The Chicago Bears hold the 10th pick of the 1st round in this year’s NFL draft. While that gives them a great opportunity to add another impact player, it also puts them at the mercy of nine other teams. They must try to determine how those picks in front of them will unfold, which is why GM Ryan Poles and his front office will run countless mock drafts in the coming weeks. They will utilize as much information as they can gather about the intentions of other organizations to paint as clear a picture as possible.
While nothing is ever set in stone, every indication suggests the first three picks are all but locked in. It starts with the Tennessee Titans at #1 overall. Barring a massive trade of some kind, they are taking a quarterback and it’s expected to be Miami’s Cam Ward.
Next comes the Cleveland Browns at #2 overall. They also have questions at quarterback, but it doesn’t seem as if their regime is feeling hard-pressed to address it this high. People close to the team believe they aim to select Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter, hoping to pair him with Myles Garrett.
The biggest mystery seemed to be the New York Giants at #3. Some wondered if they’d go with quarterback or Heisman trophy winner Travis Hunter for his spot. It’s a tossup to some, but apparently not people inside the league, according to Matt Miller of ESPN.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
What are you hearing around the league on what the Giants will do at No. 3?
Miller: I’m hearing quarterback, even after signing Russell Wilson to a one-year deal. A scout told me, “New York loving Shedeur is the worst-kept secret in the league right now.” According to that scout, the Giants had a presence at every Colorado home game this season.
This outcome makes projections easier for the Chicago Bears.
It becomes a foregone conclusion that Hunter will likely go to New England at #4 overall. They desperately need wide receiver help, and he’s the most talented. Jacksonville will probably go defensive line at #5, making Mason Graham of Michigan a heavy favorite. Everybody believes the Las Vegas Raiders are destined to take Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty at #6. From there, the Jets, Panthers, and Saints remain. New York is expected to grab offensive line help, while Carolina and New Orleans focus on defense.
If it plays out this way, the Chicago Bears will have Penn State tight end Tyler Warren and either LSU tackle Will Campbell or Missouri tackle Armand Membou on the board to choose from. That isn’t a bad setup, all things considered. Any of those three can be immediate contributors and bolster Ben Johnson’s offense even further. It depends on what the new head coach will prioritize.
As we know, the draft can often pivot in unexpected ways. We all remember the Michael Penix pick last year. It could happen again. Still, based on how things are unfolding, this is the likeliest course the Bears will travel.
I’d gladly take Campbell, Membou or other OT/Edge at 10. Otherwise, trade back and upgrade this roster with extra pick(s).
By now, Johnson and Poles have their “wish list” prospects and 2nd choices. But the most important thing is to stick to a plan. Don’t get caught up in hype. That’s how teams waste picks.
There has to be a story behind Warren only having a total of 49 total catches in his first 4 years and then a big year this past season.
Why only 34 catches in 2023? And 10 the year before that?
Teams will ask him and his head coach about this.
The biggest takeaway from this draft better be that they added 3 players of quality in this draft. I don’t care who they are. Having 5 picks in the 1st and 2nd round over 2 years is a serious chance to improve the overall roster significantly. A few personal opinions. Warren over Jeanty if that’s the choice. Default to edge or OL if best player pick is being made. I really like CB Williams at #10. I think a 3rd team will pick a QB before #10. I have no evidence to support that except GMs without QBs are a… Read more »
Think about it this way: what if there are 12 gorgeous women, you have a real favorite, but you pick 10th. Would you not try to trade up? I would. I’d swap my #10 for Clooney’s #5. I would throw in my current wife, give up a mistress, and future considerations with Judge Judy.
Yes, I think the right moves for them are to move up if Graham falls, or another one of the blue chip players, otherwise move down. Warren isn’t a terrible fallback if they can’t move up or down, but they need to be flexible, and they can afford to after free agency.