When it comes to running an NFL draft, one of the most important things to remember is the basic rule of business. Supply and demand. If the demand is high and the supply is low? Then prices rise. If the supply is high and the demand is low? Then prices fall. For the Chicago Bears, they need a quarterback. Enough to where they’re considering a move up to do so in the 1st round.
The problem is such moves are expensive. One has to think they’d pay a hefty price in order to get high enough. This is true. However, it might not be as bad as some people believe. One thing that might be working in their favor is the number of teams who are willing to move down from the top 10. What once appeared to be maybe one team that would consider it, there now appears to be two or three.
It starts with Carolina at #8.
They traded for Sam Darnold recently. A move that cost them three picks. While rumors suggest they might stay put in order to maybe take another QB, others think new GM Scott Fitterer will try to move down to get those picks back. Then there is the Dallas Cowboys. Their top executive Stephen Jones admitted the team has fielded calls about moving back from #10 overall. A clear indication they might be willing to make a deal.
Now yet another team has joined the discussion. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network revealed that the New York Giants, who pick 11th overall, are internally discussing the idea of trading back. So that makes three teams the Bears could potentially have serious discussions with. Something that gives Ryan Pace an advantage in terms of finding one that might give him a favorable price tag.
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The #Giants are slated to pick No. 11 in the NFL Draft, and trading back is already something they are internally considering, I’m told. That spot will have real value. … How rare would a trade down be? GM Dave Gettleman has never traded down in the 1st round in 8 drafts as a GM
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 20, 2021
From NFL Now: The #Giants are open to trading back from No. 11, which would be a first for GM Dave Gettleman. But it does make sense… pic.twitter.com/SgEAYFkRiP
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 20, 2021
Chicago Bears will be watching the drama unfold in top 5
So much of this entire scenario will hinge on what happens within the first three picks of the draft. Everybody knows it’s going to be three quarterbacks. Trevor Lawrence to Jacksonville and then Zach Wilson to the Jets. What nobody knows is what San Francisco plans to do at #3. It could be any one of the remaining three quarterbacks available. Whomever they end up taking could have a drastic impact on the Bears’ ultimate decision whether to move up or not.
The right quarterback would have to fall. Who do Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy covet the most. SM has heard a number of times that they like Justin Fields of Ohio State. Something Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune confirmed in a recent tweet. He also added Mac Jones of Alabama as somebody else they like. If either of them happens to reach that 8-11 range, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them move up. Especially with the price not being potentially as steep as some think.
Much of this depends on what other teams do.
Don’t forget the Chicago Bears aren’t the only ones who need a new quarterback. Denver (#9), New England (#15), and Washington (#19) are all viable threats to grab one as well. Pace will have to somehow navigate through those obstacles, secure a good enough spot without breaking the bank, and pick the right guy. A dangerous proposition given his job status.