it, especially considering what comes next.

After the Bears make a huge deal with Detroit, they turn right around and make a draft night trade to acquire Tee Higgins from the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Bengals may not be able to afford Higgins, while having to pay both Ja’Marr Chase and Joe Burrow here soon. Therefore, acquiring a load of draft capital for the 24-year-old wideout is a smart move on their part.

The Bears give up a bunch of picks, but don’t have to give up a first-round selection. They trade two seconds, a fourth, a sixth and a seventh in exchange for the 6-foot-3 Higgins who immediately becomes the alpha wide receiver Justin Fields has long needed.

Now, it’s on to building this thing for real. It’s time for Poles to shine. Let’s get into it.