Trade rumors are flying everywhere, and the draft sits just hours away. GM Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears sit at the center of them, with many believing they want to move up from #10 to snag running back Ashton Jeanty. However, there is a new wrinkle in the sheets. The Jacksonville Jaguars are the team widely believed to be talking with Chicago. The problem is that it appears they are also in heated discussions with the Cleveland Browns about the #2 overall pick. It seems they are eager to acquire Colorado star Travis Hunter.
If that were to happen, it would completely change the outlook of the top 10. Cleveland at #5 feels much different than Jacksonville. While running back is possible for them, it is more likely they focus on the trenches, particularly offensive tackle or edge rusher. They could also look to grab the best wide receiver on the board. Then the real question looms. Will the Raiders take Jeanty as many project or go after trenches as several insiders believe is their true goal?
If it’s the latter, the odds of the running back slipping to Chicago become far likelier.
Ryan Poles will have his patience tested.
Much of this depends on Ben Johnson’s influence. Word persists that the young head coach loves Jeanty, who would be a perfect fit in Johnson’s offense. What nobody knows is whether the Bears love him enough to sacrifice more draft capital to get him. Don’t forget, Johnson said the goal is to win this season. No more planning for the future. He wants to get things off the ground now. That requires players who can make an impact immediately. Jeanty would be one of those players. However, if the Jaguars do move up, it might remove the best opportunity for the team to move ahead of Las Vegas. This is why the draft is so exciting. The unpredictability never gets old. Ryan Poles has been known for patience in the 1st round to this point. We’ll see if that continues.
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