The Chicago Bears have 16 days left before the NFL draft is set to begin. They’ve already made one huge move when they sent the 1st overall pick to Carolina for the 9th pick, three additional picks, and wide receiver D.J. Moore. Most GMs would be content after such a move, letting the board settle things for them and simply take the best player when they go on the clock. It should already be clear that Ryan Poles is not a normal GM. This guy isn’t afraid to go against the grain if he feels it’s in the best interests of his organization.
One philosophy he clearly buys into is stockpiling draft picks. The more one can acquire, the greater the flexibility and the higher the odds of landing somebody good. Chicago already has ten picks in this draft. Now rumors have persisted that Poles is interested in acquiring more by moving down again from #9. At least one team is intrigued by that possibility. According to EJ Snyder of The Bootleg Football podcast, the Pittsburgh Steelers have approached the Bears about what such a deal might look like.
“Bears and Steelers are possible. They’ve talked about it. I know they’ve talked about it,” Snyder said. “It’s by no means for sure. … The most likely connect the dots moment is that Pittsburgh needs a tackle and they go up for one because there’s one they like and they’ll be gone by the time they pick at 17.”
The Chicago Bears have already done business with Pittsburgh.
They struck a deal last fall with Poles sending a 2nd round pick to the Steelers for wide receiver Chase Claypool. So lines of communication are already established. It’s also well-known that Pittsburgh has significant offensive tackle and cornerback needs. Their projected starting left tackle is Dan Moore Jr., a former backup. They also lost top corner Cameron Sutton to free agency. The only move they made to fix that issue was signing Patrick Peterson, who will be 33 years old in July. They need some fresh blood at that spot. Most projections have the top two cornerbacks, Christian Gonzalez and Devon Witherspoon, likely not getting outside the top 10.
This comes down to compensation. If the Chicago Bears are going to drop from #9 to #17, they will demand one of Pittsburgh’s two 2nd round picks. Most likely pick #49, which is the latter of the two. At the very least, it will require the Steelers’ 3rd round pick and maybe a future mid-rounder. It depends on if the right player is available at 9th overall when the Bears are on the clock.
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Just a shout out and an attaboy to Erik! As to ALL who denigrate and disparage his articles, this. They inspire the humor,irony,sarcasm and wit in the repartee that follows. I don’t comment often but I read and GRADE(not that it matters much.)
Bare Naked great name, what are you twelve? Martin is a pompous, no-life, douchebag who is smarter than everybody, including me. Of course you like Martin’s comments, if you didn’t he’d quit giving you a courtesy reach around.
Gator Joe —
Haven’t you noticed? Ryan Poles is about “the picks” — not “the players.”
He’s constantly trying to prove that he’s the “smartest guy” in the room. And unfortunately, always the last to leave.
At some point, the players have to become the primary focus. But, will Poles ever allow that to happen?
The sweet spot of this draft is right there after all the best players are gone.
Sid L: What is your problem man? Just chill out and enjoy life. No need to attack Martin when he makes a comment. I mean just because he’s way smarter than you doesn’t mean you gotta be such an a**hole towards him. Jeez dude relax. I actually like Martin’s comments. Unless of course Sid L is actually Erik just trying to get clicks and people to comment? Dunno but maybe you never know.