Chicago Bears Reportedly “Love” Hot 2023 Draft Name

GM Ryan Poles should be close to finalizing his draft board. The main event is only a few weeks away now. He’s put the Chicago Bears in a great position. The D.J. Moore trade landed his team a difference-making weapon and three extra picks. They have 10 total. It is a prime opportunity to infuse this roster with young, vigorous talent. What nobody knows is what Poles has planned for the 9th overall pick. Some believe he will take the best offensive tackle on his board. Others think it’ll be a much-needed pass rusher. Other rumors persist the Bears are looking to trade down again.

However, a persistent column of smoke suggests the young GM may have eyes for one of the biggest wild cards in this draft. Following the Moore trade, most people understandably assumed the Bears were done making significant investments at wide receiver. That might not necessarily be true. There are rumblings that Ohio State standout Jaxon Smith-Njigba is gaining steam in NFL circles after his excellent scouting combine and pro day workouts. Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog, one of the best-connected people when it comes to inside information, dropped this nugget.

The Chicago Bears taking Smith-Njigba isn’t totally crazy.

On the surface, it would feel like a luxury pick. The Bears don’t need a receiver anymore. It makes zero sense to take one that high when they have pressing issues elsewhere. However, one thing must be kept in mind. Of their top three receivers, only Moore is under contract beyond 2023. Both Chase Claypool and Darnell Mooney sit in the last year of their rookie contracts. What are the odds that Poles will pay both of them? Unlikely. Drafting Smith-Njigba would be a logical way to fortify the position for the departure of one or the other.

While not an electric deep threat, the Buckeyes receiver showcased rare talent as a route-runner. His quickness and agility create separation even in tight spaces. That makes him the ideal slot receiver. The fact he played with Fields in 2020 also doesn’t hurt his stock. The Bears QB gave the organization a huge vote of confidence in what Smith-Njigba can do. Even former teammates and current young stars Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson swear he is better than both of them.

Either way, it would undoubtedly be a major swerve if the Chicago Bears went in that direction on the 28th.