The wider sense around the Chicago Bears is they have relatively clear plans for both of their 1st round picks two weeks from now. The first is taking their quarterback at #1. Everybody agrees that it will be Caleb Williams. Then, the focus shifts to #9. GM Ryan Poles likely has a small list of names he'd take at that spot, but several insiders close to the team believe he will ultimately lean toward trading down. The Bears only have four picks in this draft. The 9th pick is their only viable asset to get a decent return.
However, for this scenario to play out, Poles will need another dance partner. That means finding a team with the interest and motivation to move up. To that end, I went over the landscape of every team picking after the Bears. I came away with five who have the needs and the motivation. Here they are, ranked by likelihood.
The Chicago Bears could have several teams interested in #9.
5. Dallas Cowboys
- Pick: #24
- Target: Offensive tackle
While not typically known for aggressive draft moves, the Cowboys are in a tough situation. They released star left tackle Tyron Smith after a Hall of Fame career spanning over a decade. That leaves a gaping void at left tackle. There is speculation they could shift All-Pro guard Tyler Smith to that spot, but many believe it's best to keep him where he is. That means Dallas has to go hunting for a replacement in the draft. They aren't going to get one of the top options at #24. Everybody knows the New York Jets are favored to take a tackle at #10 with the poor state of their offensive line. That makes the Bears' pick at #9 ideal.
4. Denver Broncos
- Pick: #12
- Target: Quarterback
Sean Payton declared his intent to find a new quarterback the moment Denver cut Russell Wilson. The only question is how aggressive the Broncos will be in finding one. They could try trading up to the top five, but they don't have the capital for that. However, if one were to slip to the #9 spot, it would be far more feasible, especially if the Minnesota Vikings stay put at #11. It is no secret they are targeting a quarterback as well. Chicago might love the idea of screwing them over by handing the fourth QB to Denver. That said, the odds of said quarterback reaching that far seem remote at this point.
3. Buffalo Bills
- Pick: #28
- Target: Wide receiver
Trading Stefon Diggs was a tough decision for Buffalo but one that felt necessary. That said, it leaves their star quarterback with a disturbing lack of firepower. The Bills need weapons if they wish to challenge Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. While they could wait for a receiver to fall to them in a deep class, most experts agree there is a sizable gap between the top three and everybody else. GM Brandon Beane isn't shy about making aggressive deals if it benefits Josh Allen. If the Bears are willing to sacrifice one of those receivers, they could get a significant package from Buffalo to move down, including a future 1st and more.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
- Pick: #17
- Target: Wide receiver
More than one AFC team looks desperate for wide receiver help. Jacksonville lost Calvin Ridley to free agency last month, leaving the cupboard thin for quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Considering how strong the NFC South division has suddenly become, he needs all the help he can get. Dropping from #9 to #17 seems far more appetizing for the Chicago Bears than all the way to #28. Jacksonville has ample picks to swing a deal, including two 3rd and two 4th rounders this year. Giving up their 2nd round pick to make the jump wouldn't be too steep of a price from their perspective. It would allow the Bears another bite at a top 64 player in this draft while also keeping them in range of potential pass rush help.
1. New Orleans Saints
- Pick: #14
- Target: Offensive tackle
The Saints have a long track record of being aggressive in the 1st round over the years. When they identify players they like, GM Mickey Loomis is not afraid to go get them. New Orleans has pressing concerns on their offensive line. Their star right tackle is having complications with his injured knee. Their left tackle has struggled with inconsistency. If any team is motivated to pursue one of the top tackles in what is a strong class, it's them. This is also a favorable outcome for the Bears because they only drop back five spots, still putting them in a solid position to nab a quality player at a position of need. They could target one of the edge rushers, defensive tackles, or the second tier of receivers.
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