Following the conclusion of the college football season on Monday night, attention will now focus on the 2023 NFL Draft, specifically on which player will be selected No. 1 overall. The Chicago Bears have the first pick thanks to the Houston Texans pulling off a last-minute Week 18 win over the Indianapolis Colts, and although they seemingly have their quarterback of the future Justin Fields, the latest 2023 NFL Draft Odds still show quarterbacks Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud as the most likely players to be selected first.
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C.J. Stroud & Bryce Young Still Lead 2023 NFL Draft Odds
Per DraftKings, Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (-125) is still the slight favorite over Ohio State Buckeyes QB C.J. Stroud (+175) to be selected first overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. The next highest odds are on Alabama pass-rusher Will Anderson Jr. (+700) and Georgia Bulldogs interior defensive lineman Jalen Carter (+800).
During an end-of-season press conference, Bears general manager Ryan Pace expressed confidence in Fields remaining the Bears quarterback.
“Yeah,” Poles said Tuesday, per NBC Sports Chicago. “We had good conversations. I’m excited for the direction he’s going. As I mentioned before, he knows where he has to improve. I think he mentioned that the other day. So we’re excited about his development and where he goes next.”
Although some media members around the NFL have said it might be in the Bears’ best interest to take a long look at Young or Stroud, that does not appear to be in the plans.
Asked about using the No. 1 pick on a quarterback, Poles said, “We’re gonna do the same as we’ve always done. We’re gonna evaluate the draft class, and I would say this: I would have to be absolutely blown away to make that type of decision.”
Given the current dynamic, a trade of the first pick makes sense, and when looking at the 2023 NFL Draft odds, that scenario seems likely.
While there is a lot of time before the Bears have to decide on the No. 1 pick, sportsbooks remain confident Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud will have his name called first.
