Ian Rapoport Confirms Interest In Bears' #1 Pick Is Very Real

Multiple NFL general managers have tried to walk back recent rumors about their team's supposed interest in the #1 overall pick. Houston Texans GM Nick Caserio did it. So did Indianapolis Colts GM Chris Ballard. Let's be honest. The last thing they want is for other teams to know whether they're interested in moving up. That would only serve the Chicago Bears in negotiations. It's not like they need any further leverage than they already have. Adam Schefter already reported multiple teams have expressed interest in trading for the #1 pick. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network has since confirmed as much.

While discussing Ballard's comments about not feeling a pressing need to move up for a quarterback, Rapoport didn't mince words. He said the Colts have called about #1, as have several other teams in the top 10. There is "a lot" of interest in the pick.

Ballard may not be willing to take the big swing, but it sounds like somebody will. There is no shortage of teams in the top 10 that need a quarterback. There is bound to be one or two that aren't keen on the idea of settling for the #3 or #4 options on their board. Better to grab the #1 spot and take the guy they think has the best chance to be a future star.

Ian Rapoport and others must wait to see what happens.

The Chicago Bears have no reason to rush a decision. GM Ryan Poles can stay patient all the way through March if he wishes. It's the other teams that must come to him. He likely has a certain number in mind regarding compensation for the pick. Until somebody meets it, there is no reason to jump the gun. That said, there is some buzz that a deal could come together quickly after the scouting combine. A team will want to ensure they have the pick in hand while the Bears can learn their own new spot before free agency, allowing them to map out how to build the roster.

Much of this hinges on the quarterbacks. Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Will Levis, and Anthony Richardson are considered the top four prospects at the position. If one of them stands far above the rest in interviews, the frenzy to get him will be fierce. Ian Rapoport can't say for sure what will happen. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The Bears don't need to know which QB each team covets. All they need is to hear the right offer for the pick.