The Chicago Bears are contemplating trading the ninth overall pick in the NFL draft for more draft capital while still obtaining a quality player. General Manager Ryan Poles is considering trading back, and has previously contemplated a double tradeback.
Benefits of Trading Back
Trading back could be highly beneficial for the Bears, as it will give them more opportunities to add talent with upside to the team’s roster. This is especially important for a franchise that currently lacks depth and talent. By acquiring more picks, they can add impact players that otherwise would not have been available.
Balancing Risks vs Rewards
Although trading too far down the board might lower the Bears’ chances of landing an impact player, there are still options to consider. If there is a run on quarterbacks early in the draft as some industry experts predict, this could push good prospects at other positions down the draft board. As such, the Bears could potentially get a top ten talent outside of the top ten due to teams vying for quarterbacks.
David Kaplan, a Chicago sports media personality, states that there are strong indications coming from this year’s owners’ meetings that suggest the Bears are open to doing business and trading their ninth overall pick for later rounds.
Running Backs Not High Priority
It’s been made clear that running backs are not high priority for the Bears going into the 2023 NFL season. The team doesn’t plan on drafting any running backs until day three at best unless they find someone undrafted who fits their needs.
Ryan Poles has stated that he wants a two-back system with players who complement each other’s styles. Currently, they have Khalil Herbert for pop and long runs as well as Foreman for a physical and downhill approach. Travis Homer was added to cater for passing-down situations.
Homer has yet to impress significantly during games, but the Bears still believe in his skills on the field. As such, Chicago is unlikely to add any rookie to their running back room except maybe a pass blocker who goes undrafted.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bears are open to trading their ninth overall pick to obtain more draft capital whilst still obtaining quality players. On the other hand, the priority for running back isn’t high. As a franchise that requires more depth and talent, adding picks should be of utmost priority. It will give them better chances of acquiring impact talent such as top ten players who may fall out of favor with other teams due to a high demand for quarterbacks early in the draft.
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