GM Ryan Poles threw everybody off his scent when he traded the #1 overall pick last month. At that point, everybody knew what the Chicago Bears would probably do. They’d take Jalen Carter or Will Anderson. A lot has changed since then. The Bears moved down to the 9th overall spot, and now it’s not so certain either Carter or Anderson will go in the top five, let alone the top three. Carter is the bigger story after he pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges for street racing that resulted in two deaths. He followed that up with an ugly pro day where he was nine pounds overweight and couldn’t even finish drills.
Despite that, the Georgia defensive tackle remains confident he will go in the top 10. So much so that he isn’t even taking interviews with teams out of it. Some assume the Bears aren’t going to take that risk. Well, that confidence might seem misplaced. Several sources have confirmed Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus have done tons of extra legwork on Carter. They’ve met with him multiple times and talked to several people around him, including coaches, teammates, and family.
If that weren’t enough, there is something else to remember. Poles has seen a scenario almost exactly like this play out before.
Jalen Carter might be another Chris Jones.
Most people know the Kansas City Chiefs’ star defensive lineman for what he is now. They often forget he was considered a significant gamble back in 2016. While scouts loved his size, athleticism, and power, they worried about his inconsistency, erratic motor, and unimpressive production. He had only 8.5 sacks and 18 tackles for a loss in three years. Still, the Chiefs liked what they saw on tape and felt he was worth the risk. However, they got the sense other teams weren’t as high on him.
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So they hatched a plan, trading their 26th overall pick in the 1st round to San Francisco for the 37th pick in the 2nd round, a 4th round pick, and a 6th round pick. They still landed Jones but had the added value of two extra picks to soften the blow if he didn’t work out. Obviously, he did.
Fast forward to last month. Ryan Poles won’t risk taking Carter at #1 overall despite his obvious flashes of dominance at Georgia. So he trades down with Carolina, secures a top receiver, a future 1st round pick, and two 2nd round picks. It could be considered an exact blueprint of the Chris Jones trade. Now the Bears GM can feel justified making that pick if Carter is there at #9. If it doesn’t work out, he’ll have secured enough assets from the trade to mitigate the damage. If it does? The Bears get themselves a potential superstar for their defense.
What stats did Carter actually produce that gets anyone excited in his college game that makes you think he will be a great pro? Or even a good pro? And if he is as lazy as everyone says both off and on the field, except for literally part time on game day, why would you even want him at any pick before the 3rd round? Or even 4th?
For God’s sake, Suggs had almost as many tackles for loss as Carter had tackles (including assisted tackles).
Dang, I hope someone takes him prior to the Bears pick.
I’ll buy that logic. And if Carter is still there I’d take him. If Carter AND Anderson are still there I’d have to go Anderson. Still will be tough to pass on a tackle there. Tackle is probably safer than Carter and necessary. Can’t bear, pun intended, to see Fields take another beating like last year. Love dominant D but also excited to see Fields light it up this year.
Go big or go home. Everyone one else is playing for second place!
Sid Loser- why are you so insanely jealous of Martin? Are you afraid hes smarter than you? Who cares? Let him do his thing. He doesnt really start
any sh*t with any body so why bother with him?
Exact blueprint of the Jones trade? Careless wording Erik. Taking a flier on a risky premium talent at #37 is WAY different than taking a flier on one at #9. Multiple busts in the top 10 paralyzes franchises.