Chicago Bears Insider Pours Gas On Persistent Draft Trade Rumor

It isn't a secret by this point that the Chicago Bears are favored to trade the #1 overall pick. GM Ryan Poles said he'd like to do that if things line up properly. Adam Schefter confirmed significant interest in the pick, with multiple teams inquiring about its availability. Anything is possible, but it would be a greater shock if the pick weren't traded at this point. The lingering question is who ends up with it. Everybody has their predictions. Most of them involve the two teams in closest proximity: Houston at #2 and Indianapolis at #4.

While the Colts are the most referenced of the two teams, recent buzz says the Texans are committed to getting that #1 spot. They want Alabama quarterback Bryce Young and aren't willing to let somebody else jump them. Where it gets interesting is what the Bears do, presuming that happens. Maybe they pocket the extra picks in that trade and take the best player on their board. However, there is a vocal group who believe there is a real chance Poles trades down a second time with another team hoping to land one of the remaining QBs after Young.

Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog always picks interesting times to make comments, given his strong sources. He dropped this little nugget on Twitter.

The Chicago Bears can stockpile a massive amount of picks.

It will depend on how Poles decides to play his hand. Moving down with Houston will likely net two or three picks in the 2nd to 4th round range. Chicago spent two 3rd and one 4th round picks to go from #3 to #2 in 2017. It might be a bit more for Houston but the same ballpark. Then the Bears would be in almost the same position. Indianapolis is sitting at #4, hoping also to land a quarterback. Poles could keep the phones open to teams like Seattle, Las Vegas, and Carolina, allowing them an opportunity to come up. Either one of them will, or the Colts will be forced to do the same thing Houston does, playing defense by going on the offensive.

By the time the dust settles, the Chicago Bears may have stacked loads of extra picks in 2023 and beyond. Poles would then be free to do what he said was his goal from the start: build through the draft. If his evaluation process is sound, the Bears could have lots of young talent as a foundation for future playoff runs. We may not have to wait long. Poles said there is a possibility a deal comes together before free agency on March 15th. If not, he has plenty of time. Other teams will feel the squeeze more than he.