Insiders have begun shooting their shots with the NFL draft mere days away now. The most persistent rumor regarding the Chicago Bears is they will take an offensive tackle if they stay put at #9 overall. Both Peter King of NBC Sports and Albert Breer of the MMQB have gone on record saying their preferred option is Paris Johnson of Ohio State. That isn’t a big surprise. He’s huge, long, athletic, and has ties to quarterback Justin Fields. However, at least one person isn’t totally convinced this will be the case.
Greg Gabriel worked for the Bears for several years and has kept strong connections across the NFL. He even spoke with GM Ryan Poles during the pre-draft process. For the first time in his life, the longtime scout released a mock draft on Windy City Gridiron. There were some fascinating surprises. Detroit taking Jalen Carter at #6 was one. C.J. Stroud falling to #7 was another. Gabriel does agree that offensive tackle will be the Bears’ target at #9, however, their choice will be someone different.
9 – Chicago Bears – OT – Broderick Jones – Georgia – If the Draft falls this way, the Bears may try and trade down as all of the OLinemen are still available. Their next pick isn’t until 53, and it would be nice to add a pick to get higher in the second round. If they stay at nine, the pick will be Jones or OSU’s Paris Johnson. I like Jones a bit better.
Jones certainly fits the Chicago Bears’ new parameters.
It’s apparent Poles and his front office prioritize athleticism, size, and length at the tackle position. Braxton Jones was one such example last year. Many have called Broderick a stronger version of him coming out of Georgia. The Bulldogs’ left tackle is an athletic freak, moving well in space and showing a nasty disposition in the run game. He’d be an easy fit in the Bears’ wide-zone offense. The primary concern teams have with him is his fundamentals. Jones is raw in several areas, particularly pass protection. Veteran pass rushers will give him problems early in his career.
It comes down to how much the Chicago Bears trust offensive line coach Chris Morgan to clean those issues up. He is no stranger to projects. What he did last year with Braxton was pretty impressive. If Jones reaches his full potential, he has a chance to be the best left tackle this organization drafted since Jimbo Covert in 1983. It’s a lot of projection, but there is no denying his upside. The other question left unanswered is whether the Bears actually want to take him at #9.
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