The discussion around the #1 pick will dominate headlines until the Chicago Bears either trade it or make their selection in April. In normal circumstances, people would be focused on what they will do at 9th overall. It is still a top 10 selection, giving them a great opportunity to land another blue-chip talent. GM Ryan Poles proved last year he could find a quality player in that area of the draft, selecting Darnell Wright after a short move down from #9 to #10. People are anxious to see what he might go for this time around.
Adam Jahns of The Athletic spoke with former Bears personnel director Josh Lucas about the potential option available at that spot. Some notable names were mentioned, like Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze, Joe Alt, and Olu Fashanu. However, the overwhelming presence among the nine players listed were defensive linemen. Specifically, pass rushers. Lucas believes that unless somebody with a high grade slips to that 9th spot in April, the decision for Poles will be obvious. Stack the defensive line.
“It’s a great idea to draft a pass rusher, outside or inside, at any point in the draft no matter who is on the other side,” Lucas said. “If there is a pass rusher at No. 9 you love, take him unless there is a player on the board graded significantly higher.”
It’s different at receiver. You might be able to wait if the grades are close on players. This is considered a deep year at the position.
“The league has proven you can get wideouts throughout the draft — not so much on pass rushers,” Lucas said.
One must always keep that in mind. He may wish to build around his new quarterback, whoever that ends up being, but Matt Eberflus is a defensive coach. That is where his expertise centers. Adding more talent to the defense will make the coach happy and likely the Bears better. They already have a stud pass rusher in Montez Sweat. Nobody will want to play the Bears defense if they can get somebody of his caliber on the other side of the line. It is already a strong unit headlined by a young, dynamic secondary. Giving them a pass rush that needs only four players to get home is cheating.
Much of this decision hinges on how confident Ryan Poles is about two things. One is Braxton Jones’ value as a long-term left tackle, and the other is his odds of finding a quality #2 receiver opposite D.J. Moore. Jones played well last year. He seems to be steadily improving. The receiver question is tougher. Both of Poles’ draft picks, Velus Jones and Tyler Scott haven’t yielded great results thus far. He may decide his best bet to finally get a difference-maker is grabbing one early.
Still, if he wants to play it safe, you can never go wrong with another dynamic pass rusher.
