The Chicago Bears didn’t bother hiding their intentions with the #1 overall pick after the scouting combine. People were already thinking the team had eyes for USC quarterback Caleb Williams. By the start of March, it was no longer a secret. GM Ryan Poles has tried to keep things uncertain with his comments, but his efforts are far from motivated. The Bears have no reason to be all cloak and dagger. They have the highest pick in the draft. Nobody is jumping in front of them. They can let the Williams’ talk run wild.
What is more interesting about this process is how motivated the quarterback himself is about joining the Bears. Not too long ago, there were rumblings that Williams had serious misgivings about Chicago. Their quarterback history speaks for itself. However, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, several open conversations between the two sides eased any fears. The Bears’ off-season, with additions like D’Andre Swift and Keenan Allen, have also helped. It sounds like they might not be done, too.
“But sources say the quarterback’s conversations with the Bears have been very frank and positive. The Williams camp sent the message early about what it wanted — investment and infrastructure to help Caleb reach his next goal of chasing Tom Brady and winning Super Bowls — and the Bears so far have delivered.”
Bears may not be done giving Caleb Williams help.
While there probably weren’t any direct assurances they’d take an offensive player with their 9th overall pick, it does sound like the organization is determined to make their new quarterback as comfortable as possible. This means the likelihood of them selecting another wide receiver or offensive tackle at #9 goes up. Don’t forget Williams has direct ties to multiple prospects in this class. He was a high school teammate with Penn State left tackle Olu Fashanu and struck up a friendship with LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers via online gaming.
Remember that Poles involved Justin Fields in draft evaluations when he was the Bears’ starter. It wouldn’t be a shock to hear he’s giving Caleb Williams the same courtesy. While adding another pass rusher is something the organization would love to do, it feels like their top priority is giving their quarterback every possible chance to succeed. A receiving corps with Allen, D.J. Moore, and Nabers/Rome Odunze or an offensive line with two 1st round tackles would accomplish that goal.
The real difficulty is the availability of the guys you want at the 14-16 range. It has to be Verse, Murphy II, or Latu on defense or Fautanu, Fashanu or Latham. Numbers wise one of them should be there. Of course, any of the top tier guys at #9 is a no brainer unless the desire is for more picks in day 2. Don’t be surprised if the pick they pass up is one of the top guys we all wanted. He has a history of doing that. Why would I think that? Uh, Poles passed on CJ Stroud, didn’t… Read more »
Bowers.
Up-grade at LT, C, and RG vitally needed in some combination of players, new and old. That would be infrastructure investment.
Looking at who’s left at edge in FA, I’m not too excited. The Bears lost two starting DL in the offseason and need to fill those spots. Maybe Poles can pull off another trade down to include an edge player, but who that could be with is the question. He could stay at #9 and take the top edge available, or move down to the 14-19 range and get extra picks to help fill other depth needs. Dexter & Pinkens should take the next step in development at the DT position, so I wold go with filling the edge need… Read more »