The weird thing about the Chicago Bears is they might be the most predictable and unpredictable team in the top 10 of the 1st round this year. They’re predictable because everybody knows they are taking Caleb Williams 1st overall. It is as close to a lock at this point as it can get. The only thing that can stop it is if his private visit with the team is disastrous next month, which seems unlikely. On the flip side, the Bears are also the most unpredictable because nobody has any idea what they will do at the 9th overall pick.
There are any number of directions GM Ryan Poles could go. If the Bears stay put, most agree they will target one of three positions: wide receiver, offensive tackle, and edge rusher. Current rumors have leaned toward it being an offensive player, depending on how the board falls. However, there is also the real possibility Poles will trade down from #9, hoping to add to his limited four picks in this draft. The tricky part is whether the Bears feel they can still get a good player were that to happen. According to Tony Pauline of Sportskeedia, they may have somebody in mind.
“The word on Fautanu is teams intend to start him at left tackle and will move him into guard only as a contingency.
Fautanu was meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles and Las Vegas Raiders after the workout. The Chicago Bears have also shown an interest in the talented blocker, so keep him on the radar if they trade out of the 9th spot.”
The Chicago Bears’ interest in Troy Fautanu is hardly surprising.
One thing they love is big athletes with a nasty disposition. Fautanu checks all of those boxes. He ran a 5.01 at the combine at 317 lbs, and it shows on tape. He’s great in space, showcasing his ability as a zone blocker. Yet his greatest attribute is his pass protection. His ability to mirror rushers with his feet and utilize his 34-inch arms are big reasons Michael Penix had such excellent protection last season. Fautanu is also a physical and nasty presence in the run game. Many compare him to stud Chargers left tackle Rashawn Slater.
Another thing the Chicago Bears like in their offensive linemen is positional versatility. Fautanu can play both tackle and guard. While he has the length and athleticism for tackle, many feel he might be better inside. Where he fits would depend entirely on the whim of offensive line coach Chris Morgan. One thing nobody debates is that Fautanu is a good football player. If the Bears traded down and took him, their offensive line would instantly improve regardless of where he played. One must presume it would be at left tackle, though.
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OTs–1st. Alt, 2nd. Fashanu, 3rd. Fautanu.
Moot point! Same reason we went with Wright over Skoronski last year, everyone knew he would be kicked inside to be a guard, and you don’t draft guards that high.
Despite his arm length, if he’s an adequate LT or top shelf OG, he’ll probably end up at guard. The Bears already have an adequate LT. So my question is, is he as good as Zack Martin? If not, he’s not worth a 1st round pick, and even if he is, should a team spend a top 10 pick on a guard?
Probably have to trade down a long way to net a 2nd rounder. Poles doesn’t seem to mind dumping draft picks this off-season so why not trade up a couple of spots (Titans)
and draft Alt? Career LT. Could cost a ’25 2nd and ’24 4th. Worth it though.
Or…drafting the #2 prospect who thinks he should be the #1 prospect at a position can be a good move. That might be DE Jared Verse.
If he profiles that well as a LT, there may be teams trading up for him. It just occurred to me that Poles may be planning on trading down twice from #9. Imagine coming away with our #1 DT and adding a couple of second rounders on top of it. It could happen.