The Chicago Bears won the long game when they secured the #1 overall pick in the 2023 draft. Thanks to a baffling win by the Houston Texans in the season finale, they suddenly hold the most power of any team this off-season. If any team wants one of the top quarterbacks in the upcoming class, they’ll need Chicago’s pick to get him. What makes it even better is the Texans are right behind them at #2. Everybody knows Houston will take a quarterback. The fear that they may take somebody one of the other teams covet should make the urgency to move up that much stronger. One would think GM Ryan Poles will get plenty of phone calls.
Believe it or not, they’ve already begun. David Kaplan of ESPN 1000 is one of the most well-connected Chicago sports insiders out there. He had some fascinating updates on his YouTube channel about the Bears’ situation. Based on what he’s hearing, experts believe the team will get a massive package if they decide to trade the #1 pick. One of those teams has already begun establishing the framework of a deal.
This scenario makes the most sense for Ryan Poles.
He knows Indianapolis Colts GM Chris Ballard personally. The two worked together for multiple seasons in Kansas City. That familiarity should make communication far smoother compared to other teams. Indianapolis also holds a draft spot that is more appetizing for the Bears at 4th overall. This means Poles would secure extra picks and players without having to leave the top five. That would enable him to still have a shot at one of the best players on his board.
As for Kaplan’s report that Indy is infatuated with Will Levis, that, too, makes sense. Ballard has been seen on camera openly stating that he will always bet on “traits.” It’s all about size, athleticism, and ceiling with him.
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In that context, Levis makes sense. He’s bigger than Alabama’s Bryce Young. His arm is easily the strongest in the class. Many see him as another Josh Allen-type. There is no question he would be the guy Ballard sees as the best bet to be a future star. Ryan Poles knows the Bears need wide receiver help. Pittman has cracked at least 900 yards in each of the past two years, boasting 6’4 size, good hands, intelligence, and sharp route-running skills. He’d be a significant help to Justin Fields. Combine him with extra picks, and it isn’t hard to see Poles taking that offer once the Colts complete their evaluations by March.
