Former Chicago Bears Exec Shoots Down Persistent Draft Rumor

The Chicago Bears are on course to hold a top-3 pick for the second year in a row. That should give GM Ryan Poles a golden opportunity to continue infusing his roster with more young talent. This past off-season, he chose to trade the pick, securing wide receiver D.J. Moore and three additional selections in addition to 10th overall. He then selected Darnell Wright, who appears to be a big hit at right tackle. People now wonder what Poles might do for an encore. Some feel this is the year he will go after a quarterback of his own.

Former Bears scouting director Greg Gabriel doesn't see that happening. When assessing why this team isn't winning enough games, Justin Fields' play is far down the list. The team has a serious coaching problem. That must be addressed. Based on what he knows of Poles from speaking to him and seeing him work, Gabriel believes that the GM may trade down again. He also made one other thing clear. Those pining for Ohio State superstar receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. should not get their hopes up.

It isn't happening.

"My gut feeling is if the Bears end up with one of the top two picks in the Draft with Carolina's pick, they will trade it much like Ryan Poles traded the top pick last year. Trading the pick would be a much better scenario for the Bears to upgrade their roster.

How far down could the Bears trade? That remains to be seen as we need to find out what the Draft order will be and who wants or is in need of a QB. We won't know the answer to that question until at least February.

If the Bears still end up drafting in the Top Five, I do not believe they will use that high pick on Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. I could give you at least ten reasons why, but that is for another day when we actually find out how high the Bears highest first-round pick will be."

Why would the Chicago Bears pass on Marvin Harrison Jr.?

There is no question the wide receiver would add a ridiculous amount of firepower to the passing game. He and D.J. Moore could create a lethal combination. Passing on that possibility sounds ridiculous. However, a fair assessment says Gabriel isn't wrong. Since 2000, a total of 11 wide receivers have been drafted in the top five picks. None of them have won a Super Bowl. To take it a step further, four of the top five leaders in receiving yards all time also haven't won a Super Bowl. This suggests that superstar receivers don't have as big of an impact on championship teams as many like to believe.

The lesson is the Chicago Bears can probably find good receivers later in the draft. They can and should use those precious high 1st rounders on positions of greater consequence, like offensive tackle or pass rusher. People already see the impact Wright and Montez Sweat have had this season. Adding two more pieces of that caliber could make this team formidable.

They could also seek out that elusive interior pass rusher they need. Drafting Harrison Jr. would add instant offense to the Bears roster. That is indisputable. However, Gabriel doesn't seem to think it will make them a true contender.