Ex-Scout Thinks Chicago Bears Have Choice Of Two Future Pro Bowlers
The Chicago Bears have made it clear their decisions regarding the 9th overall pick remain fluid. Rumors persist that GM Ryan Poles may look to trade down again, accumulating as many extra selections as possible. Presuming he stays put, the debates on who he might take are fierce. A large section of fans are clamoring for wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, whom they seem convinced is the next great superstar. Others think taking a risk on talented but troubled defensive tackle Jalen Carter is worth it. Hell, more than a few think taking Texas phenom running back Bijan Robinson is the way to go.
In truth, conventional wisdom says this will go one of two ways. Either Poles will take both defensive end and right tackle. Former Bears scout Greg Gabriel believes there are two clear options if Poles takes the offensive route. One is Paris Johnson of Ohio State, and the other is Broderick Jones of Georgia. Peter Skoronski of Northwestern is a good player, but his lack of length doesn’t fit what the Bears are looking for. Gabriel went into detail about what makes Johnson and Jones such good prospects on Windy City Gridiron.
He also made it clear both have bright futures.
“Overall, I really like both players. Both have experience on the right side, but Jones may be a natural left tackle, and if the Bears drafted him, they may have to move Braxton Jones to right tackle. Both players are plug-and-play types, with Johnson being more ready for the NFL than Jones, but Jones may be the better player two years down the road.
What it gets down to is if the Bears make that decision to select a tackle at nine and both are there, it’s which one are they most comfortable with. They both have the talent to be long-time starters and potential Pro Bowl players. The Bears can win with either one. Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus could have a tough but nice decision to make in five weeks.”
Chicago Bears’ decision may hinge on Braxton Jones.
How good do they believe the former 5th round pick can be? If Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus think he can indeed be a long-term left tackle, then the decision becomes clearer. Broderick Jones is viewed as a natural left tackle and that’s where he has all of his experience. On the other hand, Johnson had a productive season at right guard for Ohio State before moving to left tackle in 2022. So the Bears already know he can play on the right side with no issue. He also has the immense size and length typical right tackles require.
It also comes down to who is more ready to play immediately. Whoever the Chicago Bears pick would almost certainly start right away. In such a case, Johnson would be the choice. He’s more experienced, and his technique is the most polished of the two. Jones is the superior athlete. His ceiling is higher, but it might take a year or two for him to realize his full potential. Either way, the odds are good that both will become top players at their position. The Bears almost can’t go wrong.