It feels like the Chicago Bears have a firm idea of what they will do with the #1 pick in the NFL draft next month. Almost everybody with insider credibility suspects GM Ryan Poles will select a quarterback, and Caleb Williams of USC is the betting favorite. There could still be a swerve, perhaps involving a trade with Washington to swap spots. However, the widespread sense is the Bears are taking a quarterback. The problem is they aren’t out of the picture after that. There is more work to do with the 9th overall pick.
It gets tricky at that point. There are any number of directions Poles could go. He could trade the pick as he did last year, hoping to secure more draft capital. Or he can stay put and try to secure another blue-chip talent for his roster. Given the overall strength of this class, the latter feels more likely. The obvious question is which position they will focus on. Draft insider Charlie Campbell of Walter Football has heard two positions are dominating the conversations at Halas Hall, though a third is definitely possible.
“With the ninth overall pick, Chicago is in a great position to really upgrade its roster. There hasn’t been much attention on the No. 9 slot, but in speaking to sources with Chicago, the team has some specific positions in mind. Primarily, the Bears have in mind to target an edge rusher or wide receiver at the ninth pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. An offensive tackle is also an option if they fall in love with a player.
Through the draft and/or free agency, the Bears want to add a pass rusher to go with Montez Sweat and a wide receiver to go with D.J. Moore.”
Ryan Poles may tip his hand in free agency.
As things stand, this isn’t a big surprise. The Bears have two glaring holes on their roster outside of quarterback. They are at wide receiver and edge rusher. D.J. Moore and Montez Sweat were terrific last season, but the team couldn’t take full advantage of their excellence because of a lack of depth. Darnell Mooney had the worst season of his career. Rookie Tyler Scott didn’t make much progress. Yannick Ngakoue suffered a season-ending injury. Both positions could really use another playmaker.
The first step in this situation comes in free agency. Chicago has almost $80 million in cap space. They have more than enough money to take a big swing at either position. If they land a big name at pass rusher or receiver, it will likely dictate what they do at #9 overall. Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze, Dallas Turner, and Jared Verse should be the names involved for that pick when Ryan Poles is back on the clock. Joe Alt, Olu Fashanu, and JC Latham are also tackles who could be options as well.
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The next few weeks offer GM, Ryan Poles an opportunity to “correct” many of the mistakes he’s made since his arrival.
It won’t tell us why Poles failed to protect his team’s #1 asset, Justin Fields. But, it will demonstrate that Poles has finally realized (or not) that Lucas Patrick and Nate Davis are not quality NFL starters; and that “his guy” at QB needs much better protection.
Either way, Bears fans (Kevin Warren among them) will be watching.
Yeah, Ryan Poles is letting it be known what is going to pick??? WTF, Stop. Please.
“They aren’t out of the picture after that.” Truer words were never written by Erik Lambert. Having a #1 pick in the draft is only of greater value if you GET greater value from it. The upside of free agency is you get a player who is partially developed or experienced. The downside may be their age or attitude. But those are the same factors involved in draft picks. Age, attitude and experience. When I was young, I downplayed experience. Older, I realize what an irreplaceable advantage it can be. For people who allow negative experiences influence them, it affects… Read more »
I doubt you get a top 3 receiver at #9 and the best qb prospect since Andrew Luck doesn’t need one anyway. He makes them. His teammate Rice will be around later.
If a DE doesn’t impress enough, Bowers could still be on the board.
@TGena Seems you have a problem with differing opinion. Free speech, 1st amendment, and COMMENT BOARDS are why this thread exists. I notice how frequently you’re in the RED with DOWN VOTES.
If you don’t like a persons viewpoint, down vote it and move on! You don’t get a say how the fans should feel or think. But, I forgive you your frustration with the Fields advocates.
If you don’t like it, move to another site.