The Chicago Bears hold the 10th pick of the 1st round in this year's NFL draft. While that gives them a great opportunity to add another impact player, it also puts them at the mercy of nine other teams. They must try to determine how those picks in front of them will unfold, which is why GM Ryan Poles and his front office will run countless mock drafts in the coming weeks. They will utilize as much information as they can gather about the intentions of other organizations to paint as clear a picture as possible.
While nothing is ever set in stone, every indication suggests the first three picks are all but locked in. It starts with the Tennessee Titans at #1 overall. Barring a massive trade of some kind, they are taking a quarterback and it's expected to be Miami's Cam Ward.
Next comes the Cleveland Browns at #2 overall. They also have questions at quarterback, but it doesn't seem as if their regime is feeling hard-pressed to address it this high. People close to the team believe they aim to select Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter, hoping to pair him with Myles Garrett.
The biggest mystery seemed to be the New York Giants at #3. Some wondered if they'd go with quarterback or Heisman trophy winner Travis Hunter for his spot. It's a tossup to some, but apparently not people inside the league, according to Matt Miller of ESPN.
What are you hearing around the league on what the Giants will do at No. 3?
Miller: I'm hearing quarterback, even after signing Russell Wilson to a one-year deal. A scout told me, "New York loving Shedeur is the worst-kept secret in the league right now." According to that scout, the Giants had a presence at every Colorado home game this season.
This outcome makes projections easier for the Chicago Bears.
It becomes a foregone conclusion that Hunter will likely go to New England at #4 overall. They desperately need wide receiver help, and he's the most talented. Jacksonville will probably go defensive line at #5, making Mason Graham of Michigan a heavy favorite. Everybody believes the Las Vegas Raiders are destined to take Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty at #6. From there, the Jets, Panthers, and Saints remain. New York is expected to grab offensive line help, while Carolina and New Orleans focus on defense.
If it plays out this way, the Chicago Bears will have Penn State tight end Tyler Warren and either LSU tackle Will Campbell or Missouri tackle Armand Membou on the board to choose from. That isn't a bad setup, all things considered. Any of those three can be immediate contributors and bolster Ben Johnson's offense even further. It depends on what the new head coach will prioritize.
As we know, the draft can often pivot in unexpected ways. We all remember the Michael Penix pick last year. It could happen again. Still, based on how things are unfolding, this is the likeliest course the Bears will travel.
