By Donny Black
The Chicago Bears are in a perfect spot to build for their future with the 2023 NFL Draft.
An option for the Bears is to either select the best player available in Jalen Carter or decide to trade the No. 1 pick for a giant haul that could include multiple first-rounders, and/or proven veterans. Personally, I believe Chicago should trade its pick, and here’s why:
Chicago can still be guaranteed Carter or Will Anderson, Jr. by trading back to the No. 4 spot. The rumor mill suggests that the Colts “will do whatever it takes,” as stated by Colts’ general manager Chris Ballard if they find their quarterback of the future in this year’s draft. If Indianapolis does end up trading with Chicago for the No. 1 pick to get its quarterback, Chicago would swap 2023 first-rounders and get the Colts’ fourth overall selection.
Now with the No. 2 overall pick, it’s almost a certainty that the Houston Texans will be selecting a quarterback as well. That leaves the Arizona Cardinals at No. 3 — they have Kyler Murray, so they don’t have an immediate need at quarterback. Future Hall of Famer JJ Watt retired from the NFL this year so there are holes on that defensive front for Arizona. I expect the Cardinals to choose defensive end Anderson, Jr., but they could decide on Carter. Now Chicago can pick up whoever Arizona doesn’t choose between Anderson or Carter. In essence, the Bears can still get the guy they want and bring in a bevy of future picks along with him to start the rebuild.
Ryan Poles, general manager for the Chicago Bears, will be doing what he can to increase the value of his draft pick. Be on the lookout for all kinds of rumors saying the Bears are interested in drafting a quarterback or they are fielding a ton of offers for the first pick to cause a bidding war. Don’t be fooled. Unless a team is foolish enough to trade its entire franchise away, Chicago is sticking with Fields.
In my opinion, the Bears want Carter. Head Coach Matt Eberflus is a defensive guru. As the former defensive coordinator for the Colts, Eberflus’ scheme has one big requirement: an outstanding three-technique. Eberflus calls it “the engine that makes everything go.” Lucky for Eberflus, the 2023 Draft has a generational talent at defensive tackle and his name is Carter. If the Bears don’t end up trading their pick, Carter will be selected as the first overall selection in this year’s NFL Draft. I would recommend keeping an eye out for A “Who will the Chicago Bears Draft” prop bet. That way if the Bears do trade, you can still cash your ticket if they select Carter with a later pick.
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