This Trade Rumor, If True, Will Be Great News For Chicago Bears
One thing to remember about the NFL draft is the unpredictability. It seems like every year, there is that one moment when a team gets really aggressive for a player they want. One would think the Chicago Bears have already seen that happen. They were part of it when the Carolina Panthers came all the way up from #9 overall for the 1st overall pick. It seems their goal was to ensure they secured Alabama quarterback Bryce Young. GM Ryan Poles isn’t sad about it. That agreement got him a future 1st round pick, two additional 2nd round picks, and wide receiver D.J. Moore.
Now the Bears must sit back and wait for what happens next. If new rumors are to be believed, it sounds like another big trade is coming together. That involves the Arizona Cardinals at #3 overall. It’s expected that they will move out if quarterback C.J. Stroud gets past Houston at #2, as many predict. There is a heavy favorite to make that move in such a case.
It isn’t a surprise from the Titans’ perspective. They’re trapped in an AFC loaded with quarterbacks. Jacksonville has Trevor Lawrence in the division already. They can’t afford to get trapped in no-mans-land. Mike Vrabel is an Ohio State guy. He might be pushing for Stroud. Such a move would likely benefit the Bears. It ensures three quarterbacks likely go in the top four, improving the odds of prospects like Jalen Carter and Paris Johnson slipping to #9. Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog added further validity to this rumor.
The Chicago Bears seem to have a short list of guys they want.
It’s already established Carter and Johnson sit atop that list. Both are proven players and great athletes. After that, it sounds like Tennessee tackle Darnell Wright and Northwestern tackle Peter Skoronski of Northwestern are the fallback options. If somehow all four are gone, the Bears will likely try to move down. Otherwise, they may bite the bullet and take Bijan Robinson. While not a premium position player, most experts agree he is the best overall talent in the draft. Poles may be willing to settle for that.
Truth be told, the odds are good at least one of those top four will be on the board at #9. Three quarterbacks going in the top four means there are only five spots left for non-QBs to go. What are the odds that Carter, Johnson, Wright, and Skoronki go in four of those five? Not high, especially with two excellent corners and some quality edge rushers available. The Chicago Bears are in a good spot.