Adam Schefter Hints Bears Go Unexpected Route At 9th Pick

The Chicago Bears have made their plans for the #1 pick in the draft clear. After trading Justin Fields, they will obviously take their quarterback of choice at that spot. The only uncertainty left is who it will be. Most agree Caleb Williams is the favorite, but it's not set in stone. Either way, the decision is made. What GM Ryan Poles will do with the 9th pick remains uncertain at this stage. After watching how free agency unfolded, it appears the plans aren't difficult to surmise. Or at least that was the case until Adam Schefter spoke up.

Following the addition of Keenan Allen via trade from the Chargers, it feels like the only spot remaining on the roster that is a glaring need is edge rusher. They have Montez Sweat, but nobody viable to play across from him. Taking one at #9 feels like the obvious decision, pairing him with a young, athletic, and inexpensive talent. They could also double down at wide receiver since it's such a strong class. Allen will be 32 this year, don't forget.

Schefter suggests they may go in a different direction.

Adam Schefter hints the Bears might not be totally set on Braxton Jones.

The former 5th round pick was a surprise hit as a rookie in 2022 and played well last season. However, he missed time due to a neck injury. There are also lingering concerns about his ability to handle power rushers. More than anything, what may drive this decision is the presence of a strong offensive tackle class. JC Latham, Joe Alt, and Olu Fashanu are all viewed as possible Pro Bowl-caliber left tackle. The fact Alt gets compared to Eric Fisher, the former Pro Bowler in Kansas City whom Poles helped draft, can't be ignored.

If Adam Schefter is correct, it's hard to blame the Bears for thinking this way. The key to long-term success for a young quarterback is two factors: his weapons and his protection. Adding Allen addressed the former. If they're not convinced about Jones' long-term viability, then taking a tackle at #9 would help solidify the latter. Having two top 10 picks as the bookends of your offensive line is never a bad thing. Chicago did something similar with Keith Van Horne and Jimbo Covert in the 1980s. That worked out pretty well.

Everything comes down to who is available at #9. There is a real possibility every tackle will still be on the board as other teams focus on the quarterbacks, wide receivers, and pass rushers.