Last year, it felt like the Chicago Bears were drifting toward Rome Odunze before the NFL draft arrived. Everybody knew they were taking Caleb Williams #1 overall. What wasn’t certain was their target for #9. The Odunze buzz picked up days before the action, and sure enough, the Washington receiver went to them. This year, it seems the name to watch is Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. Many see the Heisman finalist as the second coming of LaDainian Tomlinson. He has every tool in the box. Head coach Ben Johnson loves running the ball. Chicago just got done upgrading their offensive line. It seems like such a natural move.
Will it happen? Matt Miller of ESPN provided the first of a two-part answer to that question. From what he hears, the Bears love Jeanty. There is little doubt they would take him.
“The Bears love Ashton Jeanty, according to scouts around the league who’ve observed the team’s activity this offseason. So the Boise State running back could be the pick at No. 10 … if he’s still around.”
That last comment is the all-important second part of the issue. Will Jeanty be available? Some experts struggle to see it. Las Vegas at #6 seems like such a natural landing spot for him. However, Albert Breer of the MMQB poked holes in that idea during a recent video.
Ashton Jeanty getting past the Raiders is crucial.
If that happens, the debate becomes whether any of the three other teams in front of the Bears might take him. The New York Jets seem unlikely. They already have Breece Hall and Braelon Allen. Carolina is believed to be focused on improving their defense. That leaves the New Orleans Saints. They could view Jeanty as the heir apparent to Alvin Kamara, who turns 30 this year. However, most see cornerback, wide receiver, and defensive line as areas they likely focus on. If that holds true, the Bears will get their wish.
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The organization hadn’t selected a running back in the 1st round since 20,05 when they took Cedric Benson. That was the latest in a string of unfortunate misfires, including Rashaan Salaam and Curtis Enis. They had opportunities for some notable ones over the years, like Todd Gurley in 2015 and Christian McCaffrey in 2017. Ashton Jeanty would break that streak. Is he worth it? Absolutely, at least from a talent perspective. In a draft light on star power, this would be a justifiable move for the Bears.
if he’s there, take him.
Trading up won’t be necessary. Raiders chat is that they can get a back in the second round. Only player worth moving up a spot or two would be for Graham. But prefer to just wait and get BPA or move down a bit. Would love to see Grant for the Dline. Nobody talks about how good Graham would be without Grant next to him. Grant is a big bad dude.
With the improved O-line, and Beinemy as RB coach, I could see Swift having a bounce back year and they can draft a short yardage back in the 3rd round. My hope is Skataboo, especially after watching his tape. Every year there’s talk about “Trading up” for the top prospects, gotta have something to talk about with all the Mocks and so called “Draft experts”
We have too many needs to trade up. Jeanty will be gone before 10 anyway.
@Sam, @Krisanthony: I don’t advocate trading up for Jeanty. I’m not sure that the difference between him and Hampton or Henderson is that big. But I haven’t looked that deeply into the differences, or gathered the info that the Bears and probably 31 other NFL teams have. What I’m saying is that I wouldn’t trade a second to move up more and get him without knowing a lot more about him, and not sure I’d trade a third, but the value charts say that 1.10 + 3.72 should get you 1.07, so if the Bears think he’s the next HoF… Read more »