It was a major shock to everybody when the Chicago Bears traded the 1st overall pick. It’s something that just doesn’t happen often. Only twice since 2001 before the deal came together. GM Ryan Poles made it clear he’s not afraid to take risks. He believes his team needs a lot more work than one pick can fix. So he sent #1 to Carolina for the 9th pick, 61st pick, a 1st in 2024, 2nd in 2025, and wide receiver D.J. Moore. That last piece was the biggest surprise, as he was by far their best offensive player. Reports indicate Poles refused to make the deal unless Moore was included. The Panthers eventually caved. Now the 25-year-old will join Justin Fields.
There is no arguing that this is the best receiver the Bears’ young quarterback has had since his final season at Ohio State. That is no disrespect to Darnell Mooney, who has been very good. The fact is Moore has played at a Pro Bowl level for the past four years. He’s not as fast as Mooney, but he’s a bigger, stronger, and a better route-runner. One person that recognizes the vast potential of his combination with Fields is Tyreek Hill. The All-Pro receiver expressed excitement at what was to come.
Hill’s optimism about Justin Fields shouldn’t be a surprise.
He had a front-row seat for arguably the quarterback’s best game of 2022 when the Miami Dolphins visited Soldier Field. Fields was unstoppable with 123 yards passing, 178 rushing, and four total touchdowns, including three through the air. Chicago hung 32 points on Miami. Sadly, it wasn’t quite enough, as the Dolphins escaped 35-32. The lasting image of that game was wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown dropping a perfect Fields pass on 4th down to end the game. Hill understood how much help the young QB needed.
Now he has it. The trio of Moore, Mooney, and Chase Claypool is one of the most talented groups the Bears have fielded in a decade. It’s young, athletic, fast, and has room to grow. The best part is they fit Justin Fields so well. Moore and Mooney give him the speedy targets that can separate. Claypool provides him with size that can be hugely beneficial on 3rd down. The next step is fortifying Fields’ protection. If they can stop opponents from harassing him too often, he could have a breakout season through the air.
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Hill is correct. This should be fun.
Magpie is as Magpie does. Please at bare minimum proofread your posts. The writing is a Travesty to the Kings English
Really looking forward to FA, the draft, and the upcoming season. But it was HARDLY “a major shock to everybody when the Chicago Bears traded the 1st overall pick”.
Thom Cameron – did you ever analyze your own deficiencies?
You are spot on Martin! I’m so sick of EVERYONE IN THE MEDIA WHO HAS TO ENGAGE IN HYPERBOLE SO THAT SOMEONE WILL PAY ATTENTION TO THEIR SORRY, INSECURE, “PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO ME” ASSES!
T Hill is correct