Bryce Young's Impressive Combine Performance Boosts Bears' Leverage in 1 Pick Trade Talks
As the Chicago Bears hold the #1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, they already have significant leverage in the trade market. The Houston Texans sit behind them at #2 and are widely expected to draft a quarterback. With several teams in the top 10 also in need of a quarterback, there is considerable interest in the Bears' pick. However, the biggest question mark was whether the quarterbacks in this draft class could meet the necessary criteria to convince teams to pull the trigger. Bryce Young has undoubtedly addressed those concerns, and in multiple ways.
Experts had already identified the Alabama quarterback as the top option for the draft. His exceptional performance in 2022 had justified this recognition. Young played well from the pocket, had great field vision, threw accurately, and possessed natural playmaking abilities. The only issue was his size, as he was listed at around 190-195 lbs, which is thin for an NFL quarterback, especially one who is under 6'0 tall. However, Young has now proven he can put on weight, weighing in at 204 lbs during the scouting combine.
Moreover, Jordan Schultz of The Score revealed that Young has been acing team interviews from the moment he arrived at the event. It is clear that he is leaving a positive impression in every sense, showcasing his football acumen and natural leadership.
With his impressive performance, Young has made the Bears' job easier. He has ticked all the necessary boxes, assuaging the concerns that teams may have had about him. Now, it comes down to which teams were high on Young heading into the spring. Reports suggest that the Texans are interested, which means they must secure the #1 pick if they want Young to be their future quarterback.
As a result, the Bears' leverage has increased, and their phone lines are open to negotiate. Their asking price is clear: if a team outside the top 10 wants the #1 pick, it will cost a 2nd-round pick in 2023, a 1st-round pick in 2024, and a 1st-round pick in 2025. However, the inclusion of a veteran player in the package could potentially lower the cost. This is precisely the development that the Bears wanted, and now they can wait it out.
