The Chicago Bears are taking Caleb Williams #1 overall next month. They may try to deny it, but anybody with common sense can see the signs. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus have spoken glowingly about the USC quarterback at every opportunity. They didn’t show nearly the same attention to detail in their attendance at the Michigan, LSU, or North Carolina pro days. It feels like the past several weeks have not been spent determining which quarterback to take but to see how many red flags exist with Williams and if they can live with them. It appears they have their answer.
No, the real intrigue with this team has shifted to what they will do with the #9 pick. Arguments have centered around three possibilities. They will take one of the top wide receivers, a pass rusher, or trade down to secure more picks. None of those are shocking. Another weapon for Williams is a good thing. The Bears need a second rusher opposite Montez Sweat. They also only have four picks left in this draft. Poles would likely prefer more if possible. However, it appears another option is has more traction inside Halas Hall than people realize.
Team insider Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog confirmed as much.
Poles himself alluded to it as well when stating what the next phase of the Bears’ evaluation plans will encompass.
“One team is going to talk about, ‘The tackle position is the best to go after’ [or] ‘the wide receiver’s the best’ [or] ‘the defensive end’s the best.’ — and use factual information to kinda spit that out,” Poles said. “And we’ll have a debate in terms of what’s more impactful for our football team, short-term and long-term.”
This focus by the Chicago Bears shouldn’t be a huge surprise.
Poles has said many times since taking over that he will always be focused on what he calls the “premium” positions when it comes to the draft. Those are pass rushers, cornerbacks, and offensive linemen. Specifically tackles. He already spent a top-10 pick on one last year with Darnell Wright. There is no denying Braxton Jones is a great story. Going from Southern Utah to 5th round pick and starting NFL tackle is an amazing achievement. The tough question for the Bears is whether they can trust him against the premier pass rushers in this league. Myles Garrett abused him last year in Cleveland. Green Bay and Detroit also gave him problems.
If the Chicago Bears feel one of these tackles in the 2024 class has a high ceiling, they feel duty-bound to take him. Weapons for a quarterback are important, but protection is even more so. That is especially true for a rookie. People talk about how brilliant C.J. Stroud was last year. Not enough of them mention how he had Laremy Tunsil guarding his blindside. Cam Newton had Jordan Gross. Ben Roethlisberger had Marvel Smith. It is a common trend. Joe Alt, JC Latham, and Olu Fashanu appear to be the top options in this class.
Poles is a former offensive lineman himself. If he sees Pro Bowl potential in any of them, don’t be surprised if he goes that way.
Pull a draft and trade…draft C Williams and trade him to the Chargers for J Bosa and J Herbert! Sounds as good as the majority of the moves I have read about and better than most! LMAO>>>
Bearcub30. Darnell Wright wasn’t on last year’s 30 visit. Everyone thought we were picking Jalen Carter. They talked to his coaches, teammates, family and all the good folks that he grew up with. Traded at the last minute for the next pick #10 and 4th rounder. When all along he knew Darnell Wright was the pick. Jayden Daniels isn’t on this year’s list. Caleb Williams is all the hype at the position, how Carter was last year. Talked to his family, friends, teammates. Same as last year. Not trolling, just my observation of Poles and his patterns. When he wasn’t… Read more »
@Gator Joe I just saw where Penix was underwhelming in the 40. Not a killing blow, but definitely something to consider the higher he might go. Basically, his ability to avoid the rush is going to be slower than the elite guys when getting out of trouble. His quick release and accuracy will have to be elite in that case.
@ManGod Or with a list of guys the Bears want at that spot and an agreement they pick him for the rights to who they want. It’s happened before. Usually when there are several guys of a certain position and ranking close together so the odds of one being there is greater. By doing this, the Bears may get more picks or another player to offset if one of the guys they want isn’t there. This hasn’t been done often, but it has provided both teams what they want and can often lead to helping another team clear cap space… Read more »
@ManGod That would be the ideal scenario. Get a premium from a team looking to move up for JJ. I am not sure about S. Payton. I think he probably believes he can groom Penix or Nix and might just stay put. I really don’t see JJ as such a better prospect I’d move up for him. But I’m sure some teams do. He may be gone by 9 if 2 teams want him and are fighting to get ahead of each other. The more taken before 9 the better. Also, Poles will grab an OT before Turner who is… Read more »