NFL Exec Reveals What League Thinks Chicago Bears Do At 9th Pick

It's incredible to think, but at this point, there is more intrigue about what the Chicago Bears will do with the 9th overall pick next week than the 1st overall pick. That is because everybody knows they are taking Caleb Williams at the top. He's their quarterback of the future. There is far more speculation regarding the #9 spot because it's unclear which players will be available and what GM Ryan Poles' priorities are. Several experts seem to think he will stay focused on helping Williams, targeting another wide receiver or an offensive tackle.

There is nothing wrong with that idea, especially since the general consensus is the top of this draft is heavy on offensive talent. However, hearing what people inside the league think will happen is always interesting. Insider Matt Lombardo got in touch with a team executive to ask about the feeling of what Chicago may do at #9. Surprisingly, there wasn't much uncertainty. The source seemed plenty confident that Poles has a game plan, and it doesn't involve an offensive player.

Or stay at #9, for that matter.

More likely, though, might be the possibility that Poles and the Bears trade back to acquire assets later in this year’s draft and perhaps even a first-round selection in 2025.

“I’m not sold they will even take Odunze if he’s on the board,” a veteran NFL evaluator tells me. “I think they trade down and take an edge rusher. They only have one pass rusher on the roster, and that’s Montez Sweat.”

This seems to be the most likely scenario...

...If Poles’ phone rings with a phone call from a team in the late-teens to early 20s, and can come away with a second-round pick — which the Bears don’t have this year, along with a 2025 first round pick, that’s probably too sweet a deal to pass up.

One inescapable truth remains about the Chicago Bears.

Their head coach is a defensive specialist. Matt Eberflus thinks through that side of the ball. He won't do anything to disrupt helping Williams, but it's only natural that he would want to keep the defense strong, too. Having only one reliable pass rusher in a 4-3 scheme isn't advisable. Maybe Gervon Dexter will take a big step forward this year. Still, the Bears can take that gamble. There is a strong possibility some talented pass rushers will be available after moving down from #9. That is why the move makes sense. They add to their limited inventory of picks and plug their biggest remaining need.

Besides, the Chicago Bears could easily turn back around with that extra pick and invest it in the offense later in the draft. Helping Williams is a big deal, but this is still a team. If the Bears want to make a run at the playoffs, they must be strong on both sides of the ball. The NFC North is one of the most offensively loaded divisions in the NFL. Detroit, Green Bay, and Minnesota call all score. A strong defense is required to hold them in check. That is best accomplished with a good pass rush.