The Chicago Bears are in no rush to let their intentions for the #1 pick be known. GM Ryan Poles said clarity on this subject wouldn’t come for at least a month. There is still the Senior Bowl, East-West Shrine Bowl, and scouting combine to get through. Once that data is collected, the Bears will have a good picture of the 2023 draft class and how it might unfold. Then Poles will be able to determine whether he should make the pick or trade it to a team desperate for a quarterback.
Longtime NFL insider John McClain has no doubts about what will happen. On Football Night in Chicago, he explained that it’s almost a foregone conclusion that the Bears will trade the pick. They’re in a perfect position to create a bidding war. While there may be several teams interested in the pick, McClain thinks there are only two Chicago will do business with. That is Houston and Indianapolis. The primary reason is that, based on what he’s hearing, the team doesn’t want to drop too far for fear of losing out on Will Anderson or Jalen Carter. The Texans (#2) and Colts (#4) would guarantee they land one of them.
When asked what he was heard, McClain didn’t hesitate. He thinks the Bears make a deal with the Colts and take either Carter or Anderson at #4.
It makes perfect sense for the Chicago Bears.
Poles would achieve the best of both worlds in that scenario. He secures multiple extra picks for his coffers while staying in the top five. There he can land a possible difference-maker for his defensive line. The big question is whether the Texans can make an offer to prevent this from happening. McClain indicated it’s possible. GM Nick Caserio is swimming in extra picks. Houston has two 1st rounders in 2023 and 2024. He also has ten picks this year alone. Moving up one spot to secure his quarterback of choice shouldn’t be a huge deal for him. This way, the Bears would have their choice of Anderson or Carter.
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It comes down to a simple question. Do the Chicago Bears want fewer picks but their choice of the two players or more picks and likely ending up with the player they coveted a little less? McClain is probably correct. Given where this roster is at, Poles will opt for the deal that lands him more picks. He also has a relationship with Colts GM Chris Ballard, so communication will be far easier between the two sides. Clarity on this subject should start surfacing around the middle of March.
