The Chicago Bears will weigh every possibility when they make a decision on the #1 overall pick. There is no shortage of options on the table. They could take the best defender on their board and be happy. Or they could trade the pick to a team seeking a quarterback. Part of determining what might happen is getting into the minds of the decision-makers. That means GM Ryan Poles. He is open to anything if he feels it is in the best interests of the Bears. So this could go almost any direction.
That said, there is one scenario that seems to make the most sense for a variety of reasons. One must throw out ideal outcomes and focus on reality. What is something that can happen that the Bears would view as a favorable result for their 2023 objectives? After going through some possibilities, there is one plausible option that stands out.
Scenario: Chicago Bears trade back to between 7th and 10th picks and select the best offensive lineman on their board.
Reason #1 – Adding extra picks
This is the most obvious selling point. Right now, the Bears have one of the most depleted rosters in the NFL. Look across it and point out the blue-chip players. You can’t. The only one that comes close is Fields and even he still has some question marks. This team lacks bodies. Adding more high draft choices via a move down would maximize their chances of changing that. It isn’t a stretch to think they would add another 2nd round pick and a future 1st round pick at least in any deal involving that far of a drop.
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Reason #2 – Chicago is very limited at offensive tackle
This cannot be ignored. Braxton Jones was decent as a rookie this season, but nobody can say he was an undeniable long-term starter. He has that potential. Just not yet. Right tackle was an even bigger issue. Larry Borom is a backup. Riley Reiff is washed. They have nobody on the roster who can fill that void. Pete Skoronski and Paris Johnson both have plug-and-play starter ability. Each is capable of playing on either side of the line. Chicago hasn’t drafted an offensive lineman in the 1st round since 2013. That streak must end if they want to start protecting Justin Fields properly.
Reason #3 – This draft is deep at edge rusher
This fact can’t be ignored. Losing out on Will Anderson would be tough, but not crippling. Presuming the Chicago Bears add a high 2nd round pick when they move down, it puts them in a good position to add another quality talent early on Day 2. When talking about the deepest positions in this class, edge rusher sits near the top. Experts have as many as ten names ranked in the top 50 on their big boards. That means more than a few quality options will be available. Andre Carter II of Army or Lukas Van Ness of Iowa would be excellent additions to this defense. The odds of them finding a quality tackle in that same range are remote.
Craig wachs….you can throw the numbers out when trading for top picks. It’s more like an auction than a trade on points. I like the idea of trading down at least 2 times and don’t mind if the Bears get first and second round picks for 2023, 2024 and 2025 for that number 1 pick. Then trade down again and get more picks.
to all couch potato GM;s the most logical trade is with Colts at 4 , they get 1 bears get 4 / 80 .2024 #1 … 1st pk is worth 3000 pnts , so numbers gotta match .. would prefer 36 instead of 80 , but 2 -1st and a 3rd is more likely …can always trade 4 back to 7/8/9 for more pks and still get a really good edge rusher or top OL on bears board sea, at 5 not sure they move for QB / Det. at 6 , why would Bears help a young team on… Read more »
Ok so i want at a minimum 2-3 Oline guys to help this Oline . For me 1st i want a pocket to step into so we NEED a new center and a new LG ! Jenkins can be RG but we need to ensure we have someone like Eiselen or Carter to be backup . The FA market has McGlinchy who is 28 and can play RT so i chase him and 27YO Andre Dillard but i leave Orlando Brown be as he had a sour year and only wants LT for both position and pay ! At guard… Read more »
Pat Byrne, I agree and disagree with your assessment. I think if Fields were to gain 1000 yards after the play has broken down and he see’s an opening to take off is a good thing. It’s all of the design runs that has me nervous. I believe he can and will become a better passer but he won’t survive that long if he continues to run the ball like he did this past season. Don’t get me wrong, I loved to watch the exciting runs but it not sustainable if you expect him to have a long career.
@BILL KOWALSKI – The Bears TOP priority is the trenches, on BOTH sides of the ball, and to build an offense around the franchise QB, Justin Fields. Also, it would not be idiotic to draft an OT with the first pick, but only after a trade down to secure multiple additional early round picks. This in conjunction with FA will allow the team the most flexibility to address BOTH sides of the ball, while also making a significant investment in protecting our franchise Quarterback. Not protecting our QB would be totally idiotic. Your approach represents the status quo. The future… Read more »