When discussing the Chicago Bears’ first round plans, everybody is talking about what trade(s) the team will make. It’s been surprising how little of the discussions have been about what player they choose. Most analysts agree GM Ryan Poles will likely focus on one of two positions. He’ll either take a top defensive lineman or a top offensive lineman. That is the strength of the non-quarterback talent at the top of this draft class. It makes perfect sense considering the Bears’ current needs.
However, everybody knows the draft is a time to expect the unexpected. What the experts think will happen doesn’t always line up with what the teams intend to happen. That much is becoming true with the Bears. Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog has suggested for some time that Chicago will trade back. The most likely destination, at least at the moment, is the 9th overall pick held by Carolina. Initial projections have that spot being a good one to take a top offensive tackle. Hughes suggested the Bears might be eyeing somebody else. Somebody that they’re quietly high on.
The Chicago Bears’ interest in Smith-Njgiba is hardly surprising.
This team needs receiving weapons in the worst way for Justin Fields. Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool both ended last season banged up. Depth was already a problem before that. Rumors are the Bears seek one more dynamic target to bring everything together. Smith-Njigba was dominant in 2021, going for over 1600 yards and nine touchdowns. Unfortunately, his 2022 season was derailed by injuries. That, along with questions about his speed, has led some to speculate he could slip down draft boards.
Those fears were quelled at the scouting combine, where the receiver put up some impressive numbers in athletic drills. He had the best times in both the three-cone and 20-yard shuttle of any receiver at the event. That was topped off by near-perfect execution during pass-catching sessions. The Chicago Bears might feel comfortable taking a risk on him after accumulating several extra picks in a trade down. His connection to Fields from their time at Ohio State together makes it even more logical.
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Many felt Smith-Njigba was the best receiver in this class before the injury setbacks last year. Poles might be willing to take that gamble.
Just watch the Rose bowl game he had against a very good Utah D. He set a lot of records in that game.
The Bears picking at #9 means 4 qbs were selected before our turn. Carter, Anderson, Wilson, Murphy one of these guys will be around at 9. Paris Johnson, Skoronski still around. Forget about the receiver, with the additional picks we got from trading down, pick one in the early second round like Jalin Hyatt. Justin has no chemistry with this guy, he only had a handful of catches from our qb 3 years ago.
I remember a 2021 interview with Chris Olave and Garret Wilson about the very talented Buckeye WR room. The interviewer asked them who was the best WR in the room and without a moments hesitation, they both said in unison…..Jax, which is what they called JSN. I’m all for drafting him at 9 if they address RT and LG in FA. If not, take Paris Johnson at 9. But make no mistake, JSN is going to be a perennial Pro Bowler and I would love it to be as a Bear. I remain cautiously optimistic.
Man this is a tough one. He would probably play the slot but that isn’t a bad thing. Him and Kmet running crossing routes…. I could probably be talked into this.
People forget about him because of Marvin Harrison, Jr., but JSN is absolutely amazing and catches everything thrown his way. Go watch his college and even high school tape on YouTube. Incredible player and worth it at 9. No question. Shore up the lines in free agency and pick this kid.