Chicago Bears Land The #1 Overall Pick In Insane Fashion

The Chicago Bears needed a franchise-record losing streak to make it happen, but the mission is accomplished. With their season finale loss to the Minnesota Vikings, the Bears finish the season 3-14. That assured them the #2 overall pick in the upcoming 2023 NFL draft. While nobody enjoys losing, it is still a great result for GM Ryan Poles. He set the Bears on a path to rebuilding when he gutted the roster last spring. It was evident he wanted to wipe the slate clean. Now he'll have a premium draft position to further his ambitions.

That was when things got nuts. It looked like the Houston Texans were about to lose down in Indianapolis, assuring themselves the #1 overall pick. Then quarterback Davis Mills converted two absurd 4th and long situations, including a 4th and 20 for a touchdown. Then he completed a two-point conversion to put the Texans ahead 32-31. Indianapolis failed to respond, pushing the Texans to 3-13-1, assuring the Bears will hold the #1 overall pick for the first time since 1947.

The Chicago Bears suddenly have all the leverage.

They're in a unique spot. Not only do they have no need to take a quarterback, but they also have a host of quarterback-needy teams sitting behind them. That starts with the Texans at #2 overall. That alone should increase their bargaining power for any team that wishes to trade up for a quarterback of their choice. GM Ryan Poles could stockpiles loads of extra draft picks for his team's future if he plays his cards right. At the same time, he also has the green light to pick any player in the entire class he wants. That means the player he feels most confident will become a superstar is his if he wants him.

Will Anderson? Jalen Carter? Everything is on the table. It's been 76 years since the Chicago Bears sat in this position. The draft has changed so much since 1947. Quarterbacks weren't nearly the valued commodity they are today. If they do trade #1, it would be only the third time it has happened this side of the millennium. Only 2001 and 2016 saw the same. It will be very tempting for Poles not to consider offers. His roster has loads of holes to fill. More picks would help with that. This off-season will be lots of fun.