Bears' Draft Trade Scenarios: Exploring Options
After months of speculating about the potential trade-back scenarios, the anticipation surrounding the Chicago Bears' strategy for the 2024 NFL Draft intensifies. While contemplating the hypotheticals of trading down from the first overall pick and now the ninth pick, it's evident that these scenarios present distinct challenges. Nonetheless, the prospect of trading down from the ninth pick appears more feasible for the Bears. Two recent mock drafts offer insights into potential trade-back scenarios for the Bears in April's draft.
In one mock draft from The Athletic, the Bears engage in a deal with the Arizona Cardinals. Here's a breakdown:
BEARS RECEIVE: Picks No. 11 (via Arizona through Minnesota) and 71 (equivalent to pick No. 7 in Round 3)CARDINALS RECEIVE: Pick No. 9
In this scenario by Ben Standig, the Bears and Cardinals swap first-round picks, with the Bears moving to the 11th spot. The Cardinals select Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze with the ninth pick, disappointing Bears fans dreaming of an elite WR3 alongside D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen. However, the compensation for bypassing Odunze might be understated. Nonetheless, the Bears secure Florida State edge defender Jared Verse with the 11th pick, adding a formidable pass-rushing talent to their roster. The Bears could envision a dynamic pairing with Montez Sweat, amplifying their defensive prowess.
In another intriguing trade-down scenario presented by Pro Football Focus' Brad Spielberger, the Bears strike a deal with the New Orleans Saints:
BEARS RECEIVE: Picks Nos. 14, 45, and 168SAINTS RECEIVE: Picks Nos. 9, 75
This 3-for-2 exchange provides the Bears with an influx of draft picks in exchange for moving down from the ninth spot. Despite relinquishing their third-round pick, the Bears acquire valuable assets, including a second-round pick and a fifth-round selection. The Saints opt for Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu with the ninth pick, prompting discussions about the Bears' potential decision to fortify their offensive line to protect quarterback Caleb Williams. This strategic move could potentially lead to trading players like Braxton Jones or Teven Jenkins for additional draft capital, although such considerations remain speculative at this stage.
As for the Bears' selection with the No. 14 pick, details are scarce in Spielberger's mock draft. However, alternative mock drafts present enticing prospects across offensive line, wide receiver, and defensive line positions, suggesting a myriad of possibilities for the Bears to explore. In the unpredictable landscape of the NFL Draft, trading back multiple times could offer the Bears an array of options to navigate the complexities of draft night.
| POLL | ||
28 MARS | 77 ANSWERS Bears' Draft Trade Scenarios: Exploring Options Would you consider trading down in the NFL Draft to acquire more picks for your team? | ||
| Yes | 60 | 77.9 % |
| No | 17 | 22.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
