The NFL draft is just over a month away. Once again, the Chicago Bears occupy a high position at 10th overall. GM Ryan Poles should have an opportunity to land another high-end talent for his young roster. However, there is an undercurrent of belief that the Bears may opt to trade down from that spot. There are a few reasons for this. Experts agree the difference in talent between #10 and #50 isn’t as steep as in other drafts. Chicago already dealt away two picks in the trades for Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney. Replenishing them would be desirable for Poles, who even alluded to the possibility of moving down.
As is always the case, it takes two to tango. The Bears can’t trade down unless they have teams interested in moving up. Such things are hard to predict because there is no reading the minds of the men and women in charge of those teams. Still, one can at least project who might feel the most compelled based on their roster needs. Here are three who stand out as ones to watch.
The Chicago Bears have some interesting options
Atlanta Falcons (#15)
Target: Pass rusher
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The trade for Matthew Judon didn’t have the impact Atlanta was hoping for last season. They haven’t been able to fix their pass rush for the past couple of years. As if the lack of edge rusher weren’t enough, their star defensive tackle, Grady Jarrett, is battling age. They need a definitive piece they can build around for the future. The problem is they may not be able to land one at #15, with San Francisco, Dallas, and Indianapolis all needing defensive line help. Moving up to #10 would at least give them a far better chance of landing one of the top guys on the board.
Seattle Seahawks (#18)
Target: Quarterback
The Seahawks’ decision to trade Geno Smith was a genuine shock to many. He was still a very good player for them. Now, they have no definitive option at quarterback. The current buzz is that they plan to make a run at Sam Darnold in free agency. If that doesn’t happen, Seattle could be in serious trouble. That would leave the draft as their only remaining chance to land a signal-caller. The chances of them landing one of the top three on the board at #18 are remote. That is why they may have no choice but to find a way to move up.
Denver Broncos (#20)
Target: Running back
Denver was one of the surprise teams of 2024, reaching the playoffs. However, it became clear they were far from a complete product. One of their core issues was a lackluster running game, primarily due to limited talent at running back. Sean Payton’s offense always thrived when it had a stud in the backfield. One has to imagine he has grand designs if he could get his hands on Boise State star Ashton Jeanty, the unanimous best back in this class and one of the best in the past several years. Most believe he won’t get past the Dallas Cowboys at #12, which means that the #10 spot would look quite inviting to any team that wants him. The Chicago Bears would be in a good spot.
RB Jeanty will not be there at #10. Some team will pick or trade up for him since he is razzle dazzle and will not fizzle drizzle.
I have mentioned recently about how they might trade down if they cant get “their” guy at 10. I see this a scenario that’s likely. Right here, today
Im predicting 60-40 that they trade down. Subject to change based on FA.
Don’t trade #10 unless you get a good high 2nd round pick and know exactly whom you desire in both rounds. Otherwise, have some mfking guts and make a hard choice to select a top player. If the other drafts, trades, and FA signings had been better, you would not feel the constant need to trade down as if in a survival mode.
I think the trading partners kinda hinge on if the Raiders pick Jeanty. A team like Dallas or Denver won’t need to trade up (though I still think it’s the Bengals that would trade up). I also think the Bears would consider Campbell if he’s there. Though, I think he goes to the Pats.