GM Ryan Poles won’t say what he plans to do with the NFL draft getting closer. Nobody should expect him to. That said, his actions with the Chicago Bears are telling the story. Justin Fields was traded on Saturday. That makes it crystal clear that the team is taking a quarterback at #1 overall. With that no longer a discussion, things have shifted to the #9 pick. People can’t quite pinpoint what Poles will do there. Some think the Bears will still take a wide receiver, but that seems unlikely after the team added Keenan Allen via trade. Offensive tackle might be possible, but it doesn’t feel like they’re unhappy with Braxton Jones.
That leaves only one position left they haven’t addressed with any significant resources: edge rusher. Yannick Ngakoue is gone and unlikely to return. The Bears don’t have anybody of note across from Montez Sweat. It makes sense they’d hope to land somebody in the draft. Not only that, but we might also get an idea of a specific type of player they want. That was illustrated by their most recent signing, defensive end Jake Martin. Typically, the Bears prefer bigger linemen with long arms. Martin, at 6’2 and 245 lbs with 32-inch arms, is none of those things.
However, he does have one big advantage. He’s fast. Pass rushers with speed off the edge can be so valuable when paired with a powerhouse like Sweat. It appears Chicago wants to embrace that formula, as team insider Brad Biggs has hinted for weeks.
Determining the Chicago Bears’ target becomes easy with those parameters.
If they truly seek speed, three pass rush prospects stand out as potential targets. One is Alabama’s Dallas Turner, who ran a blistering 4.46 at the scouting combine and has 34-inch arms as well. Then there is Chop Robinson of Penn State. While not as polished as Turner, his 4.48 in the 40 and flashes on tape show a player on the cusp of big things. Last but not least is Jared Verse of Florida State. His 4.58 is more modest in the speed department but still impressive at 255 lbs. Not only that, but he has a power element to his game the other two don’t.
Subscribe to the BFR podcast and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Presuming the Chicago Bears stay at #9 overall, there is a good chance at least two of those players will be available. From there, it comes down to who they prefer. Head coach Matt Eberflus and new defensive coordinator Eric Washington will play pivotal roles in that decision. Adding that second pass rusher could send this defense back to elite status for the first time since 2018. Maybe the Bears choose to double down at wide receiver, but all the signs point in a clear direction.
Seems like there is ALWAYS some concern or another that can make you second guess any decision – sometimes its just best to go with the overwhelming consensus (i.e. draft Caleb Williams.)
Biggest fear: Chicago drafts C Williams, he becomes another R Leaf! J Fields gets the nod after R Wilson injury or benching and puts up elite numbers leading Pittsburg to another title. Best case scenario: R Poles trades down from #1 with Washington acquiring a future 1 and 2 seconds in 24, drafts J Daniels or trades down with NYG acquiring a 1st 25,26, a 2nd, 3rd in 24, a 2nd in 25 and drafts JJ McCarthy with the 6th pick, D Turner with the 9th, and Powers-Johnson/Van Pram in the 2nd. Something just tells me J Fields may end… Read more »
It does not make it crystal clear the Bears are taking a QB at the number 1 pick. If they think that there is a QB that fits their system better a couple slots down, they will trade the 1st pick. It is apparent this QB will be learning on the fly though. Stroud did it. I think Rypien was hired to be a bridge from Waldron to the new QB. Always being in his ear without Waldron having to do it.
IIRC, Pierce was in charge of recruiting, and bringing Daniels to Ariz St.
I know a lot of you like the early WRs, but I just can’t see drafting a WR 3/4 in the 1st round that early. That’s not maximizing value. Especially now. If we trade back and gain picks, then take the WR that falls, I’m good with that. I’m not sure we are ready to make luxury picks, but I would be open to discussion.
5) He’s a Gator.