Why This Chicago Bears Draft Scenario Makes The Most Sense

The Chicago Bears will weigh every possibility when they make a decision on the #1 overall pick. There is no shortage of options on the table. They could take the best defender on their board and be happy. Or they could trade the pick to a team seeking a quarterback. Part of determining what might happen is getting into the minds of the decision-makers. That means GM Ryan Poles. He is open to anything if he feels it is in the best interests of the Bears. So this could go almost any direction.

That said, there is one scenario that seems to make the most sense for a variety of reasons. One must throw out ideal outcomes and focus on reality. What is something that can happen that the Bears would view as a favorable result for their 2023 objectives? After going through some possibilities, there is one plausible option that stands out.

Scenario: Chicago Bears trade back to between 7th and 10th picks and select the best offensive lineman on their board.

Reason #1 - Adding extra picks

This is the most obvious selling point. Right now, the Bears have one of the most depleted rosters in the NFL. Look across it and point out the blue-chip players. You can't. The only one that comes close is Fields and even he still has some question marks. This team lacks bodies. Adding more high draft choices via a move down would maximize their chances of changing that. It isn't a stretch to think they would add another 2nd round pick and a future 1st round pick at least in any deal involving that far of a drop.

Reason #2 - Chicago is very limited at offensive tackle

This cannot be ignored. Braxton Jones was decent as a rookie this season, but nobody can say he was an undeniable long-term starter. He has that potential. Just not yet. Right tackle was an even bigger issue. Larry Borom is a backup. Riley Reiff is washed. They have nobody on the roster who can fill that void. Pete Skoronski and Paris Johnson both have plug-and-play starter ability. Each is capable of playing on either side of the line. Chicago hasn't drafted an offensive lineman in the 1st round since 2013. That streak must end if they want to start protecting Justin Fields properly.

Reason #3 - This draft is deep at edge rusher

This fact can't be ignored. Losing out on Will Anderson would be tough, but not crippling. Presuming the Chicago Bears add a high 2nd round pick when they move down, it puts them in a good position to add another quality talent early on Day 2. When talking about the deepest positions in this class, edge rusher sits near the top. Experts have as many as ten names ranked in the top 50 on their big boards. That means more than a few quality options will be available. Andre Carter II of Army or Lukas Van Ness of Iowa would be excellent additions to this defense. The odds of them finding a quality tackle in that same range are remote.