The mystery around the #1 overall pick has all but disappeared. Barring a monumental shift, it appears the Chicago Bears will stay put and take a quarterback. Most agree Caleb Williams of USC will be that quarterback. GM Ryan Poles has even offered not-so-subtle hints it's trending in that direction. The real intrigue for Bears fans has shifted to the #9 overall pick. People aren't sure where things stand. It feels like they could go in almost any direction at that spot. They still need another pass rusher. They also could stand to add more talent on offense to help their new quarterback.
Courtney Cronin of ESPN was at the owners meetings in Orlando this week. She listened to Poles talk about the various work being done in preparation for the draft. Some of his comments, along with what she's collected through her own network, lead her to believe that Chicago plans one of two things with the 9th pick. Either they're taking the best offensive player on their board, be it tackle Joe Alt or one of the wide receivers, or they will trade down from the pick to secure more selection.
She believes Poles isn't comfortable having only four picks at present.
The Chicago Bears' decision will hinge on two key factors.
One is the quality of players available at #9. If Alt is off the board, Poles will have to love whichever receiver(s) are there to stay put. Maybe it's Malik Nabers of LSU. Maybe it's Rome Odunze of Washington. However, it's worth noting Poles said he doesn't see new arrival Keenan Allen as a one-year solution. He hopes to keep him around beyond 2024. If that is the case, he might not be as inclined to take another receiver. In such a case, the second factor comes into play.
What offers will he get for the #9 pick from teams wanting to move up?
Remember, the Chicago Bears only have two picks left in the entire draft after #9—one in the 3rd round and another in the 4th. Poles has never ended a draft with fewer than 10 picks. So for him to go from that to four total seems awfully out of character. Trading back from #9 is his best shot to secure legitimate capital to refill the coffers. It comes down to how far he is willing to move down. Most experts agree this class has around 15-16 legitimate 1st round talents. It would be a surprise if the Bears opted to move further down than the mid-teens.
Poles did say he's been receiving calls about the pick, but no details were offered. Nothing will happen until the 1st round is in progress.
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