The Chicago Bears have more reason for positivity than negativity when it comes to this month’s NFL draft.
On the happy side of things, the team will have the overall no. 1 pick in the draft and, as a result, first dibs on USC blue-chip quarterback prospect and buzzed-about potential franchise-altering presence, Caleb Williams.
Chicago will also have a second first-round pick inside the top ten, at ninth overall. It’s exceedingly rare to have such an opportunity to select two big-time impact players in the same draft.
On the frowny side of things, though, the Bears will only have four picks in this year’s draft– the fewest in the NFL. Thanks to some deals made by the team, they will only have a third-round pick (no. 75) and a fourth-round pick (no. 122) outside of their two first-round picks.
Chicago Bears Would Like More Draft Capital?
So, that last reality may be the reason Chicago could trade themselves out of the No. 9 spot for some added draft capital and a better shot at adding more young talent around the incoming Williams. As a matter of fact, experts believe that the Bears are among the most likely teams to trade back this year.
Many in the media have already theorized about the Bears cutting deals with the Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the nos. 12 and 13 picks, respectively, and are reportedly very hungry to trade up for a shot at taking one of the top quarterbacks available in the draft.
Recently, however, another team has emerged as a potential suitor for Chicago’s no. 9 spot.
The Indianapolis Colts are slated to pick at No. 15, but are said to be extremely interested in moving up for a shot at a targeted prospect.
Brock Bowers is the Bait
Kelsey Kramer of AtoZSportsNFL recently reported that the Colts front office has its sights set on Georgia Tight End Brock Bowers.
And what would it take for the Colts to convince the Bears to trade back six spots in the draft?
Richard Louis of Da Windy City has speculated that Indianapolis would probably have to give up their no. 15 spot as well as their second-round pick (no. 46) to get their shot at selecting the talented and highly-regarded Bowers. The trade would get Chicago back the second-round pick it cost them last year when they traded with the Washington Commanders for defensive end Montez Sweat.
A Win-Win Proposition
Per Louis, it would still be likely that the Bears could draft one of their favorites with the no. 15 pick.So, really, such a deal could be win-win proposition:
“Even at that 15th spot, the Bears would still be in great range to snag a WR or EDGE. Players like Brian Thomas Jr., Jared Verse, and Laiatu Latu may all be on the board. Snagging someone like that and having another pick in the Top 50 would be enticing as Chicago builds around a rookie quarterback.”
Such a move by Indianapolis would also serve as a gut punch to AFC rivals the New York Jets, who have the no. 10 pick in the first round and are said to be very interested in Bowers.
Also, per Louis:
“The Bears may also be a sweet spot at No. 9 as people around the league believe the New York Jets are interested in Bowers. They have the 10th pick and the Colts could jump ahead of them to make sure they secure their guy.”
It should be interesting to see how things play out in this upcoming draft. Bears General Manager Ryan Poles has not been shy about making big, bold deals and it’s very likely he could make another on draft day.
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