Two Top Insiders Claim Chicago Bears Already Have Trade Partner For #9

Predicting the NFL draft is difficult because so many variables are at play. Even the best insiders can get 100% accuracy. However, they do often have a good idea of how the top of the 1st round will play out. That is why listening to them when the draft is close is important. Everybody knows the Chicago Bears are taking quarterback Caleb Williams at #1. That's been a done deal for months. The great intrigue is what they do with the 9th pick. They could stay put and simply take the best player on their board. Most presume it will be Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze.

However, some well-connected insiders don't see it happening that way. In fact, they envision the exact same scenario: the Bears trading down from #9 with the New Orleans Saints. Start with Benjamin Allbright of KOA Colorado. He does one mock draft every year, and it is often among the most accurate. Here is what he posted.

9. Saints (via CHI)* - OT Olu Fashanu Saints move up and fill a huge need.
10. Jets - TE Brock Bowers Versatile mismatch TE/ off the line Y for Aaron Rodgers. Fuaga a consideration here.
11. Chargers (via Minn)* - OL JC Latham I think the Chargers can get quality WR help later.
12. Eagles (via Den)* - CB Quinyon Mitchell Eagles trade up to get their corner. (give up pick 50)
13. Raiders - CB Terrion Arnold Raiders could look to go OL here as well. Not buying Penix at 13 hype.
14. Bears (via NO)* - DT Byron Murphy Bears land the premier IDL talent in the draft.

Given his well-established reputation, that is noteworthy.

If you still aren't convinced, let's move to the local side. Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog has some of the most proven connections in the business. Here is his prediction for how the top 10 unfolds.

The fact these two guys are saying the exact same thing 24 hours before the draft can't be a coincidence. They're hearing something. New Orleans desperately needs tackle help and isn't afraid to move up. Dropping to #14 should give the Bears an excellent spot to still land a pass rusher. It's a win-win.

Always examine these Chicago Bears based on their actions.

What do we know about them? GM Ryan Poles said he wants to build through the draft. To do that, you need picks. Chicago only has four at present due to prior trades. He had 11 and 10 in his first two years. It seems unlikely he'd be content with that. Then there is Matt Eberflus. He's the head coach. His background is defense. The Bears have a glaring void on the defensive line with no pass rusher opposite Montez Sweat. Would the team really ignore that problem in favor of another receiver? That feels hard to believe.

Trading with New Orleans accomplishes two goals. They get another Day 2 pick in the deal, maybe the 45th overall. Poles could use that and the 75th to keep building around Williams. Meanwhile, the 14th pick can go towards a dynamic rusher who can provide help up front on defense. It might not be the sexiest outcome Chicago Bears fans hoped for, but it is logical. Much depends on how the other seven picks ahead of #9 unfold. If there is a run on tackles, it might scuttle their plans.