Offensive coordinator doesn’t have the same power as GM or head coach, so it’s never wise to assume they have a ton of sway in how a team approaches a draft. That said, the Chicago Bears will place a lot of power in the hands of Shane Waldron. With Matt Eberflus being a defensive specialist, Waldron will have full autonomy on the offensive side of the ball. That means his opinion on how he wants his offense constructed from a personnel standpoint will carry a lot of weight inside Halas Hall. Ryan Poles is known for considering his coaching staff’s wishes.
That means certain position groups may hold greater importance in Waldron’s eyes than others. In this case, based on the information available, that position is wide receiver. During his three years in Seattle, the Seahawks drafted four wide receivers—two of them in the first two rounds.
- 2021: D’Wayne Eskridge
- 2022: Bo Melton and Dareke Young
- 2023: Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Remember, they did this despite already having D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett on the roster. This also holds true in how Waldron conducted the offense. Seattle was very much pass-first in 2023, ranking 5th in team pass-play percentage.
Shane Waldron will want weapons to run his diverse attack.
The Bears already have one stud at wide receiver. D.J. Moore was outstanding last season. However, after him, the cupboard quickly gets bare. Darnell Mooney is a free agent. Tyler Scott had some flashes as a rookie but didn’t create much excitement. Velus Jones looks like a lost cause. This team needs more firepower. If Waldron has his way, they will get it. Rumors persist that Poles hopes to land one of the top receivers in the upcoming draft with the 9th pick. He could also double down by signing a quality veteran in free agency.
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If there is one sure bet outside of the Bears selecting a quarterback at #1 overall, it is that wide receiver will be their top priority. Shane Waldron is likely one of the loudest voices in the building about that. He exhibits a Bill Walsh type of mentality. That is, use the pass to set up the run. Throw to get the lead and run to keep it. It is a strategy that can work beautifully if you have the right pieces. Chicago isn’t there yet. One must figure they work to bridge the gap over the next two months.
I believe Waldron will have some influence on the draft. After he analyzes the roster he will have an opinion on what he needs and I believe Flus will relay this to Poles.
The win game should take a step forward.
@blockwood9 There could be some truth to them going to a pass first offense. I don’t believe that is the intention, but in the event they decide to trade Fields, he’s the single biggest reason why their rushing attack has been good. It’s not the “scheme”, nor Getsy, the running backs they have, nor the offensive line. Not only is Fields their only real explosive/breakaway type ball carrier (we certainly don’t have anyone as good as Gibbs in Detroit or Aaron Jones in Green Bay), he’s been their leading rusher in each of the past two seasons, accounted for more… Read more »
Tred, I think out of all the choices, the 2 most likely to stay to the play script would be Bagent and Penix Jr. JMHO.
Gee, in the OC hunt, Poles and Flus BOTH said they want someone who could adapt to the personnel on the team. Eberflus stated when hired, he wants to build the run game to open up the play action. If the Bears have plans on letting Waldron have autonomy in the decision, then it goes contrary to what the Bears have been doing, if indeed Waldron designs a pass first scheme. It seems odd to scrap a top 5 rushing offense and switch to a pass heavy scheme without first having all the weapons established like they do with the… Read more »