Is Trading Back from the Ninth Pick an Option for the Bears?
After much speculation, GM Ryan Poles, traded away the top overall pick to the Carolina Panthers, receiving a haul of picks and outstanding wide receiver DJ Moore in return. With the ninth pick now in hand, Poles faces the challenge of finding a prospect capable of filling a key role for the team. However, he has acknowledged that one player alone cannot solve all of the Bears' issues.
Interestingly, the ninth pick offers a unique opportunity as it is highly probable that none of the top offensive linemen will be selected in the top eight. This range is where the top linemen are expected to fall, and since the Bears desperately need help on the offensive line, they could use the pick to bolster it. Nevertheless, Poles has shown a willingness to trade down, having already done so last year and with the top pick this year. Could the Bears trade back from nine? Only time will tell.
The Bears have several options with the ninth pick in the draft, with strong prospects at different positions. Wide receiver is unlikely to be selected before the Bears' pick, while cornerback has a few top prospects who may interest teams to move up. Additionally, running back Bijan Robinson is a highly touted prospect.
There may be teams interested in trading up with the Bears on draft day, and Poles may consider it if he has multiple prospects in mind. The trade value will depend on how far back the Bears trade, with a third-round pick for the 12-14 range and a second-round pick for 16-20 range. If the Bears trade out of the top 20, Poles could ask for a 2024 first-round pick or both the second and third round picks this year.
Although trading back would mean missing out on a top 10 talent, the Bears would have a significant number of picks in the 20-65 range, where they could acquire multiple day one starters.
With the Carolina trade, Poles has already made a strong start to the offseason, and with $75 million in cap space, the Bears have more options to improve their team.
| POLL | ||
14 MARS | 96 ANSWERS Is Trading Back from the Ninth Pick an Option for the Bears? Should the Bears try and trade back another time in the draft (their 9th pick)? | ||
| Yes | 48 | 50 % |
| No | 48 | 50 % |
| List of polls | ||
