It isn’t a secret by now that the Chicago Bears have multiple plans in place for next week. GM Ryan Poles seems prepared for several different scenarios depending on what happens with the first eight picks. He could select Georgia defensive tackle, Jalen Carter. If that isn’t an option, most believe the Bears will look for an opportunity to move down. The lingering challenge with something like that is finding another team willing to come up. Rumors persist there around two or three that have stayed in communication with Poles, letting him know they’re interested if the right player is available. Todd McShay of ESPN has a pretty good idea of what one of those teams is.
He spoke about it on Waddle & Silvy for ESPN 1000. The widespread belief is the Houston Texans will bypass taking a quarterback at #2 overall. If true, their plan may involve addressing the issue with their pick at #12. There is one problem. The division rival Tennessee Titans are at #11 and need a QB too. That is where the Bears, with their #9 pick, enter the equation.
It makes sense from the Chicago Bears’ perspective.
Poles hopes to move down and secure another quality draft pick, preferably on Day 2. Houston has two 3rd round picks at their disposal. They can easily unload one of them to leapfrog Tennessee without sacrificing their overall draft strategy. That would give the Bears four picks in the 2nd and 3rd rounds and still leave them in an excellent position to nab either a top offensive lineman or top cornerback. It’s the kind of flexibility this GM always talks about. Of course, the right QB would have to be there.
As of now, the debate is between two names. The widespread belief is Bryce Young goes #1 overall. C.J. Stroud will then go #3 to a team that trades up with Arizona or #4 to Indianapolis. That means Will Levis or Anthony Richardson stand a good chance of reaching the 9th pick. Houston would have to like one of them to make this scenario work. It isn’t hard to believe. The Chicago Bears already have an open line of communication with Texans GM Nick Caserio from previous dealings. Poles traded back with him in the 5th round last year and almost did so again from #1 to #2.
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The logic of this idea is sound.
