Ben Johnson And Ryan Poles Are Considering A Rare Draft Risk

The Chicago Bears don't have a deep history of taking risks on players with complicated backgrounds. If they're dogged by perceived crime-related issues, the team rarely goes anywhere near them. Such was the case in 2023 when they had a chance to take star Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter. He'd been involved in a street race that resulted in an accident leading to a fatality. Many worried about his immaturity and erratic behavior off the field. Ryan Poles opted to go with Darnell Wright instead. However, one has to wonder if the arrival of new head coach Ben Johnson may soften the Bears' stand on such things.

He's been part of teams that are willing to take risks on players with character concerns in the past. They gambled on Laremy Tunsil in 2016 despite the drug-related issues that surfaced in a viral video. He'd made five Pro Bowls in his career. The Eagles certainly don't regret taking Carter. He was instrumental in their recent Super Bowl championship victory. It appears the Bears are contemplating such a risk themselves. According to a source, they have an interest in LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy, who was recently charged with negligent homicide for a hit-and-run accident that killed a 78-year-old former U.S. Marine.

Ben Johnson has specific reasons for loving Lacy.

For one, he's got good size at 6'2 and 213 lbs, along with 4.50 speed. That is a nice blend for the NFL. More importantly, he is a polished route-runner who is able to create separation at all levels of the field. Perhaps what interests Ben Johnson the most is his ability to create yards after the catch. He isn't the most explosive guy in the world, but he can make things happen. Most experts projected him as a likely 2nd round pick before the accident. Everything remains in limbo as teams wait to see how the legal situation plays out.

An important note is that Lacy's car wasn't directly involved in the accident. It is stated that his reckless driving is what caused it. That could be a critical sticking point in the case against him. Much of this depends on if it goes to trial or if he accepts some kind of plea deal. The latter could mean he escapes the cloud of legal trouble in time for the 2025 season. The Bears might be willing to take a calculated risk on him late in the draft or even try to lure him to Chicago as an undrafted free agent. The presence of Ben Johnson will decide how this plays out.