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The Bears’ offseason officially began when general manager Ryan Pauls and head coach Matt Everflath left the media center at Harras Hall following the state of the franchise address on Tuesday.

With a salary cap of over $100 million and the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Pauls has ample resources to rebuild a roster with a vision he sees fit.

The Pauls, Everflus and Bears staff will be disciplined in their approach to the offseason. They stream next month’s prospects and upcoming free agency tapes before the offseason kicks off in earnest.

What the Bears have achieved in free agency will likely guide their draft strategy.

Starting now.

We’ll release a Bears-only mock after each mile marker of the NFL offseason. This is version 1.0. This will consist of six of his first draft picks by the Bears. There are other 5th and 7th round picks that are not included in this version. .

Cue The Joker Meme: HERE. US. go.

Round 1 (No. 4) — Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama

trade!

In the most surprising move of the offseason, Pauls pits the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans against each other to maximize the number one pick.

Ultimately, Colts general manager Chris Ballard is the 4th and 36th picks in the 2023 Draft, the Colts’ 2024 first-round pick, and the 1st pick in 2024. got the nomination.

The Bears slide down to No. 4 and see Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud go 1 and 2 before the Arizona Cardinals pick Jaylen Carter for No. 3.

That leaves Pauls with the easy decision to acquire Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson to be the linchpin of the Bears’ new defensive line.

Scouts believe Anderson has von Miller-level ceilings in the NFL.

Round 2 (No. 36 via Indianapolis) — Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio

The Bears sent the 32nd pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a Chase Claypool trade. But Pauls stole his fortune from the Colts and won the No. 1 pick.

Back at the top of Round 2, Pauls chose to deal with the other side of the trenches by drafting Ohio State tackle Dawand Jones.

At 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 360 pounds, Jones has more athleticism than his size would suggest. He’s an absolute Maurer in the run game, using his size to overwhelm opponents, he’s a pretty good pass his blocker, but there’s room for improvement. There are some doubts about his quickness, but he taped just enough to warrant a high pick on his second day.

Round 2 (Prediction No. 58 via Baltimore) — Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor

Depending on how the Ravens go in the playoffs, this pick could go even lower. But for now, we’ll call it No. 58 until the Ravens are eliminated.

Paul will probably consider a receiver here, but will instead continue to stock the line by adding Baylor’s defensive tackle Shiaki Ika.

Squid is expected to be a nose at NFL level. Assuming the Bears find a three technique in free agency, this could be an ideal combination. (Again, what the Poles do in free agency will determine some draft moves.)

At 6 feet 4 inches and 357 pounds, the squid possesses great mobility, athleticism and strength. He is a Space Eater and can quickly destroy A-Gap.

The Bears have been rotten in their defensive line this season, so the Poles should be the focus in free agency and the draft. Squid fulfills a distinct need.

Round 3 (No. 65) — Marvin Mimms, WR, Oklahoma

After concentrating on the line for the first two rounds, Pauls found quarterback Justin Fields to be Mims’ playmaker.

Although there are questions about Mims’ size (5 feet 11 inches), the Sooners star has demonstrated a good ability to create vertical separation and gain yardage after catches.

Mims has the makings of a solid WR 2/3 at the NFL level and should give the Bears much-needed big play ability in the passing game behind Claypool and Darnell Mooney.

SMU’s Rashee Rice might be another name to watch here, but we expect him to rise in the pre-draft process and fade by Round 2.

Round 4 (No. 103) — Olu Oluwatimi, IOL, Michigan

Hey, we’re back in the trenches.

The Bears had expected Lucas Patrick to be the starting center for 2022, but an injury thwarted that plan. Patrick is likely to return in 2023, but the Bears need a long-term answer at the center position.

Sam Mustiffer is a nice piece of depth, but it doesn’t have the advantage of a quality starter.

Oluwatimi is a four-year starter serving as an NFL-level starting center. He has great balance and agility, and the quickness to reach the upper levels of defense.

Round 4 (No. 134 expected via Philadelphia) — Roshon Johnson, RB, Texas

Once the Bears and David Montgomery find common ground in their new contracts, the need for running backs will disappear.

But now I’m going with my favorite player. Johnson is a tough, physical running back with great build and athleticism. He’s not a home run threat, but he has excellent straight-line speed.

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More importantly, Johnson is a good pass blocker and a real threat as a receiver. He needs to hone his route running, but if Montgomery finds a new home, a man like Johnson would make a great backfield partner for Khalil Herbert.