In mere hours, the Chicago Bears will finally reveal the worst-kept secret in the NFL by officially selecting USC quarterback Caleb Williams as the No. 1 overall pick. However, what’s unclear is what general manager Ryan Poles aims to do with the team’s second top-10 selection at No. 9.
With only four picks total in this year’s draft, the common belief is that the Bears will be looking to trade back to gain more assets. ESPN draft guru Todd McShay agreed with that sentiment and clarified the team’s approach should they move down the draft order.
McShay said the Bears’ top target would be Texas defensive lineman Byron Murphy or the best available wideout, edge rusher or offensive tackle. Meanwhile, he added the only way the Bears stay at No. 9 is if one of the top-tier wideouts including Rome Odunze of Washington or LSU’s Malik Nabers is still on the board.
The return and how far back a trade moves them will go a long way toward determining what kind of talent will be available for the Bears.
Should they agree to a deal with a team looking to move up a few spots to guarantee themselves a quarterback like the Las Vegas Raiders (No. 13), Denver Broncos (No. 12) or division-rival Minnesota Vikings (No. 11), Murphy may still be there for the taking. However, if a trade moves them farther back, Penn State edge rusher Demeioun “Chop” Robinson, Texas WR Adonai Mitchell, or Oklahoma OT Tyler Guyton might move onto Chicago’s radar.
Unsurprisingly, there are varying opinions regarding what the Bears should do with their second first-rounder. For instance, in Dan Brugler of The Athletic’s final mock draft, he has Chicago staying at No. 9 and taking Murphy. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. sees a scenario where the Bears trade back a few spots to select Florida State edge rusher Jared Verse.