These Wild Card Teams Will Steer Chicago Bears' Decision With 9th Pick

Nothing is set in stone yet, but one thing can be undeniably clear about the Chicago Bears. They are taking a quarterback with their first pick in the upcoming NFL draft. Whether it's Caleb Williams or somebody else doesn't matter. It will be a quarterback. The Justin Fields trade set that in stone. Now, the real mystery for GM Ryan Poles and his crew is what they will do with the 9th overall pick. There is no shortage of directions they could go. Wide receiver, pass rusher, and offensive tackle all appear on the table. There is also the strong possibility they trade down.

Answering this question is impossible because of how unpredictable the seven other picks ahead of Chicago are. As things stand, four teams in that range are true wild cards. Here is an explanation of why for each of them.

These teams will determine what Chicago Bears do at #9.

New England Patriots (#3)

It is almost a foregone conclusion that the first two picks of the draft will be quarterbacks. The Bears will take theirs at #1, and the Washington Commanders will take theirs at #2. The first bit of uncertainty rests with New England at #3. They could easily take a quarterback as well since they have nobody of note on the roster. At the same time, said roster is in rough shape and needs a lot of work. That is why some believe they could trade down to stockpile draft capital, allowing another team to come up for a quarterback. Either way, a quarterback should go at that spot.

Los Angeles Chargers (#5)

Trading Keenan Allen to Chicago seemed to further cloud the Chargers' decision at #5. They could easily dabble into the wide receiver group. However, rumors persist they could also trade down, allowing another team to grab a quarterback. Four quarterbacks going in the first five picks would be highly beneficial to the Bears since it increases the odds of the top non-QB prospects slipping to #9. It would also be good if L.A. were to take an offensive tackle, which would push the receivers and pass rushers further down as well.

New York Giants (#6)

Another team that isn't as clear-cut as you'd think. New York is stuck in a rough QB situation with Daniel Jones. They could decide to take the last of the top four options if he got to them at #6. On the other hand, they could also go for either a top receiver or a top tackle. Both are significant needs. If the Chicago Bears are hoping to add another receiver, they need the Giants to prioritize a quarterback or more protection for Jones. Not cooperating may force Poles to alter his plans.

Atlanta Falcons (#8)

The same goes for the Falcons. Having added Kirk Cousins and Darnell Mooney as free agents, you can safely remove quarterback and wide receiver from their options at #8. It feels like that spot is designated for one of the top pass rushers. Considering that is the same position that now appears atop the Bears' own list of priorities, it makes whomever the Falcons choose a pretty significant one. If they take the guy Chicago wanted, it could influence their decision to stay put or move down.

Minnesota Vikings (#11)

More than a few teams might trade up into the top 10, but none is a bigger threat to do so than Minnesota. They already swung a deal with Houston to secure another 1st round pick (#23). They now have the ammunition to jump up the board for a quarterback. While the Vikings getting a QB is not something Chicago wants, it would at least ensure that four of them go in the top eight picks, which again would enable other top prospects at positions of need to be there are #9.