The good news for the Chicago Bears and the No. 1 overall pick keeps coming.
If GM Ryan Poles decides to keep the first selection, he’ll have his choice of the best non-quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft, which may end up being Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. following his fantastic performance at the NFL Combine.
The more likely scenario, however, is a trade. But the only way Poles and the Bears can effectuate that strategy is if at least one team is willing to pay the price required to move up for a quarterback.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Chicago Bears won’t have trouble finding a trade partner. Several teams are showing significant interest.
“From my understanding, there is significant, significant interest in that pick,” he said.
“Among teams expected to show interest—the Texans at No. 2 makes sense. Just a quick slide from 1 to 2 for the Chicago Bears. The Atlanta Falcons still in need of a quarterback. Obviously, that would be one to watch. Indianapolis Colts at No. 4 made it clear. General manager Chris Ballard always open for business. Does he take a big swing? And the Panthers still have some questions as well at the quarterback position. No doubt they’re looking hard at some of these top, top guys.”
The Texans and Colts are commonly mentioned as teams the Bears may trade down with. The Falcons haven’t been referenced nearly as much and offer an interesting alternative at No. 8 overall. Panthers head coach Frank Reich professed his affection for Alabama QB Bryce Young at the NFL Combine, fueling speculation that Carolina could be positioning to make a big offer.
The more bidders there are for the No. 1 pick, the more Poles can demand in a trade. And at this point, it seems like a foregone conclusion that Chicago is in line to receive multiple first-round picks to trade down to a spot that would still have them selecting in the top 10.
That’s a big win.
Ryan Poles said this week that a trade out of the No. 1 pick could happen soon after the NFL Combine concludes. If the Chicago Bears want to make a deal, it will make sense to get it done before free agency so their spending strategy can be more calculated. Adding picks to this year’s arsenal and to their 2024 ledger could help facilitate a trade for a veteran, too.
It doesn’t feel like the Chicago Bears trading the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft is an ‘if’ anymore. Instead, it’s a matter of when, and to who.
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