ESPN Reveals What Other NFL Teams Think Chicago Bears Do At #9

Everybody knows what the Chicago Bears will do at #1 overall in two weeks. They’re taking a quarterback, and that quarterback will 99% likely be Caleb Williams. This lack of drama doesn’t decrease the intrigue with this team, though. There are many conversations over what GM Ryan Poles plans to do with the #9 pick. There is almost sure to be some good players available at that spot as well. Will he add more offensive help for Williams? Will he target another pass rusher for his defense? There is no shortage of possibilities. They could even move up if the right player is in range.

Poles said he’s splitting his scouts and coaches into three separate groups during final evaluations. Their jobs will be to argue whether wide receiver, offensive tackle, or pass rusher should be the target of that second pick. It’s a novel approach that should yield maximum honesty about what the Bears should prioritize. However, an elephant in the room hovers over the proceedings. Chicago only has four picks in this draft, and this may explain why people from other teams believe they won’t stay at #9, according to Jordan Reid of ESPN.

What we’re hearing about the Bears’ draft: All signs point to USC quarterback Caleb Williams being the No. 1 pick, but what happens after that for Chicago? The Bears have only three additional selections, meaning a move back could be in play at No. 9. “I’d be shocked if they make that pick at nine,” an NFC area scout said. “[Bears GM Ryan] Poles loves to move around and build through the draft, and that roster still needs help in some spots.” Don’t be surprised if Chicago moves back, adds more draft capital and takes the best defensive end available wherever it lands. Laiatu Latu (UCLA) and Jared Verse (Florida State) are two options who would help off the edge in Chicago. — Reid

This falls in line with what many Chicago Bears insiders feel.

While it’s possible they stay put to take a top playmaker, the stronger vibes indicate the team has more reasons to move down at this stage. Poles has never had fewer than ten picks in any draft he’s conducted to this point. It feels doubtful he’d be content to roll with only four, even with what many consider a shallower talent pool. If the Bears GM feels he can still land a good player further down the board while also picking up one or two extra picks, that will appeal to him.

This becomes especially true if the Chicago Bears are targeting a pass rusher. All signs in recent weeks suggest the top of the 1st round will see a massive surge of offensive players. At least three quarterbacks, three wide receivers, and an offensive tackle will go in the first eight picks alone. Maybe four QBs. With the New York Jets sitting at #10, likely to grab another tackle, it could make #9 a premium spot for teams hoping to jump in front of them. There is also the possibility that Poles would dangle one of the top receivers.

Projections indicate there will be plenty of good pass rush options, both on the edge and interior, in the middle of the 1st round. Hence why it makes sense to trade back.