Chicago Bears Reportedly Narrowed Choice To Two Positions For 9th Pick

GM Ryan Poles said after the combine that the Chicago Bears would dedicate their focus to figuring out what they'd do with the #9 pick after selecting a quarterback at #1 overall. Scouts and coaches would be divided into three groups. Each would be assigned a specific position and have to argue the merits of drafting it at the 9th spot. This would help give the team clarity on where their focus should be. One group would argue wide receivers, another offensive tackles, and the last would handle pass rushers.

It appears the field has shifted in recent weeks. According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, the Bears have narrowed their focus to two positions at #9.

"Sources around the league seem to believe the Chicago Bears will go one of two ways with the No. 9 pick: pass rusher or wide receiver.

The Bears sent a fourth-round pick to L.A. to get Keenan Allen in the offseason, but he's 32 this season with one year left on his deal. I sent Chicago Rome Odunze in my mock with the thought Allen is a one-year veteran rental to lead the wide receiver room in a crucial Caleb Williams rookie year. Also, the Bears have been very serious about commitment under president Kevin Warren. I could see Chicago taking a receiver at No. 9 to prove to Williams and the rest of the league how serious the Bears are about this offense. Remember, they locked up offensive coordinator Shane Waldron with lightning speed in the offseason.

Other sources have pointed out the Bears could use the pick on a pass rusher to take some pressure off Montez Sweat. It's a good idea, and it makes roster-composition sense. But the Bears sent a second-round pick to Washington for Sweat (and then paid him) because they didn't anticipate strong options in free agency or the draft this year."

This outcome isn't a huge surprise.

Offensive tackle was a worthwhile discussion, but it's not what you'd call a pressing need. Braxton Jones proved last year he can be a solid option on the left side. Darnell Wright could become a stud on the right side. The Bears have far more pressing needs at receiver and pass rusher. Keenan Allen turns 32 this year and will be a free agent in 2025. Their best option opposite Montez Sweat right now is DeMarcus Walker. Neither situation is ideal.

The Chicago Bears must wait to see how the board unfolds.

As things stand, quarterbacks are expected to go in the first three picks. The first situation to watch is Arizona at #4. Some think they may trade back to another QB-needy team. However, it feels more likely they stay put and take a top receiver, likely Marvin Harrison Jr. If that happens, the Chargers at #5 become the trade-up spot, with the Giants eyeing a QB at #6. If that happens, New York will likely grab the next receiver. Then you can safely assume Notre Dame left tackle Joe Alt goes to Tennessee at #7.

Atlanta at #8 is the team that will likely dictate what the Chicago Bears do. Most predict they will take the best pass rusher on their board. If that happens, one can safely assume Poles grabs that last receiver. However, there is a chance the Falcons move down with a team wanting to come up for said receiver. In such an event, the Bears will take the pass rusher instead. Either way, the team should end up with a blue-chip talent. The wild card in all of this is whether Poles is determined to trade down himself.