Bears wrecked CBS' plan for Colts to trade up in NFL Draft, but not for Bryce Young

The hype for the 2023 NFL Draft continues to grow, and Indianapolis Colts fans can't wait to see what kind of a splash general manager Chris Ballard makes in the first round. It goes without saying, but this team will need to be aggressive in trying to land a superstar quarterback of the future.

In recent weeks, buzz continued to grow that Ballard and Co. could look to move up to the No. 1 overall pick (from No. 4) to take Alabama signal-caller Bryce Young ... before the Panthers jumped the line and struck a wild deal with the Bears.

However, in its latest NFL Mock Draft, CBS took a different swing, picking the Colts to move up to the No. 2 overall pick and take Ohio State's C.J. Stroud.

Genius plan! Unfortunately, without the Bears' participation, there's a 0.0% chance the Houston Texans help Indianapolis out in any capacity. Instead of controlling their destiny on draft day, the Colts will probably be relying on a wing, a prayer, and QB3.

"Trade! Indianapolis receives No. 2 overall pick. Chicago receives No. 4 overall, No. 79 overall pick and 2024 first-rounder. Chicago trades back a second time as Indianapolis secures another of the perceived top quarterback prospects (Stroud). "

- CBS' Josh Edwards

C.J. Stroud to the Colts would be a huge get for Chris Ballard

CBS' Josh Edwards speculated initially that the Texans could move up to No. 1 overall in a big-time trade with the Chicago Bears. However, he then claimed Chicago would move that No. 2 overall selection to the Colts, opening the door for Ballard to take the OSU playmaker. Stroud is considered one of the top prospects in his class and understandbly so.

Now, that plan has been axed.

This past season for the Buckeyes, the 6-3, 218-pounder tossed for 3,688 yards and 41 touchdowns. He also did a great job of taking care of the football, finishing the campaign with only six interceptions. In the College Football Playoff loss to Georgia, Stroud was electric, tossing for 348 yards, four touchdowns and no INTs.

He's the kind of electric talent that several teams would love to have run their offense. The Colts are still going to be linked with Stroud, Young, Anthony Richardson and others leading up to the first round, but now they might have to grin and bear it instead of being bearish. Thanks, Bears.

If Stroud somehow does end up with the Colts, he has the kind of potential to really help the offense out for the long haul.