Setting aside the Quarterback confusion, several position groups must be addressed between now and when rookie camp begins in May. If we have learned anything during Ryan Poles’ first two years, his drafts have landed starters regardless of the round the player is chosen. The need to improve the OL with a new Center and added depth along the line. If Eddie Jackson has played his last down in Chicago, his position must be filled. A dominant edge playing opposite Montez Sweat.
At wide receiver, after the sensational season of D J Moore, the production from the rest of the receivers was disappointing. Darnell Mooney mysteriously disappeared in 2023. Jones Jr. and Scott were no-shows. Tyler Scott dropped several key passes that could have changed the outcome of two losses. The Chase Claypool experiment ended horribly.
The top three WRs in this year’s draft are Marvin Harrison Jr,. thought by many to be the top prospect in the entire draft, has Bears fans excited. Many want to see Harrison drafted by Chicago. If Poles were to draft Harrison, they would most likely keep Fields. After Harrison, Rome Odunze and Malik Nabers are also expected to be drafted in the first round.
Many analysts agree Poles needs to double-dip at WR in the draft. One prospect to keep an eye on in round three is Oregon WR Troy Franklin. The Junior had his best season in 2023 with 1,383 yards on 81 receptions and 14 touchdowns. His size and speed should make him a top tier deep threat. Franklin stands 6′ 3″ and has legitimate 4.35 speed. He gets off the line well and excels at creating separation off the line.
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Adding Franklin to complement Moore, Harrison, Odunze, or Nabers could give the offense a top-tier receiver group.
@citizen34 Glad you want the Bears to win the SB. What do all of the receivers you mentioned (and a number that you didn’t mention) have? Decent offensive coordinators and offensive position coaches. If you constantly look at accomplished receivers, they did not get to that position by magic. They didn’t magically jump from good college players to contributory pros by accident. You didn’t mention Justin Jefferson, Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Cooper Kupp. Their up and down years are significantly influenced by the quality of the play calls. Trading Fields doesn’t accomplish anything, nor does drafting anyone who Mel Kiper… Read more »
Michael, thanks for writing about something beyond the way Caleb Williams ties his shoes.
This is WR4 for me, I’d be excited if we took him as early as the 20’s if we traded back from 1.9. A trio of D.J. Moore, Calvin Ridley, and Troy Franklin would create havoc. If we landed a WR, C, and DE in FA, tag/extend JJ, use our second 1st rounder on Franklin, that would free us up to draft IOL in the second with the Fields trade. Though talented, I don’t think I’m wrong in thinking our Guards are untrustworthy and there will be some very talented IOL available in the second round this year. I like… Read more »
I agree with Sam. I can’t see Franklin lasting till the third round. I will be surprised if he lasts till the second.
I’ve been seeing Franklin pop up in the back half of the 1st round in a lot of mock drafts. Not sure if he will go in the 1st, but I don’t see him lasting til the 3rd round.