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Chicago band Anatomy of Habit explore dark moods on Black Openings

UPDATE as of Sat 2/11/2023, 5:00 PM: Anatomy of Habit had to drop off the bill for tonight’s Cobra Lounge show due to illness, but will reschedule sometime in the future. Kill Scenes and Twice Dark will still be performing. Refunds are available at point of purchase.

Chicago band Anatomy of Habit have been around in various forms since 2008, sporadically releasing music that hammers together metal, industrial, postrock, avant-garde composition, and more. Originally a sort of floating supergroup with no fixed lineup, in the past few years they’ve solidified into a steady quintet around founder and front man Mark Solotroff. The band’s new fourth full-length, Black Openings (due February 24), recorded with Sanford Parker, features the same lineup as its predecessor, 2021’s Even If It Takes a Lifetime: guitarist Alex Latus, drummer Skyler Rowe, percussionist Isidro Reyes, and bassist and lap-steel player Sam Wagster. 

The moody 18-minute title track starts the record with a slinky, rolling pulse. Rowe’s drums and Reyes’s percussion drive a buildup that sets the stage for the first appearance of Solotroff’s vocals. From there, it’s a long, lovely journey that you can settle into, trusting that you’ll be alternately unsettled, soothed, creeped out, pummeled, and exalted, but never bored. In its harrowing climax, Solotroff screams, ”Remaining faceless / Slipping into a persona,” against militant percussion that sounds as if it’s beating his voice into a pulp.

The second and third tracks are both more than nine minutes long, allowing the band space to explore the full potential of each composition. “Formal Consequences” provides a bit of respite with its dreamy, gothic feel and slightly askew atmosphere of ominous melancholy. Sheets of shimmering guitars appear like torrential rains, giving way to a quiet interlude and a sinister sense of ritual catharsis. The bitter, biting “Breathing Through Bones,” the first song released from the album, evokes the loss and grief of a doomed romance, ending with a heavy slam of sound that’s drawn out to a clanging quiet. This show is a release party for Black Openings, and it features opening sets from dreamy local darkwave outfit Kill Scenes and Indiana goth project Twice Dark.

Anatomy of Habit Kill Scenes and Twice Dark open. Sat 2/11, 7 PM, Cobra Lounge, 235 N. Ashland, $12.36, 17+


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Chicago band Anatomy of Habit explore dark moods on Black Openings

UPDATE as of Sat 2/11/2023, 5:00 PM: Anatomy of Habit had to drop off the bill for tonight’s Cobra Lounge show due to illness, but will reschedule sometime in the future. Kill Scenes and Twice Dark will still be performing. Refunds are available at point of purchase.

Chicago band Anatomy of Habit have been around in various forms since 2008, sporadically releasing music that hammers together metal, industrial, postrock, avant-garde composition, and more. Originally a sort of floating supergroup with no fixed lineup, in the past few years they’ve solidified into a steady quintet around founder and front man Mark Solotroff. The band’s new fourth full-length, Black Openings (due February 24), recorded with Sanford Parker, features the same lineup as its predecessor, 2021’s Even If It Takes a Lifetime: guitarist Alex Latus, drummer Skyler Rowe, percussionist Isidro Reyes, and bassist and lap-steel player Sam Wagster. 

The moody 18-minute title track starts the record with a slinky, rolling pulse. Rowe’s drums and Reyes’s percussion drive a buildup that sets the stage for the first appearance of Solotroff’s vocals. From there, it’s a long, lovely journey that you can settle into, trusting that you’ll be alternately unsettled, soothed, creeped out, pummeled, and exalted, but never bored. In its harrowing climax, Solotroff screams, ”Remaining faceless / Slipping into a persona,” against militant percussion that sounds as if it’s beating his voice into a pulp.

The second and third tracks are both more than nine minutes long, allowing the band space to explore the full potential of each composition. “Formal Consequences” provides a bit of respite with its dreamy, gothic feel and slightly askew atmosphere of ominous melancholy. Sheets of shimmering guitars appear like torrential rains, giving way to a quiet interlude and a sinister sense of ritual catharsis. The bitter, biting “Breathing Through Bones,” the first song released from the album, evokes the loss and grief of a doomed romance, ending with a heavy slam of sound that’s drawn out to a clanging quiet. This show is a release party for Black Openings, and it features opening sets from dreamy local darkwave outfit Kill Scenes and Indiana goth project Twice Dark.

Anatomy of Habit Kill Scenes and Twice Dark open. Sat 2/11, 7 PM, Cobra Lounge, 235 N. Ashland, $12.36, 17+


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AP Top 25: UNLV enters women’s basketball poll for first time in 29 years

UNLV coach Lindy La Rocque was 4 years old the last time the Lady Rebels were ranked in The Associated Press Top 25 women’s basketball poll.

Now the Las Vegas native has the team back in the Top 25 for the first time since 1994: UNLV entered the poll at No. 23 on Monday.

“Obviously it means a lot. When I took the job I had a vision of what this place could be and what it once was,” La Rocque said. “That’s what I remember and I’m trying to put the pieces together to make that come to fruition. This is one of the small milestones that gives you a little bit of joy and you know that you’re doing some things right.”

South Carolina earned the No. 1 ranking for the 34th consecutive week. That is tied for the third-longest run atop the poll with UConn. Only the Huskies (51 weeks) and Louisiana Tech (36) have had longer streaks at No. 1.

The Gamecocks (25-0), who were again a unanimous choice from the 28-member national media panel, routed then-No. 3 LSU on Sunday in a showdown of unbeaten teams. The Tigers fell to fifth.

Indiana, Stanford and Utah were behind South Carolina. It’s the best ranking in school history for the Utes, who moved up three places this week.

UConn dropped two spots to sixth after falling at Marquette, giving the Huskies their first losing streak in 30 years. Iowa fell two places to seventh after losing to Indiana.

Maryland, Duke and Notre Dame rounded out the top 10.

UNLV (24-2) has won 15 straight games, second to only South Carolina for the longest streak in the country. It is the team’s best start since the 1989-90 team went 28-3.

“It’s cool. If you look at our roster, the two best players are from Vegas,” said La Rocque, who played at Stanford. “There’s some good karma that we got working.”

USC joined the Lady Rebels in the Top 25, entering the poll at No. 25. It’s the first time since 2016 that the Trojans are ranked. They visit Stanford on Friday night.

South Florida and N.C. State fell out of the poll.

STREAK BUSTED

North Carolina State is not ranked for the first time since Feb. 5, 2018. The Wolfpack had been ranked for 96 consecutive weeks, which had been the fifth-longest active streak behind UConn, Maryland, South Carolina and Stanford.

CRUISING WILDCATS

Buoyed by star Maddy Siegrist, Villanova continues to climb up the AP Top 25. Siegrist scored a Big East-record 50 points in a win over Seton Hall on Saturday to become the conference’s all-time leading scorer. With 1,550 conference regular-season points, Siegrist surpassed former Boston College standout Sarah Behn’s (1989-93) 1,546 points. Siegrist has the Wildcats at No. 14, the school’s best ranking in 20 years.

THE TOP 25

1. South Carolina (28 first-place votes) 25-0

2. Indiana 23-1

3. Stanford 24-3

4. Utah 22-2

5. LSU 23-1

6. UConn 22-4

7. Iowa 20-5

8. Maryland 21-5

9. Duke 22-3

10. Notre Dame 20-4

11. Virginia Tech 20-4

12. Michigan 20-5

13. Ohio St. 21-4

14. Villanova 22-4

15. Oklahoma 20-4

16. UCLA 20-6

17. Texas 20-6

18. Arizona 19-6

19. North Carolina 18-7

20. Gonzaga 23-3

21. Colorado 20-5

22. Iowa St. 15-7

23. UNLV 24-2

24. Florida St. 20-7

25. Southern Cal 19-6

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A Raisin in the Sun comes home to the south side

Racial covenants that kept Black people out of certain neighborhoods of Chicago, and across the U.S., are not just a thing of the past. Today, there are organizations including Chicago Covenants still trying to un-do them, and the harm they caused.

Chicago-raised playwright Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun is perhaps the best known creative effort that captures the pain and trauma caused by this form of racism. And Chicagoans can catch the short run of this play at Beverly Arts Center through February 19 in a wonderful production directed by Devin Christor.

A Raisin in the Sun Through 2/19: Thu-Sat 7:30 PM, Sun 2 PM, Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., 773-445-3838, thebeverlyartscenter.com, $40

We meet the Younger family first through the eyes of Ruth, a perfectly understated Jenise Sheppard. They carry Ruth’s emotions through the dramatic swings of this play, bringing us along for the bumpy ride. Ruth’s husband Walter Lee (Aaron Ragland) is a role not to be envied. He is the heel and the heart, representing the stereotypes and real pain of straight Black men navigating a stacked system.

Mother Lena (Veronda Carey) carries the weight of the house, the play, and the world on her shoulders. Her choice of what to do with the life insurance policy on her late husband impacts and haunts all around her. Carey navigates this complexity beautifully; her speech about her late husband and how he toiled his whole short life for his family is heartbreaking.

Then we have Walter’s sister, and Lena’s other child, Beneatha. Played by Yvette Corrine in her Chicago stage debut, I can’t say enough about how enjoyable she was to watch. Her physicality, comic timing, and dramatic flair are reminiscent of actor Tracee Ellis Ross. She’s fabulous. I can’t wait to see her in other productions.

Jayden Triplett is strong as Ruth and Walter’s son, Travis, and the rest of the cast fills out nicely. My main complaint was the sound on some of the minor characters. I had a hard time distinguishing lines from Beneatha’s boyfriends (she’s torn between rich but shallow George Murchison, played by William Brown, and African student Joseph Asagai, played by DeShawn Spivey), or when actors faced away from the audience. But the majority of the play was enjoyable.

Scenic and lighting designer Rick Keeley did a solid job with the set, which stands up to the door slams that increase as the tension in the story mounts. (Having seen some flimsy sets in the past at other theaters, I was worried as that first slam was coming. It did not disappoint.)

BAC is under new leadership, with managing director Dr. Carla Carter and artistic director Kevin Pease. This first big season since the world shut down under COVID-19 in 2020 is really showing how the BAC is back strong—and they are not playing around. I’m especially looking forward to Five Guys Named Moe June 8–18, codirected by Chicago legends Felicia P. Fields and E. Faye Butler.

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A Raisin in the Sun comes home to the south side

Racial covenants that kept Black people out of certain neighborhoods of Chicago, and across the U.S., are not just a thing of the past. Today, there are organizations including Chicago Covenants still trying to un-do them, and the harm they caused.

Chicago-raised playwright Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun is perhaps the best known creative effort that captures the pain and trauma caused by this form of racism. And Chicagoans can catch the short run of this play at Beverly Arts Center through February 19 in a wonderful production directed by Devin Christor.

A Raisin in the Sun Through 2/19: Thu-Sat 7:30 PM, Sun 2 PM, Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., 773-445-3838, thebeverlyartscenter.com, $40

We meet the Younger family first through the eyes of Ruth, a perfectly understated Jenise Sheppard. They carry Ruth’s emotions through the dramatic swings of this play, bringing us along for the bumpy ride. Ruth’s husband Walter Lee (Aaron Ragland) is a role not to be envied. He is the heel and the heart, representing the stereotypes and real pain of straight Black men navigating a stacked system.

Mother Lena (Veronda Carey) carries the weight of the house, the play, and the world on her shoulders. Her choice of what to do with the life insurance policy on her late husband impacts and haunts all around her. Carey navigates this complexity beautifully; her speech about her late husband and how he toiled his whole short life for his family is heartbreaking.

Then we have Walter’s sister, and Lena’s other child, Beneatha. Played by Yvette Corrine in her Chicago stage debut, I can’t say enough about how enjoyable she was to watch. Her physicality, comic timing, and dramatic flair are reminiscent of actor Tracee Ellis Ross. She’s fabulous. I can’t wait to see her in other productions.

Jayden Triplett is strong as Ruth and Walter’s son, Travis, and the rest of the cast fills out nicely. My main complaint was the sound on some of the minor characters. I had a hard time distinguishing lines from Beneatha’s boyfriends (she’s torn between rich but shallow George Murchison, played by William Brown, and African student Joseph Asagai, played by DeShawn Spivey), or when actors faced away from the audience. But the majority of the play was enjoyable.

Scenic and lighting designer Rick Keeley did a solid job with the set, which stands up to the door slams that increase as the tension in the story mounts. (Having seen some flimsy sets in the past at other theaters, I was worried as that first slam was coming. It did not disappoint.)

BAC is under new leadership, with managing director Dr. Carla Carter and artistic director Kevin Pease. This first big season since the world shut down under COVID-19 in 2020 is really showing how the BAC is back strong—and they are not playing around. I’m especially looking forward to Five Guys Named Moe June 8–18, codirected by Chicago legends Felicia P. Fields and E. Faye Butler.

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AP Top 25: Purdue’s loss to Northwestern lets Alabama jump to No. 1 in men’s basketball poll

Alabama is the new No. 1, rising to the top spot in The Associated Press Top 25 men’s college basketball poll for the first time in 20 years.

Purdue’s loss to Northwestern last week caused a jumble at the top of the AP Top 25 and that helped the Crimson Tide.

Alabama received 38 first-place votes from a 62-person media panel Monday, moving up two spots to leapfrog No. 2 Houston. The Cougars had 22 first-place votes to remain at No. 2 and Purdue, down to No. 3, still had two first-place votes.

UCLA and Kansas rounded out the top five.

Alabama has made a name for itself as more than just a football school since coach Nate Oats arrived from Buffalo in in 2019. The Crimson Tide reached the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight two years ago and Oats pulled in one of the nation’s best recruiting classes last year.

Alabama is No. 1 for the first time since spending two weeks atop the poll midway through the 2002-03 season. Alabama (22-3, 12-0 Southeastern Conference) beat Auburn and Florida last week, with its only loss since mid-December coming at Oklahoma in a nonconference game on Jan. 28.

“Our team is playing good basketball right now,” Auburn coach Bruce Pearl said after a 77-69 loss to the Crimson Tide on Saturday. “We’re playing well. We’re just not playing well enough to beat the best team in the country.”

BOUNCING BOILERMAKERS

Purdue managed to remain at No. 1 last week despite losing to No. 14 Indiana. The Boilermakers weren’t so fortunate after a 64-58 loss to Northwestern on Sunday.

The Wildcats swarmed 7-foot-4 Purdue center Zach Edey, who had 24 points but committed six turnovers. The Boilermakers shot 36% from the field and missed their final 13 shots from 3-point range.

“Just got to show more poise and toughness than we did,” Purdue coach Matt Painter said.

RISING/FALLING

No. 9 Baylor and No. 18 Creighton made the biggest moves of the week, each gaining five spots.

The Bears beat Oklahoma and picked up a road win at No. 22 TCU last week. The Bluejays beat Seton Hall and eked out a 56-53 win over No. 20 UConn to stretch their winning streak to eight games to remain in contention for the Big East regular-season title.

No. 19 Iowa State had the biggest drop, losing eight places following losses to West Virginia and Oklahoma State.

IN AND OUT

Florida Atlantic was the only team to move into the poll, returning at No. 25 after dropping out last week. The Owls beat Rice and Louisiana Tech last week after being ranked for the first time in school history earlier this season.

Rutgers fell out of the poll for the second time this season, dropping from No. 24 after losing to Indiana and Illinois.

THE TOP 25

1. Alabama (38 first-place votes) 22-3

2. Houston (22) 23-2

3. Purdue (2) 23-3

4. UCLA 21-4

5. Kansas 20-5

6. Texas 20-5

7. Virginia 19-4

8. Arizona 22-4

9. Baylor 19-6

10. Tennessee 19-6

11. Marquette 20-6

12. Kansas St. 19-6

13. Gonzaga 21-5

14. Indiana 18-7

15. Miami 20-5

16. Xavier 19-6

17. Saint Mary’s 22-5

18. Creighton 17-8

19. Iowa St. 16-8

20. UConn 19-7

21. San Diego St. 20-5

22. TCU 17-8

23. NC State 20-6

24. Providence 18-7

25. FAU 24-2

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Your guide to spring break 2023 in Chicago

In the springtime, Chicago lives up to its official city motto Urbs In Horto — “City in a Garden.” Our countless parks, green spaces, and sparkling waterfront (not to mention world-class museums, stunning architecture, and exciting events) make Chicago a truly spectacular spring break destination.

Here’s our guide to planning an unforgettable spring break in Chicago for families, outdoor enthusiasts, art and culture lovers, and even locals. And remember to check out these special offers from hotels all around the city and attraction passes for reduced admission to museums, activities, and more.

Family-friendly spring break in Chicago

A Chicago getaway promises equal parts fun, learning, and fresh air for the whole family. There’s an adventure for kids of all ages in Chicago, whether you’re looking to roller skate around a lakefront park, be wowed by an interactive museum, or meet a beluga whale.

Maggie Daley Park

Come face to face with lions, leopards, and more at Lincoln Park Zoo‘s new big cat exhibit. Kids are invited to see the resident species in action in this newly renovated space with glass-enclosed walkways, a feeding zipline, and more.
Explore the history of pop-up books at the Newberry Library’s new exhibit. See early examples and contemporary versions of the beloved, tactile, three-dimensional texts.
Slime lovers assemble! The Sloomoo Institute is a slime-centric, hands-on experience where kids can play with all types of sensory slimes.
Internationally renowned, Chicago-born artist Hebru Brantley partnered with Chicago Children’s Museum to create The New Art Experience, an immersive exhibit that invites kids to dream, play, and create their own masterpieces. After, make time to explore the family-friendly attractions at Navy Pier.

The Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park reopens for rollerblading, rollerskating, or scootering in April. Mini-scooters are now available to rent, perfect for tiny tots looking to rock and roll on the ribbon.
At the Chicago History Museum’s Sensing Chicago exhibit, kids can ride an old-fashioned, high-wheel bicycle, catch a fly ball at Comiskey Park, and become a Chicago-style hot dog. 
Chicago’s beloved lakefront aquarium offers Asleep with the Fishes overnights in March and April, inviting families for an evening of fun activities followed by the chance to spend the night with sharks, turtles, alligators, and belugas.  
360 CHICAGO Observation Deck offers bird-eye views of Chicago from 1,000 feet in the air. Daring kiddos will want to take on TILT!, a sky-high thrill ride that allows visitors to tilt out over The Magnificent Mile.
Travel back in time to the ancient city forever preserved at Pompeii: The Exhibition at the Museum of Science and Industry. Meet a holographic gladiator, watch a 4D simulation of the catastrophic eruption, and more.

Chicago spring break for outdoor enthusiasts

Chicago in spring is a nature-lovers paradise. The whole city bursts into bloom, from the sprawling lakefront to indoor gardens to charming neighborhood parks. Here’s how to get outdoors in Chicago during your spring break getaway.

Garfield Park Conservatory

Chicago is a biking city with over 303 miles of bike lanes. Rent a Divvy bike and ride the Lakefront Trail, with sweeping vistas of the city skyline and Lake Michigan.
Go rock climbing at Maggie Daley Park, where a 40-foot climbing wall challenges climbers of all ages and experience levels to reach new heights.
Stop and smell the flowers at Garfield Park Conservatory’s annual spring flower show. This year’s show runs through May 15.
Stroll the Chicago Riverwalk, where you’ll encounter intimate coves, waterfront cafes, and stunning public art, with Chicago’s iconic architecture as an unforgettable backdrop.

Stop and smell the roses while exploring the sprawling Chicago Botanic Garden in nearby Glencoe, comprising 27 unique gardens.
Don’t miss a springtime hike along the winding trails of the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, home to over 222,000 plants from 40 countries.
Head to Hyde Park for a stroll through the Japanese garden in Jackson Park. The garden is beloved for its cherry blossoms — peak bloom usually takes place in the first two weeks of May.
Soak in gorgeous city vistas from the open-air upper deck of Chicago’s First Lady and learn the fascinating stories behind more than 50 buildings with Chicago Architecture Foundation river cruises.

Spring vacation for art & culture lovers

In Chicago, art is all around you. There’s public art lining the city streets, filling our acclaimed museums, and even lighting up our buildings after dark. Plan an art and culture-filled spring break with these events and exhibitions.

EXPO Chicago, an international exposition of contemporary and modern works, is a must for art lovers. More than 170 exhibitors will take over Navy Pier’s Festival Hall from April 13 to 16.
See the masterpieces painted by post-Impressionist artists Vincent van Gogh, Georges Seurat, Paul Signac, Emile Bernard, and Charles Angrand at Van Gogh and the Avant-Garde: The Modern Landscape, the Art Institute of Chicago’s upcoming exhibit, which opens to the public on May 14. 
Direct from Broadway comes the revival of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Into the Woods, a Tony-winning musical take on classic fairy tales with a twist, on stage April 25 – May 7 at the James M. Nederlander Theatre.

The Gospel at Colonus is a reimagining of the classic tale of Oedipus. staged at the award-winning Court Theatre in Hyde Park.
Admire the work of painters, sculptors, photographers, fashion designers, ceramic artists, and more during open studio events every third Friday at the Bridgeport Art Center.
A suspicious plane crash sheds light on old mysteries in Describe the Night, a play about truth, lies, and KGB agents, on stage March 2 – April 9 at Steppenwolf Theatre.
Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors is updated to a London film set during World War II playing March 9 – April 16 at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier.
In the evening, head to the Riverwalk to experience Art on theMart, which relaunches in April. The light and sound show will be projected on the riverfront facade of the landmark Merchandise Mart nightly.

Spring break for college students

Dance the night away in a downtown club, explore the cocktail scene, laugh ‘til it hurts at a local comedy club…Chicago is an unforgettable destination for young spring breakers looking for music, nightlife, comedy, and more.

DISCO at Celeste

Chicago’s coolest new music venue, The Salt Shed, opens its concert hall inside the former Morton Salt warehouse this spring. Upcoming concerts include Iggy Pop (March 10), The Roots (March 18), Bikini Kill (April 22), and The Flaming Lips (May 5). 
Go on a DIY craft beer crawl with these guides to top Chicago tap rooms and craft breweries by neighborhood, from Malt Row to the Chicago Brewing District.
Don your green regalia and witness the Chicago River dyeing, one of the most unique St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the world. This year’s bucket list event takes place on Saturday, March 11.

Baseball season kicks off in spring, with the Chicago Cubs returning to Wrigley Field on March 30 and the Chicago White Sox hosting their home opener for the season on April 3.
See the sites as you pedal to eateries where you can sample each of Chicago’s four favorite food items on a Bikes, Bites & Brews Tour. Bobby’s Bike Hike offers award-winning tours of Chicago’s most popular neighborhoods and parks. 
Catch a comedy show in the city that created improv. There’s something new every night of the week at the iconic The Second City comedy club.
Dance all night long at these top nightclubs, or kick back with a craft cocktail at these retro bars and speakeasies.

Chicago staycation for locals

Just because you live here, doesn’t mean you can’t plan a spring staycation. Explore a new neighborhood, check out a museum you’ve been meaning to visit, or check a local restaurant off your dining bucket list. And don’t forget to check out hotel deals to make it a true spring staycay.

La Vaca in Pilsen

Explore a new neighborhood with a free Chicago Greeter walking tour. Led by fellow locals, you can take your pick of Chicago neighborhoods. A few favorites include the city’s only national monument in Pullman, Pilsen’s colorful street art, or the historic boathouse and tranquil lagoons of Humboldt Park.
The free Smart Museum of Art and Stony Island Arts Bank both recently reopened with new exhibits after a short winter hiatus.
Take a tour of the meticulously restored interior of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located steps from the University of Chicago campus.
Always meant to kayak the Chicago River? This is your year! Join a guided kayak tour from Urban Kayaks starting in early May to learn a bit of history and admire the city’s iconic architecture from the water.

Maxwell Street Market is back this April, bringing a colorful mix of street food, live music, and tons of crafts and secondhand items to browse every Sunday.
Learn a little about your own city at the Chicago History Museum. Climb aboard the first-ever ‘L’ car, visit a replica of a historic jazz club, and so much more.
Check out some of the can’t-miss concerts coming to Chicago’s coolest venues, like Thalia Hall, the Aragon Ballroom, The Hideout, and more.
Tee off via high-tech golf simulators as you sip craft cocktails at Five Iron Golf in the Loop or set off in a bumper car to play a game that combines lacrosse, hockey and at WhirlyBall in Bucktown.

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Chicago Bears, 2023 NFL Draft (Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports)
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We are about 10 weeks away from the 2023 NFL Draft, and the offseason is about to heat up in a big way. For the first time in a couple of months, the Chicago Bears are going to take center stage.

Since the regular season ended, Bears fans have gotten to sit back and enjoy the playoffs, as much as they can, without their own team involved.

But now, the offseason is in swing for all 32 teams, and the Bears own the most cap space in the league, as well as the number one overall pick.

If all goes according to plan, general manager Ryan Poles will trade that pick for a king’s ransom, and use the capital to begin building a Super Bowl contender.

The Chicago Bears kick this 2023 mock draft off with a bang, as they deal the number 1 pick to the Colts

Bears Get
No. 4 pick, 2023 2nd Round Pick (No. 35),
2023 3rd Round Pick (No. 79),
2023 4th Round Pick (No. 106),
2024 1st Round PIck, 2024 3rd Round Pick
Colts Get
No. 1 Pick

Forget about the Colts building around Bryce Young in the draft this year. Indianapolis trades four picks in the first four rounds to move up and get him, and the Bears come away handsomely rich in draft capital.

From here, the Bears can execute another trade in order to bring in some offensive line help, before really getting the draft underway.

Bears Get
G Shaq Mason
2023 7th Round Pick (No. 253)
Buccaneers Get
2023 5th Round Pick (137)
2023 6th Round Pick (No. 199)

With Tom Brady leaving the Bucs, Tampa Bay will likely be starting over. Their cap situation isn’t ideal, so they may end up having to trade some key pieces. One of those pieces is stud guard Shaq Mason, formerly a New England Patriot.

The Bucs could cut or trade Mason and save $5 million against their cap. He’ll be 30 years old by the time the 2023 season rolls around, and if the Bears want to solidify one position up front without giving up a whole lot, this deal makes a ton of sense.

Mason could fill in here for at least next season, if not a couple of years thereafter. Now, the real fun begins.

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Chicago Bears, Rakim Jarrett (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

There are few certainties each year when the NFL offseason goes into full effect, but this year there are a couple of things we can count on the Chicago Bears to do.

One thing, for sure, is that the Bears are going to address the wide receiver position. Last year, trading for Chase Claypool was a start to addressing the position. But, the Bears still have a long way to go. Behind Claypool and Darnell Mooney, there isn’t a true, proven name.

Adding a couple of players this offseason, at receiver, should be a priority for general manager Ryan Poles. In this year’s draft, there are a lot of intriguing names and some depth at the position.

Ideally, the Bears come away with multiple rookie wide receivers. If they wanted to take a shot on a guy in the middle rounds, there might not be a higher upside pick than Maryland wide receiver Rakim Jarrett.

The Chicago Bears could find tremendous value in Maryland wide receiver Rakim Jarrett

What you might not know about Jarrett is the fact that he had originally committed to LSU, which is a bit of a wide receiver factory over the past decade or so. However, Jarrett opted to go to Maryland instead.

Although he hasn’t become a household name there, Jarrett’s playmaking ability gives him a great chance at getting drafted in the middle rounds.

Just in: The @TerpsFootball offense hasn’t slowed down since last Friday.

And @RakimJarrett has his first career TD. ? pic.twitter.com/AvZKm7Ze63

— Maryland On BTN (@MarylandOnBTN) November 7, 2020

The six-foot Jarrett is absolutely lethal after the catch. If he gets the ball in space, look out. He can take off in a hurry. One of his best traits is the yardage after the catch. He is a monster in that area, and that’s a spot where the Bears lacked any true prowess.

Jarrett’s skill set is one that can be used in a variety of ways. He can line up outside, in the slot or even used out of the back field in creative opportunities. Luke Getsy could do a lot with Jarrett’s speed, shiftiness and ability with the ball in his hands.

The Bears would likely still need a true alpha wide receiver to put on this roster, but adding Jarrett to the corps would just about round out this depth chart, should Chicago indeed get that alpha.

Jarrett caught 40 passes for 470 yards and three touchdowns last year. His lack of big numbers should allow him to go a bit overlooked, but make no mistake, he is a real playmaker. The Maryland offense wasn’t prolific by any means, and Jarrett would do much better as a pro if given the opportunity.

Next: Bears: This draft scenario is a dream for Chicago

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2023 NFL mock draft: Bears trade No. 1 pick to Colts

PHOENIX — Next stop, draft season.

When the Chiefs beat the Eagles in Sunday night’s Super Bowl, the NFL calendar turned earnestly toward the offseason. That means the NFL Scouting Combine starting Feb. 28, followed by free agency and then the draft, which starts April 28.

With the most salary cap space in the NFL and the No. 1 overall pick, the Bears are in position to dictate the offseason. They appear committed to quarterback Justin Fields, a strategy many around the league agreed with during Super Bowl festivities here. That means the Bears are most likely to trade the top pick.

Here’s where the Sun-Times’ mock draft stands now that the Super Bowl is settled — complete with a Bears trade:

1. Colts (trade with Bears) — Alabama QB Bryce Young

Teams should be wary about putting too much stock into the NFL Scouting Combine, but Young’s official measurements will be a big deal. He’s currently listed at 6 feet tall, but he wouldn’t be the first player whose height was fudged by their college team.

2. Texans — Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud

Some teams will talk themselves into Stroud being a better prospect than Young. The Texans will be thrilled to find out if that’s true.

3. Cardinals — Georgia DT Jalen Carter

Either Carter or Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson will be a welcome addition for a team that gave up the second-most points in the NFL last year.

4. Bears (trade with Colts) — Alabama EDGE Will Anderson

The team that gave up the most? The Bears, who seem more likely to fill their glaring defensive tackle need via free agency. After trading down to get the Colts’ No.1. draft pick in 2024, they’d be thrilled with either SEC defensive stud.

5. Seahawks — Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njiba

One of the great shocks of the 2022 season was the emergence of quarterback Geno Smith into a building block. The Seahawks will give him a contract extension — and then give him help at receiver.

6. Panthers (trade with Lions) — Kentucky QB Will Levis

Levis running a pro-style offense at Kentucky — Liam Cohen, his offensive coordinator in 2021, came off the Sean McVay tree — makes him an easier projection than Young or Stroud, though with a shorter ceiling.

7. Raiders — Northwestern OT Peter Skoronski

The last time the Raiders drafted an offensive lineman in Round 1, they landed Alex Leatherwood, whom they cut within a year. The Bears tried to resuscitate his career; thus far it’s not going well.

8. Falcons — Ohio State OT Paris Johnson Jr.

Not wanting to overdraft the last remaining relevant quarterback, the Falcons instead turn protecting the one they’ve got.

9. Lions (trade with Panthers) — Texas Tech EDGE Tyree Wilson

They made huge gains last season – but not on defense. Drafting Wilson to put opposite last year’s No. 2 pick, Aidan Hutchinson, would be scary.

10. Eagles — Texas RB Bijan Robinson

It’s criminal the Eagles get to draft this high. A smart trade with the Saints last season gives the run-first team a chance to make the ultimate luxury pick.

11. Titans –Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer

After the Falcons took Kyle Pitts fourth overall two years ago, mocking a tight end to go 11th doesn’t seem so crazy.

12. Texans — Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon

DeMeco Ryans, the Texans’ defensive-minded head coach, makes Witherspoon the highest-drafted U of I player sine Kevin Hardy in 1996.

13. Jets — Georgia OT Broderick Jones

The Jets are looking for a veteran quarterback — and that quarterback will need help staying upright.

14. Patriots — Penn State CB Joey Porter Jr.

Bill Belichick will certainly be intrigued by someone with the pedigree of Porter, whose father went to four Pro Bowls in 13 seasons as a linebacker.

15. Packers — Florida QB Anthony Richardson

Aaron Rodgers is gone in this scenario. Jordan Love is unproven. And Richardson is the biggest boom-or-bust pick in Round 1.

16. Commanders — Alabama CB Brian Branch

Pairing a strong cornerback with the Commanders’ nasty defensive line is a smart formula in a division with the Cowboys, Eagles and Giants.

17. Steelers — Iowa EDGE Luke Van Ness

Maybe it’s seeing him in Hawkeyes black and yellow, but the Barrington native just feels like a Steelers pick.

18. Lions — Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez

Pro Football Focus graded out the Lions as the worst coverage team in the NFL last year.

19. Buccaneers — Florida G O’Cyrus Florence

The Bucs should get plenty of looks at Florence via their local pro day.

20. Seahawks — Georgia Tech EDGE Keion White

He could be the steal of the draft. If he’s merely good, he’ll still be an upgrade.

21. Dolphins (FORFEITED)

22. Chargers — TCU WR Quentin Johnston

Drafting a receiver will depend on whether the Bolts cut Keenan Allen.

23. Ravens — Tennessee WR Jalin Hyatt

No team in the NFL — not even the Bears — needs talent at the receiver position more than the Ravens.

24. Vikings — Georgia CB Kelee Ringo

The physical cornerback will fit well in new coordinator Brian Flores’ scheme.

25. Jaguars — Utah TE Dalton Kincaid

If tight end Evan Engram leaves via free agency, this fills an obvious need.

26. Giants — USC WR Jordan Addison

In the modern NFL, you either have a stud receiver or you’re looking for one.

27. Cowboys — Baylor DT Siaki Ika

Big D stays local — Waco’s an hour-and-a-half away — to add beef.

28. Bills — Texas A&M S Antonio Johnson

Is he a pure safety? A linebacker? The Bills will figure it out.

29. Bengals — Clemson DL Bryan Bresee

He could go much higher, but the Bengals are thrilled he slipped this far.

30. Saints — LSU EDGE BJ Ojulari

In his second season, defensive-minded head coach Dennis Allen gets a first-round defender.

31. Eagles– Maryland CB Deonte Banks

A lot of teams claim they’ll take the best available player. The Eagles, with depth across positions, can actually do so.

32. Chiefs — Boston College WR Zay Flowers

The best landing spot a receiver could hope for.

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