Trading for Keenan Allen was a strong statement from GM Ryan Poles. He intends to have this offense as loaded as possible for the young quarterback the Chicago Bears are expected to draft at #1 overall. The six-time Pro Bowl might be 31 years old, but he’s still outstanding on the field. Even if they only get two more great years from him, it will be worth it. However, Poles has a responsibility to always think beyond the next season. He must think two or three years down the road. While Allen should help this coming season, there are no guarantees beyond that.
As stated above, he turns 32 this year. On top of that, he will be a free agent next spring. While the Bears could sign him to a minor extension at some point, they run the risk of their receiving corps becoming weaker after only one season. It is for this reason that Poles may have designs on doubling down at the position. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune has made it clear the Bears will likely take Caleb Williams #1 overall. When it comes to the #9 pick, he seems confident of what they will do if the board falls the right way.
They will take another receiver.
I think WR2 is a need when you project ahead, knowing Allen is 32 and on a one-year deal. You can make a case center is a need if you’re not high on the combination of Ryan Bates and Coleman Shelton, but No. 9 is certainly not territory to draft a center. Defensive tackle feels like it’s on the border of need/want as well, and No. 9 might be too rich for any of the prospects at that position.
So, where does that leave Ryan Poles as preparation ramps up for the April 25-27 draft? I laid out four scenarios for the No. 9 pick in a column last week after the trade for Allen. The fourth option would open a host of additional possibilities as it would involve a trade down.
I would not rule out the possibility of a wide receiver at No. 9…
…It’s my hunch that Nabers and Odunze will be high enough on the Bears board to be very much under consideration if either slides to the ninth pick. In fact, they’re so attractive that my guess is Ryan Poles would not pull the trigger on a trade of the ninth pick until he’s on the clock unless he has an offer in front of him that is simply too good to pass up.
This would be an out-of-character move by the Chicago Bears.
History says after the trade for Allen and taking a quarterback, it is almost a foregone conclusion they take a pass rusher. Remember, their head coach is a defensive guy. This team’s identity has always been driven by defense. There was only one instance in Bears history where their first pick was a QB, and the second was a receiver. That was in 1987 with Jim Harbaugh and Ron Morris. Those two were the 26th and 54th picks, respectively. This would be on a far grander scale with #1 and #9.
One thing is for sure. If it plays out that way, nobody can offer any credible argument that Poles didn’t do everything in his power to make his next quarterback successful. He drafted an offensive tackle with his 1st round pick in 2023 after trading down from #1 to collect wide receiver D.J. Moore. He trades for Allen in March. Now, if he lands Nabers or Odunze at #9, this could be the most talented receiving corps any Chicago Bears quarterback has ever had. While it may hamper the defense on the pass rush front, it would certainly give Williams or whoever else every opportunity to find success.
Subscribe to the BFR podcast and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Limited draft picks this year and already having WR1 and WR2 covered, Poles would have to be as dumb as so think he is to go after a WR at 9. We need a DE to be opposite Sweat much more than we need a WR3 with future WR1 or 2 potential. Poles clearly had tossed his mantra of building through the draft into the garbage as trades and free agency are his biggest moves.
Minny might need something like Herbert to keep Jefferson happy, otherwise he might be asking for a trade. Gotta think he is not a happy camper right now and maybe not over the moon about having a rookie QB coming in. Would be an awesome trade to rock the Draft floor though.
@timgjerde, I don’t understand the down votes but that was a fantastic comment!
@BearCub30, I put it out there about Ohtani being the possible culprit but have a gut feeling that if exposed they would give him a slap on the hand while still shitting on Pete Rose.
@LiquorPigz, I don’t see that happening though because that would put Minny back into Salary cap hell.
@Bear_Down, My gut tells me that Eberflus is on a prove it year but I think Poles will be allowed to serve out his contract.
luapgnik and jmscoody: My gut tells me this is a “prove it” year for both Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus. Kevin Warren’s and ownership’s patience might just run out if there’s not improvement in the win/loss record. Coupled with the fact the Bears have 1-1 this year in a strong QB draft and a must win now attitude that would explain the free agent signings and trades to this piont. If they both make it past this year then a shift back to the draft next year should and hopefully be expected. We don’t want to fall into the Ryan… Read more »
Could Jimmy Harbaugh have the stones to trade Herbert to the Vikings and draft his guy JJ?? He could get a “Haul” ( That one is for you Real Tommy Waddle!) But they could get the Vikings 11, 23 and next years 1st. The deck would be cleared, cap problems are a distant memory and they start over with JJ and 3 High End Picks. Just throwing it out there for fun..LOL