Poles issues instructions to his team regarding the selection at No. 9
The Chicago Bears appear poised to draft quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, they also hold the No. 9 pick, and following the owner's meetings, general manager Ryan Poles has tasked different segments of his staff with evaluating position groups such as offensive tackle, defensive end, and wide receiver, as reported by Courtney Cronin of ESPN.
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus expressed optimism about securing a top-tier player with the No. 9 pick. "We're confident we'll land a 'blue' player there for sure," Eberflus stated, referring to the highest-rated prospect on the team's draft board. "Our moves in free agency have given us flexibility to select the best player who fits our team in that spot."
Eberflus cited the Bears' offseason acquisitions, made with the anticipation of a rookie quarterback joining the team, as contributing to their flexibility, likely with Williams signing a rookie contract. Poles also discussed the possibility of trading one of their four picks and whether maintaining their current picks would be stagnant.
"This year it doesn't feel that way," Poles remarked. "With the draft capital we've amassed in the past two years, I'm quite comfortable. While it might be uneventful without trades, I'm confident in our position."
Poles' offseason acquisitions, including Keenan Allen, have provided the Bears with flexibility to select the best player available at No. 9, as Eberflus noted. There's anticipation that a highly talented prospect will be within reach for Chicago at that pick, potentially making an immediate impact.
Now, let's delve into the potential players at each position who could be available for the Bears with the No. 9 pick. Poles has tasked his staff with evaluating offensive tackles, defensive ends, and wide receivers, suggesting multiple viable options at each position with their current draft position.
| POLL | ||
7 AVRIL | 69 ANSWERS Poles issues instructions to his team regarding the selection at No. 9 Do you think the Chicago Bears will make a trade to move up in the draft? | ||
| Yes | 15 | 21.7 % |
| No | 54 | 78.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
