Few people have covered the NFL draft for a longer period of time than Mel Kiper. He’s worked for ESPN since the 1980s and become one of the most renowned and respected draft analysts in the business. Over that time, he has built up a network of connections, helping him get a good grasp on what players are like as people and what teams may or may not think of them. While he isn’t an insider by any stretch, his stream of information isn’t something to be dismissed. That is why his comments on the Chicago Bears were interesting.
Kiper appeared on Waddle & Silvy for ESPN 1000 to discuss what the team has planned for the 1st round. Everybody agrees Caleb Williams will be the pick at #1 overall. It’s been evident for almost two months. The real intrigue is the 9th overall pick. There is no shortage of possibilities there. From what Kiper has gleaned by asking around the league, there are two likely outcomes expected. Either the Bears will stay put and take Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze if he’s there, or they will trade down from #9 and take a pass rusher.
That pick will go one of two ways. It will either be an offensive playmaker for Williams or a second pass rusher to pair with Montez Sweat. There is an undercurrent of belief that they might go for another offensive lineman, maybe a left tackle, to upgrade over Braxton Jones. Yet the warning signs over the past month don’t point in that direction. Keenan Allen isn’t a guarantee to stay in Chicago beyond 2024. Adding a receiver like Odunze would give them insurance in case he hits free agent. Conversely, moving down and taking a pass rusher solves two problems. It gives the Bears more than their current four picks and fills probably the biggest remaining roster need.
Of course, one variable stands in the way of this. That is the seven picks between #1 and #9. A lot can happen in that space of time. Teams could trade up from outside the top 10, securing players nobody expected to go that early. There is a possibility someone tries getting in front of the Bears for Odunze. Maybe another team isn’t willing to move up to #9. Mel Kiper can’t predict any of that, as is true with even the best insiders. The only thing to do is watch the madness unfold.
