Caleb Williams is set to become the first overall pick by the Chicago Bears in the upcoming NFL Draft. There’s little doubt about it; the deal is happening.
However, the Bears also hold the No. 9 pick in the draft, giving them significant flexibility.
Chicago has various avenues to explore with their second top-10 selection. They might opt to go in multiple directions or trade back to secure additional assets for later rounds.
In a unique approach, the Bears plan to hold a literal debate among their staff to determine their course of action. The staff will be divided into teams, similar to a high school group project, with each team tasked with presenting a case for a specific player or position. This approach allows for a thorough exploration of all possibilities.
According to general manager Ryan Poles, three primary positions are up for discussion, with two on offense and one on defense. Each team will use factual information to advocate for their position, presenting their arguments to the rest of the Bears’ management.
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I like the numbers in terms of the talented players that can get to nine. We’re going to do some cool things when we get back, kind of break into teams. One team is going to talk about [why] the tackle position is the best to go after, [why] the receiver’s the best, [why] the defensive end’s the best and use factual information to spit that out — and we’ll have a debate in terms of what’s more impactful for our football team, short-term and long-term via ChicagoBears.com.
Poles has also hinted at the potential for a trade, especially considering the depth of this year’s wide receiver class. Trading back could allow the Bears to acquire additional picks while still addressing their needs.
With the possibility of quarterbacks being selected in the first four spots, the non-quarterback draft may not commence until the No. 5 pick. This scenario could leave a wealth of talent available when the Bears are on the clock at No. 9.
While Williams is expected to be the first pick, the Bears must decide whether to add a pass-catcher or a player to protect him. The outcome of their internal debate will influence their selection at No. 9.
