Grading Bears-Panthers commerce for No. 1 general decide, with D.J. Moore and draft picks to Chicago

The No. 1 general decide within the 2023 NFL Draft is now hooked up to a brand new group.

In a late Friday information announcement, the Chicago Bears traded the primary general decide to the Carolina Panthers. In trade, the Bears acquired the ninth general decide this yr, the 61st general decide this yr, a 2024 first spherical decide and a 2025 second spherical decide. As well as, the Bears acquired WR DJ Moore within the commerce. You may guess on the No. 1 general decide at DraftKings Sportsbook.

Right here’s the total commerce, from ESPN’s Adam Schefter:

Panthers get: No. 1 general decide in 2023 NFL Draft

Bears get: No. 9 decide, No. 61 decide, Panthers first rounder in 2024, Panthers second rounder in 2025, extensive receiver D.J. Moore

The Panthers are about to leap on a brand new franchise QB with the No. 1 decide, however which one will they select? In the meantime, the Bears keep within the top-10, get additional picks for the longer term, and add a dynamic weapon for Justin Fields by buying Moore.

Carolina grade: B

For Carolina, this implies they’re locked into getting their alternative on the QB place. Earlier than, Carolina was on the outskirts at ninth general, doubtlessly lacking out on the entire high QBs once more. Now, head coach Frank Reich will get to decide on his QB to develop on the high of the draft. Shedding DJ Moore is a big blow to the franchise, however Moore was greater than doubtless a asset that they had to surrender within the commerce. Now, Carolina can really rebuild and begin with a QB from this draft class.

Who will the decide be? There are 4 names in rivalry: Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, Alabama’s Bryce Younger, Florida’s Anthony Richardson, and Kentucky’s Will Levis. Any of them might go No. 1 general to Carolina with out it being an enormous shock. Learn our story on why Richardson was the large winner of the draft mix. Our Mark Schofield additionally wrote a narrative wanting again on Younger’s proudest recreation at Alabama.

For now, Carolina might go in any course at QB. This commerce offers them their first alternative.

Chicago grade: A

For Chicago, they obtained precisely what they wanted. They traded again, have been in a position to get a high flight extensive receiver in a free agent class and draft class that was weak on the place, and now have extra photographs to choose extra gamers to inventory that roster. Bears GM Ryan Poles knew precisely what he needed when the Bears obtained the primary general decide, and he made certain he obtained it. Now, utilizing these picks goes to be the following massive hurdle.

The Bears went from having one of many worst receiver teams in soccer firstly of final season to a thrilling room stuffed with gifted younger veterans forward of subsequent yr. Chicago already had drafted and developed Darnell Mooney right into a downfield risk, and purchased Chase Claypool from the Steelers for a second spherical decide on the commerce deadline. Moore will instantly grow to be the No. 1 possibility for Fields, and may put Claypool and Mooney ready to succeed.

The Bears can now use their cap area to rebuild the offensive and defensive traces. This commerce units Chicago up nicely in each the current and the longer term.