C.J. Stroud has declared for the 2023 NFL draft, leaving Ohio State after his redshirt sophomore season.

Stroud is expected to be a top-five pick in the draft.

"The process has been difficult," Stroud said in his announcement, "and the decision, one of the hardest I've ever had to make. As a kid, I dreamed of playing football at the highest level and after much prayer, I've made the decision that it's time to turn those dreams into a reality."

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles has backed Justin Fields as the team's quarterback for 2023, saying he would have to be "absolutely blown away" to take a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick.

"Yeah. We had good conversations," Poles said during his season-ending news conference. "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. We're excited about his development and where he goes next. He showed ability to be impactful with his legs. There's flashes with his arm. Now if we can put that together, I think we have something really good."

Alabama's Bryce Young and Ohio State's C.J. Stroud are considered the top quarterbacks in a draft class that could feature as many as four quarterbacks taken in the first round.

"We're going to do the same as we've always done," Poles said. "We're going to evaluate the draft class, and I would say this: I would have to be absolutely blown away to make that type of decision."

Michigan tight end Luke Schoonmaker has decided to enter the 2023 NFL Draft.

Schoonmaker is a fifth-year senior with one year of eligibility remaining. 

He is currently projected as a second-round pick, scouts told ESPN after the tight end's declaration.

"Coach [Jim] Harbaugh and a lot of the offensive coaches have given me the confidence that I'm ready for the next level, and I've developed into a complete tight end," Schoonmaker said. "I'm at that point where I can now begin the process for the next level. With that guidance and the guidance of others, it's that time."

The Chicago Bears will pick No. 1 for the first time since 1947 after their 29-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

The Bears secured the pick due to their loss and the Houston Texans' unexpected 32-31 win at the Indianapolis Colts. 

The Bears lost 10 straight games and were 3-14 for the season.

Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr., running back Jahmyr Gibbs and quarterback Bryce Young announced their intentions to enter the 2023 NFL Draft.

Young won the Heisman Trophy in 2021.

Anderson led the FBS in sacks in 2021 with 17.5 and followed that up with 10 more sacks in 2022, along with a pick-six. 

Gibbs had 926 yards and seven touchdowns to go with 444 yards receiving and three more touchdowns receiving.