NFL Draft Night 1: Bengals Take Chase, Browns Add Newsome, Bears Trade Up for Fields
The 2023 NFL Draft kicked off in Cleveland with several notable selections and trades shaping the first round. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the key moments:
Bengals Select Ja'Marr Chase at #5
- Chose Chase over offensive tackle Penei Sewell
- Chase and QB Joe Burrow were dominant together at LSU in 2019
- 84 catches, 1,780 yards, 20 touchdowns
- Outstanding National Championship performance: 9 catches, 221 yards, 2 TDs
- Forms talented WR corps with Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd
- Multiple offensive line prospects remain available for Day 2
Browns Draft Greg Newsome II at #26
- Northwestern cornerback addresses secondary depth needs
- Outstanding college stats: 3.4 opposing QBR when targeted (3rd best in FBS)
- Complements Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams
- Viewed as good value pick in late first round
- Browns likely to continue defensive focus on Day 2
Bears Trade Up for Justin Fields at #11
- Aggressive move to secure Ohio State quarterback
- Fields' college stats: 63 TDs, 9 INTs in two seasons as starter
- Trade details:
- Bears gave up: 2021 1st (#20), 2021 5th, 2022 1st, 2022 4th
- Bears received: 2021 1st (#11)
- Joins Andy Dalton and Nick Foles in QB room
- More highly regarded than previous Bears QB pick Mitch Trubisky
These selections significantly impact each team's future, with the Bears making the boldest move of the night to secure their potential franchise quarterback.
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