Under the glare of “Thursday Night Football,” the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers are still adjusting to a big trade that altered the course of the 2023 NFL Draft. Let us review the specifics:
After selecting quarterback Bryce Young ahead of C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson, the Panthers were able to secure the first pick.
The Bears received wide receiver DJ Moore, Carolina’s first- and second-round selections in 2023, a first-round selection in 2024, and a second-round pick in 2025 in exchange.
Aggressive in the draft, the Bears selected starter cornerback Tyrique Stevenson and right tackle Darnell Wright with the acquired picks.
With a combined 3-14 record, both teams are undergoing significant rebuilds, thus it begs the question: Did the Panthers choose Bryce Young wisely?
Young’s 1-6 record and noteworthy statistics are contrasted with Stroud’s 4-4 record, highlighting their respective NFL rookie seasons.
Notwithstanding a difficult season, the Panthers maintain their stance on selecting Young in the first round, highlighting the significance of acquiring a franchise quarterback.
Conversely, the Bears have taken moves that will help them in subsequent rounds as a result of their strategic selections and struggles caused by Justin Fields’ absence.
Given the probable high picks in the 2024 NFL draft, the early ruling gives the Bears an advantage that might speed up their rebuilding process.
