***Chicago Bears Thread*** Ben Johnson hired. The Resurrection Begins! (25 Viewers)

[travdogg]

I'm not sure where I heard/read this, but apparently the Bears/Ben Johnson may actually like Hampton more than Jeanty... or perhaps just based on where they would need to be drafted.

On another note, no way Mason Graham is there for us in the 1st but it'd be a coup if they steal him there. I'm thinking more along the lines of Shemar Stewart to bookend with Sweat. I've moved past Banks, I think he falls to the later 1st.

Stewart is a guy I'd be REALLY disappointed if they took. He's a combine warrior who did next to nothing in college. Personally, I don't think he's even a top 5 EDGE in this class.

I'd love if Will Campbell fell that far. I think the OL has been improved plenty, but I just love Campbell as a prospect.

 

[ZWK]

Yeah, I don't like Shemar Stewart or Mykel Williams at 10 since neither was a good pass rusher in college. It doesn't make sense to draft an EDGE early who hasn't been good at rushing the passer. Their supporters say that Stewart and Williams often lined up inside and had assignments other than getting to the quarterback (like contain on the edge), and there's some truth to that, but there were still plenty of plays where they were on the edge and were rushing the passer and AFAICT they generally weren't good at getting pressure on those plays (though we don't have a perfect data for that breakdown).

It's a bad year to be looking for big edge rushers, which is what Dennis Allen seems to like. There are only 2 EDGE players in this class who weigh 260+, have 33+ inch arms, and have at least pretty good pass rushing stats: Elijah Roberts & Jah Joyner. Both are projected around pick 150; neither has very good athleticism or tape. If I relax the cutoffs (255+ lb, any arm length, lower standard for decent pass rushing stats), then Nic Scourton (projected in the early 2nd) is the earliest projected player who makes the cut (he's 257 lb and otherwise would've made the original cutoffs). He's a plausible pick if he's there in rd2.

If the Bears are going to take a rd1 EDGE, I hope it's because Allen is willing to use a smaller pass rusher, and ideally it would be after a trade-down (e.g. Mike Green in the teens). Today's Underdog mock had them taking Jalon Walker at 14 after a trade-down, which could be ok if the coaching staff has plans they like for how to use him, but a hybrid pass rusher / LB has not typically been part of Dennis Allen defenses, or most NFL defenses.


Here's the complete extended list of biggish EDGE prospects who were at least decent pass rushers - some of these guys seem like reasonable options in rd3-5.

260+ lb, 33+ arms, pretty good pass rushing stats
Elijah Roberts, Jah Joyner

255+ lb
Tyler Baron (258), Nic Scourton (257), Bradyn Swinson (255)

any arm length:
Ahmed Hassanein (32.3), Ashton Gillotte (31.9), Jack Sawyer (31.8), Antwaun Powell-Ryland (31.3, also 258 lb)

lower standard for pass rushing stats:
Tyler Batty, Jordan Burch, Jared Ivey, JT Tuimoloau

 

[rockaction]

Yeah, I don't like Shemar Stewart or Mykel Williams at 10 since neither was a good pass rusher in college. It doesn't make sense to draft an EDGE early who hasn't been good at rushing the passer.

I like the way you put it. Seems simple. I like pass rushing win rate stats as much as the next guy, and I appreciate that setting an edge or taking on blockers is a different role than just rushing the passer, but if you're not getting to the quarterback in college the times you were supposed to rush the passer, then I'm not quite sold. It's not over until a good and disruptive hit has been laid on the quarterback or you've wrapped him up for the sack.

Some guys are masters of the aforementioned pass rush win rate stat that measures beating the block. But that can mean beating the block and maybe nearly getting to the quarterback without affecting much else to do with the play. That's not totally useless (it's close), but I can't imagine it's a stat that translates well to the professional ranks. You want to see quarterbacks ducking, shuffling, impeded noticeably, or down.

 

[Max Power]

ESPN has a mock draft with Shedeur falling to #10 and the Bears trading back to Pitt. Interesting idea and one I'd support for the right price. ESPN has it as #10 and a 5th for #21, 3rd, 4th, 2026 1st, which seems like a no brainer.

ETA: a trade down to #21 and grabbing Hampton would be a win.

 

[rschroeder1]

ESPN has a mock draft with Shedeur falling to #10 and the Bears trading back to Pitt. Interesting idea and one I'd support for the right price. ESPN has it as #10 and a 5th for #21, 3rd, 4th, 2026 1st, which seems like a no brainer.

ETA: a trade down to #21 and grabbing Hampton would be a win.

This is all probably a fool's errand, but it does seem more likely that Sanders could be available at 10 if Adam Schefter's reporting on the Browns preferring Carter is true. If the Giants are out, that leaves Las Vegas (6), Jets (7) and Saints (9) as potential landing spots.

The flip side of all this is that if Sanders does fall to 10, his value is probably not as great as we'd all be hoping.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

ESPN has a mock draft with Shedeur falling to #10 and the Bears trading back to Pitt. Interesting idea and one I'd support for the right price. ESPN has it as #10 and a 5th for #21, 3rd, 4th, 2026 1st, which seems like a no brainer.

ETA: a trade down to #21 and grabbing Hampton would be a win.

This is all probably a fool's errand, but it does seem more likely that Sanders could be available at 10 if Adam Schefter's reporting on the Browns preferring Carter is true. If the Giants are out, that leaves Las Vegas (6), Jets (7) and Saints (9) as potential landing spots.

The flip side of all this is that if Sanders does fall to 10, his value is probably not as great as we'd all be hoping.

I cam totally see Sanders falling like Fields did years ago. I can also see him having a similar career.

 

[InDitkaWeTrust]

ESPN has a mock draft with Shedeur falling to #10 and the Bears trading back to Pitt. Interesting idea and one I'd support for the right price. ESPN has it as #10 and a 5th for #21, 3rd, 4th, 2026 1st, which seems like a no brainer.

ETA: a trade down to #21 and grabbing Hampton would be a win.

That kind of good fortune never happens to the Bears. But I like it!

 

[ZWK]

Devin Duvernay was a great returner early in his career, but last year he was below average as both a kick returner & a punt returner in yards per return.

In 2020-2022 he was above average at both every year, in 2023 he was above average on punts but below average on kickoffs.

Dunno if last year was a fluke or if he has lost some juice (he was 27 years old last season and aging can hit returners hard & early). I hope it's a cheap contract.

It is a cheap contract for Duvernay. 1 year, $1.2M, with $167K gtd. Close to the veteran minimum.

 

[travdogg]

ESPN has a mock draft with Shedeur falling to #10 and the Bears trading back to Pitt. Interesting idea and one I'd support for the right price. ESPN has it as #10 and a 5th for #21, 3rd, 4th, 2026 1st, which seems like a no brainer.

ETA: a trade down to #21 and grabbing Hampton would be a win.

It'd be a no-brainer because the Steelers would have to have no brains to offer that.

 

[rschroeder1]

ESPN has a mock draft with Shedeur falling to #10 and the Bears trading back to Pitt. Interesting idea and one I'd support for the right price. ESPN has it as #10 and a 5th for #21, 3rd, 4th, 2026 1st, which seems like a no brainer.

ETA: a trade down to #21 and grabbing Hampton would be a win.

It'd be a no-brainer because the Steelers would have to have no brains to offer that.

Feels like fan discontent may drive the Steelers to do something less than smart sooner rather than later.

 

[InDitkaWeTrust]

ESPN has a mock draft with Shedeur falling to #10 and the Bears trading back to Pitt. Interesting idea and one I'd support for the right price. ESPN has it as #10 and a 5th for #21, 3rd, 4th, 2026 1st, which seems like a no brainer.

ETA: a trade down to #21 and grabbing Hampton would be a win.

It'd be a no-brainer because the Steelers would have to have no brains to offer that.

Feels like fan discontent may drive the Steelers to do something less than smart sooner rather than later.

Doubtful. They won't make a trade unless Sanders ACTUALLY falls to #10. I seriously doubt that happens. They won't make that particular trade because it's not even close in value.

 

[ZWK]

I'd be happy with a trade-down, even if it's for a usual return rather than this kind of huge haul like the Fields & Mahomes trades. Trading down is usually a win, I'm not wild about anyone at 10, and there are some players I like who are projected to go in the 20s like WR Egbuka, DT Nolen, DT Harmon, and maybe EDGE Pearce.

Here's an attempt to rank the Bears' options at 10, focusing on the guys in the top 16 on the consensus board (excluding Carter & Hunter who will be gone by 10, and the QBs):

Mason Graham, Tetairoa McMillan, Will Johnson, Ashton Jeanty, Tyler Warren, Will Campbell, Jahdae Barron, Jalon Walker, Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks, Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart

Where the biggest negatives are positional value for Jeanty and (to a lesser extent) Warren, lack of need/fit for the OL, Warren, Barron, and Walker, and negative player takes on Williams, Stewart, and (to a lesser extent) Walker. For most of the players outside the top 4, having the pick work out will depend a lot on the team's plan for the player/roster/scheme and how well they execute on making it work, e.g. Jalon Walker would be a terrible pick if Dennis Allen doesn't want him & have a plan for him.

 

[Max Power]

I'd be happy with a trade-down, even if it's for a usual return rather than this kind of huge haul like the Fields & Mahomes trades. Trading down is usually a win, I'm not wild about anyone at 10, and there are some players I like who are projected to go in the 20s like WR Egbuka, DT Nolen, DT Harmon, and maybe EDGE Pearce.

Here's an attempt to rank the Bears' options at 10, focusing on the guys in the top 16 on the consensus board (excluding Carter & Hunter who will be gone by 10, and the QBs):

Mason Graham, Tetairoa McMillan, Will Johnson, Ashton Jeanty, Tyler Warren, Will Campbell, Jahdae Barron, Jalon Walker, Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks, Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart

Where the biggest negatives are positional value for Jeanty and (to a lesser extent) Warren, lack of need/fit for the OL, Warren, Barron, and Walker, and negative player takes on Williams, Stewart, and (to a lesser extent) Walker. For most of the players outside the top 4, having the pick work out will depend a lot on the team's plan for the player/roster/scheme and how well they execute on making it work, e.g. Jalon Walker would be a terrible pick if Dennis Allen doesn't want him & have a plan for him.

The more I think about how this board is going to break, the more I think Will Johnson is the pick. I'm fine with Jeanty at 10 and I think Warren is a luxury pick, but selfishly I'm ok with it. I don't think a TE makes sense for the team unless Ben Johnson has a lead role for that style of player.

I think both Graham and Campbell will be gone and Tet Mac isn't the best fit for a WR early.

Totally agree that the edge rushers look better after a trade down.

Daniel Jeremiah was on McAfee saying not to expect any big value trades. This class has depth, but lacks top quality in the positions teams normally makes moves for.

 

[ericttspikes]

How real is the Tyler Warren to Bears talk? Doesn't seem like a great pick at 10 but the Bears are only 1 of 3 teams having a private workout with Warren. Seems like they have bigger needs. Maybe just a smokescreen but Johnson did advocate the LaPorta pick, but a second rounder is way different than #10.

 

[Chreesto]

I'd be happy with a trade-down, even if it's for a usual return rather than this kind of huge haul like the Fields & Mahomes trades. Trading down is usually a win, I'm not wild about anyone at 10, and there are some players I like who are projected to go in the 20s like WR Egbuka, DT Nolen, DT Harmon, and maybe EDGE Pearce.

Here's an attempt to rank the Bears' options at 10, focusing on the guys in the top 16 on the consensus board (excluding Carter & Hunter who will be gone by 10, and the QBs):

Mason Graham, Tetairoa McMillan, Will Johnson, Ashton Jeanty, Tyler Warren, Will Campbell, Jahdae Barron, Jalon Walker, Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks, Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart

Where the biggest negatives are positional value for Jeanty and (to a lesser extent) Warren, lack of need/fit for the OL, Warren, Barron, and Walker, and negative player takes on Williams, Stewart, and (to a lesser extent) Walker. For most of the players outside the top 4, having the pick work out will depend a lot on the team's plan for the player/roster/scheme and how well they execute on making it work, e.g. Jalon Walker would be a terrible pick if Dennis Allen doesn't want him & have a plan for him.

The more I think about how this board is going to break, the more I think Will Johnson is the pick. I'm fine with Jeanty at 10 and I think Warren is a luxury pick, but selfishly I'm ok with it. I don't think a TE makes sense for the team unless Ben Johnson has a lead role for that style of player.

I think both Graham and Campbell will be gone and Tet Mac isn't the best fit for a WR early.

Totally agree that the edge rushers look better after a trade down.

Daniel Jeremiah was on McAfee saying not to expect any big value trades. This class has depth, but lacks top quality in the positions teams normally makes moves for.

The more I think about this draft, the more I would like to trade back to 15-20 and get an extra pick. If we do pick at ten, I am really warming up to the idea of Jeanty - he may not be available, but I think that his selection would mean that Ben Johnson has a specific plan for him. That same sentiment would apply to Tyler Warren. For my money, Warren doesn't look like the kind of game-changing prospect that Bowers obviously was, but, for the first time in my 48 years, I trust the Bears. If they want to reach for him I would expect some very interesting usage of 12 personnel.

 

[Max Power]

How real is the Tyler Warren to Bears talk? Doesn't seem like a great pick at 10 but the Bears are only 1 of 3 teams having a private workout with Warren. Seems like they have bigger needs. Maybe just a smokescreen but Johnson did advocate the LaPorta pick, but a second rounder is way different than #10.

I like the idea from a tactical standpoint with Ben Johnson. Warren has a unique skillset where he can lineup wide, TE, in the backfield and even at QB. Ben draws up a dozen plays using him in unique ways and now defenses are forced to spend time game planning against all these looks. That will take aa significant amount of game prep for an opposing defense, which should be a win for the other traditional offensive snaps.

The Bears have also been bad on short yardage plays for a couple years now. Warren would be a great weapon for the QB sneak/tush push.

Long way of saying I can get behind it due to Johnson's presence. Any other staff and I'd be a hard pass.

 

[ZWK]

ESPN's Draft Day Predictor ranks the most likely picks at 10 as (in order): Will Johnson, Ashton Jeanty, Will Campbell, Tetairoa McMillan, Mykel Williams, Tyler Warren, Armand Membou

They expect Jalon Walker to be gone before pick 10, but he would be a top possibility if he's still there.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

I'd be happy with a trade-down, even if it's for a usual return rather than this kind of huge haul like the Fields & Mahomes trades. Trading down is usually a win, I'm not wild about anyone at 10, and there are some players I like who are projected to go in the 20s like WR Egbuka, DT Nolen, DT Harmon, and maybe EDGE Pearce.

Here's an attempt to rank the Bears' options at 10, focusing on the guys in the top 16 on the consensus board (excluding Carter & Hunter who will be gone by 10, and the QBs):

Mason Graham, Tetairoa McMillan, Will Johnson, Ashton Jeanty, Tyler Warren, Will Campbell, Jahdae Barron, Jalon Walker, Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks, Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart

Where the biggest negatives are positional value for Jeanty and (to a lesser extent) Warren, lack of need/fit for the OL, Warren, Barron, and Walker, and negative player takes on Williams, Stewart, and (to a lesser extent) Walker. For most of the players outside the top 4, having the pick work out will depend a lot on the team's plan for the player/roster/scheme and how well they execute on making it work, e.g. Jalon Walker would be a terrible pick if Dennis Allen doesn't want him & have a plan for him.

The more I think about how this board is going to break, the more I think Will Johnson is the pick. I'm fine with Jeanty at 10 and I think Warren is a luxury pick, but selfishly I'm ok with it. I don't think a TE makes sense for the team unless Ben Johnson has a lead role for that style of player.

I think both Graham and Campbell will be gone and Tet Mac isn't the best fit for a WR early.

Totally agree that the edge rushers look better after a trade down.

Daniel Jeremiah was on McAfee saying not to expect any big value trades. This class has depth, but lacks top quality in the positions teams normally makes moves for.

I've come to that conclusion regarding Will Johnson as well. You can never have too many good players at CB.
I think a sneaky pick would be Kenneth Grant if they trade down. They really, really need help in the interior of the DL

 

[Max Power]

ESPN Yates latest two round Mock...

#10 - Campbell
#39 - Egbuka
#41 - Judkins

I can't argue with the second round picks. Bears get amazing value in this mock. Not a fan of all Offense with the first three picks, but if that's how the draft falls... These three picks would really round out the offense.

 

[travdogg]

I'd be happy with a trade-down, even if it's for a usual return rather than this kind of huge haul like the Fields & Mahomes trades. Trading down is usually a win, I'm not wild about anyone at 10, and there are some players I like who are projected to go in the 20s like WR Egbuka, DT Nolen, DT Harmon, and maybe EDGE Pearce.

Here's an attempt to rank the Bears' options at 10, focusing on the guys in the top 16 on the consensus board (excluding Carter & Hunter who will be gone by 10, and the QBs):

Mason Graham, Tetairoa McMillan, Will Johnson, Ashton Jeanty, Tyler Warren, Will Campbell, Jahdae Barron, Jalon Walker, Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks, Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart

Where the biggest negatives are positional value for Jeanty and (to a lesser extent) Warren, lack of need/fit for the OL, Warren, Barron, and Walker, and negative player takes on Williams, Stewart, and (to a lesser extent) Walker. For most of the players outside the top 4, having the pick work out will depend a lot on the team's plan for the player/roster/scheme and how well they execute on making it work, e.g. Jalon Walker would be a terrible pick if Dennis Allen doesn't want him & have a plan for him.

The more I think about how this board is going to break, the more I think Will Johnson is the pick. I'm fine with Jeanty at 10 and I think Warren is a luxury pick, but selfishly I'm ok with it. I don't think a TE makes sense for the team unless Ben Johnson has a lead role for that style of player.

I think both Graham and Campbell will be gone and Tet Mac isn't the best fit for a WR early.

Totally agree that the edge rushers look better after a trade down.

Daniel Jeremiah was on McAfee saying not to expect any big value trades. This class has depth, but lacks top quality in the positions teams normally makes moves for.

I think Barron would be a way better fit for the secondary than Johnson. I'd be happy with Warren. I think Kmet is fine, but Warren offers A TON more. Also, 2 TE sets are a good way to protect the QB in my opinion. I kinda hate all the EDGEs that aren't Carter in the top 10. Just feels like they aren't that different than what will be there at 39.

Why don't you like McMillan as a fit? In theory, it'd allow them to use DJ Moore in an ARSB role, which could improve both the deep and intermediate pass game.

The bolded is exactly why I think the Bears should try to move up for Hunter/Carter.

 

[Max Power]

I'd be happy with a trade-down, even if it's for a usual return rather than this kind of huge haul like the Fields & Mahomes trades. Trading down is usually a win, I'm not wild about anyone at 10, and there are some players I like who are projected to go in the 20s like WR Egbuka, DT Nolen, DT Harmon, and maybe EDGE Pearce.

Here's an attempt to rank the Bears' options at 10, focusing on the guys in the top 16 on the consensus board (excluding Carter & Hunter who will be gone by 10, and the QBs):

Mason Graham, Tetairoa McMillan, Will Johnson, Ashton Jeanty, Tyler Warren, Will Campbell, Jahdae Barron, Jalon Walker, Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks, Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart

Where the biggest negatives are positional value for Jeanty and (to a lesser extent) Warren, lack of need/fit for the OL, Warren, Barron, and Walker, and negative player takes on Williams, Stewart, and (to a lesser extent) Walker. For most of the players outside the top 4, having the pick work out will depend a lot on the team's plan for the player/roster/scheme and how well they execute on making it work, e.g. Jalon Walker would be a terrible pick if Dennis Allen doesn't want him & have a plan for him.

The more I think about how this board is going to break, the more I think Will Johnson is the pick. I'm fine with Jeanty at 10 and I think Warren is a luxury pick, but selfishly I'm ok with it. I don't think a TE makes sense for the team unless Ben Johnson has a lead role for that style of player.

I think both Graham and Campbell will be gone and Tet Mac isn't the best fit for a WR early.

Totally agree that the edge rushers look better after a trade down.

Daniel Jeremiah was on McAfee saying not to expect any big value trades. This class has depth, but lacks top quality in the positions teams normally makes moves for.

I think Barron would be a way better fit for the secondary than Johnson. I'd be happy with Warren. I think Kmet is fine, but Warren offers A TON more. Also, 2 TE sets are a good way to protect the QB in my opinion. I kinda hate all the EDGEs that aren't Carter in the top 10. Just feels like they aren't that different than what will be there at 39.

Why don't you like McMillan as a fit? In theory, it'd allow them to use DJ Moore in an ARSB role, which could improve both the deep and intermediate pass game.

The bolded is exactly why I think the Bears should try to move up for Hunter/Carter.

I think Moore would be good but not great out of the slot. A lesser ASB. I'd like to see a better slot WR than Zaccheaus, but we can see what we have there.

My concern with McMillan is that I'm still operating off Ben Johnson running a similar offense that Detroit ran. I know personnel is very different and think he's a smart enough coach to change his gameplan based on the players he has. I do know that he loves play action, under center snaps and throwing to the slot.

Just some rough numbers from the top3 WR targets for the Lions last season ASR 29%, Williams 10.5%, Patrick 8.8%. With Moore in the slot, I bet he's near ASR target rate. Tet Mac feels like a similar WR to Rome and I think both of them working on the outside with low teen target shares isn't ideal for development for the draft capital of top 10 picks.

 

[InDitkaWeTrust]

The draft order of the top 10 seems to change daily, much more than most drafts I've seen. I think Poles sits at 10 and takes BPA unless a high value trade falls in his lap. Dude likes to wheel and deal, so maybe it happens and maybe it doesn't. I think it really depends on who falls out of the top 9.

That said, I'm warming to the idea that a guy like Warren could spend a LOT of time in the slot and move around a ton. He seems like an incredibly weapon for Ben to utilize. I'm less excited about the WR options at #10. If Egbuka falls to the Bears 2nd round pick(s) then I'd love to get him. Can you imagine leaving the 1st 2 rounds with Warren, Hampton, and Egbuka???

 

[ZWK]

I'd be happy with a trade-down, even if it's for a usual return rather than this kind of huge haul like the Fields & Mahomes trades. Trading down is usually a win, I'm not wild about anyone at 10, and there are some players I like who are projected to go in the 20s like WR Egbuka, DT Nolen, DT Harmon, and maybe EDGE Pearce.

Here's an attempt to rank the Bears' options at 10, focusing on the guys in the top 16 on the consensus board (excluding Carter & Hunter who will be gone by 10, and the QBs):

Mason Graham, Tetairoa McMillan, Will Johnson, Ashton Jeanty, Tyler Warren, Will Campbell, Jahdae Barron, Jalon Walker, Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks, Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart

Where the biggest negatives are positional value for Jeanty and (to a lesser extent) Warren, lack of need/fit for the OL, Warren, Barron, and Walker, and negative player takes on Williams, Stewart, and (to a lesser extent) Walker. For most of the players outside the top 4, having the pick work out will depend a lot on the team's plan for the player/roster/scheme and how well they execute on making it work, e.g. Jalon Walker would be a terrible pick if Dennis Allen doesn't want him & have a plan for him.

The more I think about how this board is going to break, the more I think Will Johnson is the pick. I'm fine with Jeanty at 10 and I think Warren is a luxury pick, but selfishly I'm ok with it. I don't think a TE makes sense for the team unless Ben Johnson has a lead role for that style of player.

I think both Graham and Campbell will be gone and Tet Mac isn't the best fit for a WR early.

Totally agree that the edge rushers look better after a trade down.

Daniel Jeremiah was on McAfee saying not to expect any big value trades. This class has depth, but lacks top quality in the positions teams normally makes moves for.

I think Barron would be a way better fit for the secondary than Johnson. I'd be happy with Warren. I think Kmet is fine, but Warren offers A TON more. Also, 2 TE sets are a good way to protect the QB in my opinion. I kinda hate all the EDGEs that aren't Carter in the top 10. Just feels like they aren't that different than what will be there at 39.

Why don't you like McMillan as a fit? In theory, it'd allow them to use DJ Moore in an ARSB role, which could improve both the deep and intermediate pass game.

The bolded is exactly why I think the Bears should try to move up for Hunter/Carter.

CB: Will Johnson profiles as an outside corner, Barron can move around but is probably at his best in the slot. The Bears have Gordon in the slot (though he's in a contract year) a hole at outside corner with Tyrique Stevenson & Terell Smith competing. So Johnson is a more natural fit for their roster gaps.

TE is a combo of: it's hard to build much of your offense around 2 TE sets (last year every team used multiple TEs on less than half their snaps), Kmet is fine, early TE picks don't have a great track record, and Warren is a good prospect but not Bowers-level. The big advantage of taking a shot at TE is that the top NFL TEs (Gronk, Kelce, Kittle) have generally been underpaid relative to the value they provide on the field, so if you hit on that level of player and the contract trend continues, he could provide a outsize value to your offense for many years.

McMillan: Part of what teams like about him is his size & potential to be a good X receiver, and the Bears don't need that as much with Odunze already there. (Though size is also useful in other ways, including as a big slot, and McMillan could turn out to be a better X than Odunze.) Also, the Bears lack speed in their receiving corps and could use a speedy deep threat to open things up, and McMillan doesn't help with that. I still like him enough for the Bears to have him 2nd behind Graham on my draft board.

I generally like trade-downs more than trade-ups because trade-ups are so expensive. Trade-downs give you more shots to land an elite player like Jaylon Johnson. They also often let you land more solid players on cheap contracts, which both helps keep the roster from having too many holes over the next 4 years and lets the team use money to sign good players instead of using it to fill holes with averageish players like Grady Jarrett & Jonah Jackson. (Though that savings is less useful if the team keeps choosing to turn its cap space into signings like Jarrett & Jackson.)

 

[travdogg]

I'd be happy with a trade-down, even if it's for a usual return rather than this kind of huge haul like the Fields & Mahomes trades. Trading down is usually a win, I'm not wild about anyone at 10, and there are some players I like who are projected to go in the 20s like WR Egbuka, DT Nolen, DT Harmon, and maybe EDGE Pearce.

Here's an attempt to rank the Bears' options at 10, focusing on the guys in the top 16 on the consensus board (excluding Carter & Hunter who will be gone by 10, and the QBs):

Mason Graham, Tetairoa McMillan, Will Johnson, Ashton Jeanty, Tyler Warren, Will Campbell, Jahdae Barron, Jalon Walker, Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks, Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart

Where the biggest negatives are positional value for Jeanty and (to a lesser extent) Warren, lack of need/fit for the OL, Warren, Barron, and Walker, and negative player takes on Williams, Stewart, and (to a lesser extent) Walker. For most of the players outside the top 4, having the pick work out will depend a lot on the team's plan for the player/roster/scheme and how well they execute on making it work, e.g. Jalon Walker would be a terrible pick if Dennis Allen doesn't want him & have a plan for him.

The more I think about how this board is going to break, the more I think Will Johnson is the pick. I'm fine with Jeanty at 10 and I think Warren is a luxury pick, but selfishly I'm ok with it. I don't think a TE makes sense for the team unless Ben Johnson has a lead role for that style of player.

I think both Graham and Campbell will be gone and Tet Mac isn't the best fit for a WR early.

Totally agree that the edge rushers look better after a trade down.

Daniel Jeremiah was on McAfee saying not to expect any big value trades. This class has depth, but lacks top quality in the positions teams normally makes moves for.

I think Barron would be a way better fit for the secondary than Johnson. I'd be happy with Warren. I think Kmet is fine, but Warren offers A TON more. Also, 2 TE sets are a good way to protect the QB in my opinion. I kinda hate all the EDGEs that aren't Carter in the top 10. Just feels like they aren't that different than what will be there at 39.

Why don't you like McMillan as a fit? In theory, it'd allow them to use DJ Moore in an ARSB role, which could improve both the deep and intermediate pass game.

The bolded is exactly why I think the Bears should try to move up for Hunter/Carter.

CB: Will Johnson profiles as an outside corner, Barron can move around but is probably at his best in the slot. The Bears have Gordon in the slot (though he's in a contract year) a hole at outside corner with Tyrique Stevenson & Terell Smith competing. So Johnson is a more natural fit for their roster gaps.

TE is a combo of: it's hard to build much of your offense around 2 TE sets (last year every team used multiple TEs on less than half their snaps), Kmet is fine, early TE picks don't have a great track record, and Warren is a good prospect but not Bowers-level. The big advantage of taking a shot at TE is that the top NFL TEs (Gronk, Kelce, Kittle) have generally been underpaid relative to the value they provide on the field, so if you hit on that level of player and the contract trend continues, he could provide a outsize value to your offense for many years.

McMillan: Part of what teams like about him is his size & potential to be a good X receiver, and the Bears don't need that as much with Odunze already there. (Though size is also useful in other ways, including as a big slot, and McMillan could turn out to be a better X than Odunze.) Also, the Bears lack speed in their receiving corps and could use a speedy deep threat to open things up, and McMillan doesn't help with that. I still like him enough for the Bears to have him 2nd behind Graham on my draft board.

I generally like trade-downs more than trade-ups because trade-ups are so expensive. Trade-downs give you more shots to land an elite player like Jaylon Johnson. They also often let you land more solid players on cheap contracts, which both helps keep the roster from having too many holes over the next 4 years and lets the team use money to sign good players instead of using it to fill holes with averageish players like Grady Jarrett & Jonah Jackson. (Though that savings is less useful if the team keeps choosing to turn its cap space into signings like Jarrett & Jackson.)

I think the Barron slot stuff is kinda weird. He played over 5 times the amount of snaps outside than in the slot last season, and that was his best season. Its not like 5-11 195 is too small to play outside. Pretty much agree with you on Warren. I just think he has that top 5 TE upside. Loveland does too, I find this TE class to be outstanding.

I think the speed element in the WR room is a little overrated. Like sure they wouldn't have a 4.3 guy, but Odunze and McMillan are both 4.48 guys, and DJ Moore has got behind defenses his entire career, despite being a 4.55 guy. I think the big plays on downfield throws are there with McMillan. He's probably my ideal pick if he's there and they stay at 10. Truth be told, I think he's a better prospect than Odunze was, but I realize I'm on a slight island there.

What did you think of what I did in the shark pool mock? Its almost certainly not happening, but it felt like the best option to me.

 

[ZWK]

I'd be happy with a trade-down, even if it's for a usual return rather than this kind of huge haul like the Fields & Mahomes trades. Trading down is usually a win, I'm not wild about anyone at 10, and there are some players I like who are projected to go in the 20s like WR Egbuka, DT Nolen, DT Harmon, and maybe EDGE Pearce.

Here's an attempt to rank the Bears' options at 10, focusing on the guys in the top 16 on the consensus board (excluding Carter & Hunter who will be gone by 10, and the QBs):

Mason Graham, Tetairoa McMillan, Will Johnson, Ashton Jeanty, Tyler Warren, Will Campbell, Jahdae Barron, Jalon Walker, Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks, Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart

Where the biggest negatives are positional value for Jeanty and (to a lesser extent) Warren, lack of need/fit for the OL, Warren, Barron, and Walker, and negative player takes on Williams, Stewart, and (to a lesser extent) Walker. For most of the players outside the top 4, having the pick work out will depend a lot on the team's plan for the player/roster/scheme and how well they execute on making it work, e.g. Jalon Walker would be a terrible pick if Dennis Allen doesn't want him & have a plan for him.

The more I think about how this board is going to break, the more I think Will Johnson is the pick. I'm fine with Jeanty at 10 and I think Warren is a luxury pick, but selfishly I'm ok with it. I don't think a TE makes sense for the team unless Ben Johnson has a lead role for that style of player.

I think both Graham and Campbell will be gone and Tet Mac isn't the best fit for a WR early.

Totally agree that the edge rushers look better after a trade down.

Daniel Jeremiah was on McAfee saying not to expect any big value trades. This class has depth, but lacks top quality in the positions teams normally makes moves for.

I think Barron would be a way better fit for the secondary than Johnson. I'd be happy with Warren. I think Kmet is fine, but Warren offers A TON more. Also, 2 TE sets are a good way to protect the QB in my opinion. I kinda hate all the EDGEs that aren't Carter in the top 10. Just feels like they aren't that different than what will be there at 39.

Why don't you like McMillan as a fit? In theory, it'd allow them to use DJ Moore in an ARSB role, which could improve both the deep and intermediate pass game.

The bolded is exactly why I think the Bears should try to move up for Hunter/Carter.

CB: Will Johnson profiles as an outside corner, Barron can move around but is probably at his best in the slot. The Bears have Gordon in the slot (though he's in a contract year) a hole at outside corner with Tyrique Stevenson & Terell Smith competing. So Johnson is a more natural fit for their roster gaps.

TE is a combo of: it's hard to build much of your offense around 2 TE sets (last year every team used multiple TEs on less than half their snaps), Kmet is fine, early TE picks don't have a great track record, and Warren is a good prospect but not Bowers-level. The big advantage of taking a shot at TE is that the top NFL TEs (Gronk, Kelce, Kittle) have generally been underpaid relative to the value they provide on the field, so if you hit on that level of player and the contract trend continues, he could provide a outsize value to your offense for many years.

McMillan: Part of what teams like about him is his size & potential to be a good X receiver, and the Bears don't need that as much with Odunze already there. (Though size is also useful in other ways, including as a big slot, and McMillan could turn out to be a better X than Odunze.) Also, the Bears lack speed in their receiving corps and could use a speedy deep threat to open things up, and McMillan doesn't help with that. I still like him enough for the Bears to have him 2nd behind Graham on my draft board.

I generally like trade-downs more than trade-ups because trade-ups are so expensive. Trade-downs give you more shots to land an elite player like Jaylon Johnson. They also often let you land more solid players on cheap contracts, which both helps keep the roster from having too many holes over the next 4 years and lets the team use money to sign good players instead of using it to fill holes with averageish players like Grady Jarrett & Jonah Jackson. (Though that savings is less useful if the team keeps choosing to turn its cap space into signings like Jarrett & Jackson.)

I think the Barron slot stuff is kinda weird. He played over 5 times the amount of snaps outside than in the slot last season, and that was his best season. Its not like 5-11 195 is too small to play outside. Pretty much agree with you on Warren. I just think he has that top 5 TE upside. Loveland does too, I find this TE class to be outstanding.

I think the speed element in the WR room is a little overrated. Like sure they wouldn't have a 4.3 guy, but Odunze and McMillan are both 4.48 guys, and DJ Moore has got behind defenses his entire career, despite being a 4.55 guy. I think the big plays on downfield throws are there with McMillan. He's probably my ideal pick if he's there and they stay at 10. Truth be told, I think he's a better prospect than Odunze was, but I realize I'm on a slight island there.

What did you think of what I did in the shark pool mock? Its almost certainly not happening, but it felt like the best option to me.

I do love Hunter & Carter, but I wouldn't have given up both 2nds to move up. Probably would've given 1 of them, which presumably means that I wouldn't have been able to make the trade.

I have McMillan & Odunze pretty close as prospects; not sure which I prefer. Odunze was my favorite player at 9 last year but I wanted a trade-down (that's what I did in last year's shark pool mock). Partly that's because last year's 1st round was so deep - my draft board after Odunze was Dallas Turner, Jared Verse, Byron Murphy, Brian Thomas, Chop Robinson, and Laiatu Latu, all of whom would probably belong in the first half of rd1 this year.

 

[InDitkaWeTrust]

I'd be happy with a trade-down, even if it's for a usual return rather than this kind of huge haul like the Fields & Mahomes trades. Trading down is usually a win, I'm not wild about anyone at 10, and there are some players I like who are projected to go in the 20s like WR Egbuka, DT Nolen, DT Harmon, and maybe EDGE Pearce.

Here's an attempt to rank the Bears' options at 10, focusing on the guys in the top 16 on the consensus board (excluding Carter & Hunter who will be gone by 10, and the QBs):

Mason Graham, Tetairoa McMillan, Will Johnson, Ashton Jeanty, Tyler Warren, Will Campbell, Jahdae Barron, Jalon Walker, Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks, Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart

Where the biggest negatives are positional value for Jeanty and (to a lesser extent) Warren, lack of need/fit for the OL, Warren, Barron, and Walker, and negative player takes on Williams, Stewart, and (to a lesser extent) Walker. For most of the players outside the top 4, having the pick work out will depend a lot on the team's plan for the player/roster/scheme and how well they execute on making it work, e.g. Jalon Walker would be a terrible pick if Dennis Allen doesn't want him & have a plan for him.

The more I think about how this board is going to break, the more I think Will Johnson is the pick. I'm fine with Jeanty at 10 and I think Warren is a luxury pick, but selfishly I'm ok with it. I don't think a TE makes sense for the team unless Ben Johnson has a lead role for that style of player.

I think both Graham and Campbell will be gone and Tet Mac isn't the best fit for a WR early.

Totally agree that the edge rushers look better after a trade down.

Daniel Jeremiah was on McAfee saying not to expect any big value trades. This class has depth, but lacks top quality in the positions teams normally makes moves for.

I think Barron would be a way better fit for the secondary than Johnson. I'd be happy with Warren. I think Kmet is fine, but Warren offers A TON more. Also, 2 TE sets are a good way to protect the QB in my opinion. I kinda hate all the EDGEs that aren't Carter in the top 10. Just feels like they aren't that different than what will be there at 39.

Why don't you like McMillan as a fit? In theory, it'd allow them to use DJ Moore in an ARSB role, which could improve both the deep and intermediate pass game.

The bolded is exactly why I think the Bears should try to move up for Hunter/Carter.

CB: Will Johnson profiles as an outside corner, Barron can move around but is probably at his best in the slot. The Bears have Gordon in the slot (though he's in a contract year) a hole at outside corner with Tyrique Stevenson & Terell Smith competing. So Johnson is a more natural fit for their roster gaps.

TE is a combo of: it's hard to build much of your offense around 2 TE sets (last year every team used multiple TEs on less than half their snaps), Kmet is fine, early TE picks don't have a great track record, and Warren is a good prospect but not Bowers-level. The big advantage of taking a shot at TE is that the top NFL TEs (Gronk, Kelce, Kittle) have generally been underpaid relative to the value they provide on the field, so if you hit on that level of player and the contract trend continues, he could provide a outsize value to your offense for many years.

McMillan: Part of what teams like about him is his size & potential to be a good X receiver, and the Bears don't need that as much with Odunze already there. (Though size is also useful in other ways, including as a big slot, and McMillan could turn out to be a better X than Odunze.) Also, the Bears lack speed in their receiving corps and could use a speedy deep threat to open things up, and McMillan doesn't help with that. I still like him enough for the Bears to have him 2nd behind Graham on my draft board.

I generally like trade-downs more than trade-ups because trade-ups are so expensive. Trade-downs give you more shots to land an elite player like Jaylon Johnson. They also often let you land more solid players on cheap contracts, which both helps keep the roster from having too many holes over the next 4 years and lets the team use money to sign good players instead of using it to fill holes with averageish players like Grady Jarrett & Jonah Jackson. (Though that savings is less useful if the team keeps choosing to turn its cap space into signings like Jarrett & Jackson.)

I think the Barron slot stuff is kinda weird. He played over 5 times the amount of snaps outside than in the slot last season, and that was his best season. Its not like 5-11 195 is too small to play outside. Pretty much agree with you on Warren. I just think he has that top 5 TE upside. Loveland does too, I find this TE class to be outstanding.

I think the speed element in the WR room is a little overrated. Like sure they wouldn't have a 4.3 guy, but Odunze and McMillan are both 4.48 guys, and DJ Moore has got behind defenses his entire career, despite being a 4.55 guy. I think the big plays on downfield throws are there with McMillan. He's probably my ideal pick if he's there and they stay at 10. Truth be told, I think he's a better prospect than Odunze was, but I realize I'm on a slight island there.

What did you think of what I did in the shark pool mock? Its almost certainly not happening, but it felt like the best option to me.

The Bears are more than a CB (albeit a stellar one) away from the Superbowl. I'm also a fan of building a team from the lines out. As such, I'd prefer to stay pat at 10 and use the high 2nds to pull in additional talent. Coming out of the 2nd with an Edge, OT, and a RB would be ideal and would bolster multiple positions on a team that needs starters AND rotational players.

 

[travdogg]

I'd be happy with a trade-down, even if it's for a usual return rather than this kind of huge haul like the Fields & Mahomes trades. Trading down is usually a win, I'm not wild about anyone at 10, and there are some players I like who are projected to go in the 20s like WR Egbuka, DT Nolen, DT Harmon, and maybe EDGE Pearce.

Here's an attempt to rank the Bears' options at 10, focusing on the guys in the top 16 on the consensus board (excluding Carter & Hunter who will be gone by 10, and the QBs):

Mason Graham, Tetairoa McMillan, Will Johnson, Ashton Jeanty, Tyler Warren, Will Campbell, Jahdae Barron, Jalon Walker, Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks, Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart

Where the biggest negatives are positional value for Jeanty and (to a lesser extent) Warren, lack of need/fit for the OL, Warren, Barron, and Walker, and negative player takes on Williams, Stewart, and (to a lesser extent) Walker. For most of the players outside the top 4, having the pick work out will depend a lot on the team's plan for the player/roster/scheme and how well they execute on making it work, e.g. Jalon Walker would be a terrible pick if Dennis Allen doesn't want him & have a plan for him.

The more I think about how this board is going to break, the more I think Will Johnson is the pick. I'm fine with Jeanty at 10 and I think Warren is a luxury pick, but selfishly I'm ok with it. I don't think a TE makes sense for the team unless Ben Johnson has a lead role for that style of player.

I think both Graham and Campbell will be gone and Tet Mac isn't the best fit for a WR early.

Totally agree that the edge rushers look better after a trade down.

Daniel Jeremiah was on McAfee saying not to expect any big value trades. This class has depth, but lacks top quality in the positions teams normally makes moves for.

I think Barron would be a way better fit for the secondary than Johnson. I'd be happy with Warren. I think Kmet is fine, but Warren offers A TON more. Also, 2 TE sets are a good way to protect the QB in my opinion. I kinda hate all the EDGEs that aren't Carter in the top 10. Just feels like they aren't that different than what will be there at 39.

Why don't you like McMillan as a fit? In theory, it'd allow them to use DJ Moore in an ARSB role, which could improve both the deep and intermediate pass game.

The bolded is exactly why I think the Bears should try to move up for Hunter/Carter.

CB: Will Johnson profiles as an outside corner, Barron can move around but is probably at his best in the slot. The Bears have Gordon in the slot (though he's in a contract year) a hole at outside corner with Tyrique Stevenson & Terell Smith competing. So Johnson is a more natural fit for their roster gaps.

TE is a combo of: it's hard to build much of your offense around 2 TE sets (last year every team used multiple TEs on less than half their snaps), Kmet is fine, early TE picks don't have a great track record, and Warren is a good prospect but not Bowers-level. The big advantage of taking a shot at TE is that the top NFL TEs (Gronk, Kelce, Kittle) have generally been underpaid relative to the value they provide on the field, so if you hit on that level of player and the contract trend continues, he could provide a outsize value to your offense for many years.

McMillan: Part of what teams like about him is his size & potential to be a good X receiver, and the Bears don't need that as much with Odunze already there. (Though size is also useful in other ways, including as a big slot, and McMillan could turn out to be a better X than Odunze.) Also, the Bears lack speed in their receiving corps and could use a speedy deep threat to open things up, and McMillan doesn't help with that. I still like him enough for the Bears to have him 2nd behind Graham on my draft board.

I generally like trade-downs more than trade-ups because trade-ups are so expensive. Trade-downs give you more shots to land an elite player like Jaylon Johnson. They also often let you land more solid players on cheap contracts, which both helps keep the roster from having too many holes over the next 4 years and lets the team use money to sign good players instead of using it to fill holes with averageish players like Grady Jarrett & Jonah Jackson. (Though that savings is less useful if the team keeps choosing to turn its cap space into signings like Jarrett & Jackson.)

I think the Barron slot stuff is kinda weird. He played over 5 times the amount of snaps outside than in the slot last season, and that was his best season. Its not like 5-11 195 is too small to play outside. Pretty much agree with you on Warren. I just think he has that top 5 TE upside. Loveland does too, I find this TE class to be outstanding.

I think the speed element in the WR room is a little overrated. Like sure they wouldn't have a 4.3 guy, but Odunze and McMillan are both 4.48 guys, and DJ Moore has got behind defenses his entire career, despite being a 4.55 guy. I think the big plays on downfield throws are there with McMillan. He's probably my ideal pick if he's there and they stay at 10. Truth be told, I think he's a better prospect than Odunze was, but I realize I'm on a slight island there.

What did you think of what I did in the shark pool mock? Its almost certainly not happening, but it felt like the best option to me.

The Bears are more than a CB (albeit a stellar one) away from the Superbowl. I'm also a fan of building a team from the lines out. As such, I'd prefer to stay pat at 10 and use the high 2nds to pull in additional talent. Coming out of the 2nd with an Edge, OT, and a RB would be ideal and would bolster multiple positions on a team that needs starters AND rotational players.

Out of curiosity, what would you think of trading up for Hunter if it was for him to be a WR?

 

[Ray_T]

I'd be happy with a trade-down, even if it's for a usual return rather than this kind of huge haul like the Fields & Mahomes trades. Trading down is usually a win, I'm not wild about anyone at 10, and there are some players I like who are projected to go in the 20s like WR Egbuka, DT Nolen, DT Harmon, and maybe EDGE Pearce.

Here's an attempt to rank the Bears' options at 10, focusing on the guys in the top 16 on the consensus board (excluding Carter & Hunter who will be gone by 10, and the QBs):

Mason Graham, Tetairoa McMillan, Will Johnson, Ashton Jeanty, Tyler Warren, Will Campbell, Jahdae Barron, Jalon Walker, Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks, Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart

Where the biggest negatives are positional value for Jeanty and (to a lesser extent) Warren, lack of need/fit for the OL, Warren, Barron, and Walker, and negative player takes on Williams, Stewart, and (to a lesser extent) Walker. For most of the players outside the top 4, having the pick work out will depend a lot on the team's plan for the player/roster/scheme and how well they execute on making it work, e.g. Jalon Walker would be a terrible pick if Dennis Allen doesn't want him & have a plan for him.

The more I think about how this board is going to break, the more I think Will Johnson is the pick. I'm fine with Jeanty at 10 and I think Warren is a luxury pick, but selfishly I'm ok with it. I don't think a TE makes sense for the team unless Ben Johnson has a lead role for that style of player.

I think both Graham and Campbell will be gone and Tet Mac isn't the best fit for a WR early.

Totally agree that the edge rushers look better after a trade down.

Daniel Jeremiah was on McAfee saying not to expect any big value trades. This class has depth, but lacks top quality in the positions teams normally makes moves for.

I think Barron would be a way better fit for the secondary than Johnson. I'd be happy with Warren. I think Kmet is fine, but Warren offers A TON more. Also, 2 TE sets are a good way to protect the QB in my opinion. I kinda hate all the EDGEs that aren't Carter in the top 10. Just feels like they aren't that different than what will be there at 39.

Why don't you like McMillan as a fit? In theory, it'd allow them to use DJ Moore in an ARSB role, which could improve both the deep and intermediate pass game.

The bolded is exactly why I think the Bears should try to move up for Hunter/Carter.

CB: Will Johnson profiles as an outside corner, Barron can move around but is probably at his best in the slot. The Bears have Gordon in the slot (though he's in a contract year) a hole at outside corner with Tyrique Stevenson & Terell Smith competing. So Johnson is a more natural fit for their roster gaps.

TE is a combo of: it's hard to build much of your offense around 2 TE sets (last year every team used multiple TEs on less than half their snaps), Kmet is fine, early TE picks don't have a great track record, and Warren is a good prospect but not Bowers-level. The big advantage of taking a shot at TE is that the top NFL TEs (Gronk, Kelce, Kittle) have generally been underpaid relative to the value they provide on the field, so if you hit on that level of player and the contract trend continues, he could provide a outsize value to your offense for many years.

McMillan: Part of what teams like about him is his size & potential to be a good X receiver, and the Bears don't need that as much with Odunze already there. (Though size is also useful in other ways, including as a big slot, and McMillan could turn out to be a better X than Odunze.) Also, the Bears lack speed in their receiving corps and could use a speedy deep threat to open things up, and McMillan doesn't help with that. I still like him enough for the Bears to have him 2nd behind Graham on my draft board.

I generally like trade-downs more than trade-ups because trade-ups are so expensive. Trade-downs give you more shots to land an elite player like Jaylon Johnson. They also often let you land more solid players on cheap contracts, which both helps keep the roster from having too many holes over the next 4 years and lets the team use money to sign good players instead of using it to fill holes with averageish players like Grady Jarrett & Jonah Jackson. (Though that savings is less useful if the team keeps choosing to turn its cap space into signings like Jarrett & Jackson.)

I think the Barron slot stuff is kinda weird. He played over 5 times the amount of snaps outside than in the slot last season, and that was his best season. Its not like 5-11 195 is too small to play outside. Pretty much agree with you on Warren. I just think he has that top 5 TE upside. Loveland does too, I find this TE class to be outstanding.

I think the speed element in the WR room is a little overrated. Like sure they wouldn't have a 4.3 guy, but Odunze and McMillan are both 4.48 guys, and DJ Moore has got behind defenses his entire career, despite being a 4.55 guy. I think the big plays on downfield throws are there with McMillan. He's probably my ideal pick if he's there and they stay at 10. Truth be told, I think he's a better prospect than Odunze was, but I realize I'm on a slight island there.

What did you think of what I did in the shark pool mock? Its almost certainly not happening, but it felt like the best option to me.

The Bears are more than a CB (albeit a stellar one) away from the Superbowl. I'm also a fan of building a team from the lines out. As such, I'd prefer to stay pat at 10 and use the high 2nds to pull in additional talent. Coming out of the 2nd with an Edge, OT, and a RB would be ideal and would bolster multiple positions on a team that needs starters AND rotational players.

I dont take issue with the move.

the only caveat: if making a move like that, you NEED to nail the pick. Bottom line: if he nails it, hes fine. if he doesnt, thats an awfully tough move to explain because of the price you paid for a dud.

but if swinging for the fences, do a full swing. none of this half azz stuff some teams do. This is a full swing for the fences and either it works or it doesnt.

 

[InDitkaWeTrust]

I'd be happy with a trade-down, even if it's for a usual return rather than this kind of huge haul like the Fields & Mahomes trades. Trading down is usually a win, I'm not wild about anyone at 10, and there are some players I like who are projected to go in the 20s like WR Egbuka, DT Nolen, DT Harmon, and maybe EDGE Pearce.

Here's an attempt to rank the Bears' options at 10, focusing on the guys in the top 16 on the consensus board (excluding Carter & Hunter who will be gone by 10, and the QBs):

Mason Graham, Tetairoa McMillan, Will Johnson, Ashton Jeanty, Tyler Warren, Will Campbell, Jahdae Barron, Jalon Walker, Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks, Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart

Where the biggest negatives are positional value for Jeanty and (to a lesser extent) Warren, lack of need/fit for the OL, Warren, Barron, and Walker, and negative player takes on Williams, Stewart, and (to a lesser extent) Walker. For most of the players outside the top 4, having the pick work out will depend a lot on the team's plan for the player/roster/scheme and how well they execute on making it work, e.g. Jalon Walker would be a terrible pick if Dennis Allen doesn't want him & have a plan for him.

The more I think about how this board is going to break, the more I think Will Johnson is the pick. I'm fine with Jeanty at 10 and I think Warren is a luxury pick, but selfishly I'm ok with it. I don't think a TE makes sense for the team unless Ben Johnson has a lead role for that style of player.

I think both Graham and Campbell will be gone and Tet Mac isn't the best fit for a WR early.

Totally agree that the edge rushers look better after a trade down.

Daniel Jeremiah was on McAfee saying not to expect any big value trades. This class has depth, but lacks top quality in the positions teams normally makes moves for.

I think Barron would be a way better fit for the secondary than Johnson. I'd be happy with Warren. I think Kmet is fine, but Warren offers A TON more. Also, 2 TE sets are a good way to protect the QB in my opinion. I kinda hate all the EDGEs that aren't Carter in the top 10. Just feels like they aren't that different than what will be there at 39.

Why don't you like McMillan as a fit? In theory, it'd allow them to use DJ Moore in an ARSB role, which could improve both the deep and intermediate pass game.

The bolded is exactly why I think the Bears should try to move up for Hunter/Carter.

CB: Will Johnson profiles as an outside corner, Barron can move around but is probably at his best in the slot. The Bears have Gordon in the slot (though he's in a contract year) a hole at outside corner with Tyrique Stevenson & Terell Smith competing. So Johnson is a more natural fit for their roster gaps.

TE is a combo of: it's hard to build much of your offense around 2 TE sets (last year every team used multiple TEs on less than half their snaps), Kmet is fine, early TE picks don't have a great track record, and Warren is a good prospect but not Bowers-level. The big advantage of taking a shot at TE is that the top NFL TEs (Gronk, Kelce, Kittle) have generally been underpaid relative to the value they provide on the field, so if you hit on that level of player and the contract trend continues, he could provide a outsize value to your offense for many years.

McMillan: Part of what teams like about him is his size & potential to be a good X receiver, and the Bears don't need that as much with Odunze already there. (Though size is also useful in other ways, including as a big slot, and McMillan could turn out to be a better X than Odunze.) Also, the Bears lack speed in their receiving corps and could use a speedy deep threat to open things up, and McMillan doesn't help with that. I still like him enough for the Bears to have him 2nd behind Graham on my draft board.

I generally like trade-downs more than trade-ups because trade-ups are so expensive. Trade-downs give you more shots to land an elite player like Jaylon Johnson. They also often let you land more solid players on cheap contracts, which both helps keep the roster from having too many holes over the next 4 years and lets the team use money to sign good players instead of using it to fill holes with averageish players like Grady Jarrett & Jonah Jackson. (Though that savings is less useful if the team keeps choosing to turn its cap space into signings like Jarrett & Jackson.)

I think the Barron slot stuff is kinda weird. He played over 5 times the amount of snaps outside than in the slot last season, and that was his best season. Its not like 5-11 195 is too small to play outside. Pretty much agree with you on Warren. I just think he has that top 5 TE upside. Loveland does too, I find this TE class to be outstanding.

I think the speed element in the WR room is a little overrated. Like sure they wouldn't have a 4.3 guy, but Odunze and McMillan are both 4.48 guys, and DJ Moore has got behind defenses his entire career, despite being a 4.55 guy. I think the big plays on downfield throws are there with McMillan. He's probably my ideal pick if he's there and they stay at 10. Truth be told, I think he's a better prospect than Odunze was, but I realize I'm on a slight island there.

What did you think of what I did in the shark pool mock? Its almost certainly not happening, but it felt like the best option to me.

The Bears are more than a CB (albeit a stellar one) away from the Superbowl. I'm also a fan of building a team from the lines out. As such, I'd prefer to stay pat at 10 and use the high 2nds to pull in additional talent. Coming out of the 2nd with an Edge, OT, and a RB would be ideal and would bolster multiple positions on a team that needs starters AND rotational players.

Out of curiosity, what would you think of trading up for Hunter if it was for him to be a WR?

IMO there isn't top 10 value for a WR in this draft, inclusive of Hunter. For me, losing both 2nd rounders is a non-starter. Those high 2nds project to guys who should be plus starters that the Bears need.

ETA - I hear all the buzz surrounding Hunter as the WR1 in this class and I'm just not buying it. Dude was really good, but the NEED in the league for a premier CB is much higher. I'd expect he'll get reps at WR wherever he goes, but I'd be really surprised if it's more than 20% of all offensive snaps.

 

[Max Power]

I'd be happy with a trade-down, even if it's for a usual return rather than this kind of huge haul like the Fields & Mahomes trades. Trading down is usually a win, I'm not wild about anyone at 10, and there are some players I like who are projected to go in the 20s like WR Egbuka, DT Nolen, DT Harmon, and maybe EDGE Pearce.

Here's an attempt to rank the Bears' options at 10, focusing on the guys in the top 16 on the consensus board (excluding Carter & Hunter who will be gone by 10, and the QBs):

Mason Graham, Tetairoa McMillan, Will Johnson, Ashton Jeanty, Tyler Warren, Will Campbell, Jahdae Barron, Jalon Walker, Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks, Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart

Where the biggest negatives are positional value for Jeanty and (to a lesser extent) Warren, lack of need/fit for the OL, Warren, Barron, and Walker, and negative player takes on Williams, Stewart, and (to a lesser extent) Walker. For most of the players outside the top 4, having the pick work out will depend a lot on the team's plan for the player/roster/scheme and how well they execute on making it work, e.g. Jalon Walker would be a terrible pick if Dennis Allen doesn't want him & have a plan for him.

The more I think about how this board is going to break, the more I think Will Johnson is the pick. I'm fine with Jeanty at 10 and I think Warren is a luxury pick, but selfishly I'm ok with it. I don't think a TE makes sense for the team unless Ben Johnson has a lead role for that style of player.

I think both Graham and Campbell will be gone and Tet Mac isn't the best fit for a WR early.

Totally agree that the edge rushers look better after a trade down.

Daniel Jeremiah was on McAfee saying not to expect any big value trades. This class has depth, but lacks top quality in the positions teams normally makes moves for.

I think Barron would be a way better fit for the secondary than Johnson. I'd be happy with Warren. I think Kmet is fine, but Warren offers A TON more. Also, 2 TE sets are a good way to protect the QB in my opinion. I kinda hate all the EDGEs that aren't Carter in the top 10. Just feels like they aren't that different than what will be there at 39.

Why don't you like McMillan as a fit? In theory, it'd allow them to use DJ Moore in an ARSB role, which could improve both the deep and intermediate pass game.

The bolded is exactly why I think the Bears should try to move up for Hunter/Carter.

CB: Will Johnson profiles as an outside corner, Barron can move around but is probably at his best in the slot. The Bears have Gordon in the slot (though he's in a contract year) a hole at outside corner with Tyrique Stevenson & Terell Smith competing. So Johnson is a more natural fit for their roster gaps.

TE is a combo of: it's hard to build much of your offense around 2 TE sets (last year every team used multiple TEs on less than half their snaps), Kmet is fine, early TE picks don't have a great track record, and Warren is a good prospect but not Bowers-level. The big advantage of taking a shot at TE is that the top NFL TEs (Gronk, Kelce, Kittle) have generally been underpaid relative to the value they provide on the field, so if you hit on that level of player and the contract trend continues, he could provide a outsize value to your offense for many years.

McMillan: Part of what teams like about him is his size & potential to be a good X receiver, and the Bears don't need that as much with Odunze already there. (Though size is also useful in other ways, including as a big slot, and McMillan could turn out to be a better X than Odunze.) Also, the Bears lack speed in their receiving corps and could use a speedy deep threat to open things up, and McMillan doesn't help with that. I still like him enough for the Bears to have him 2nd behind Graham on my draft board.

I generally like trade-downs more than trade-ups because trade-ups are so expensive. Trade-downs give you more shots to land an elite player like Jaylon Johnson. They also often let you land more solid players on cheap contracts, which both helps keep the roster from having too many holes over the next 4 years and lets the team use money to sign good players instead of using it to fill holes with averageish players like Grady Jarrett & Jonah Jackson. (Though that savings is less useful if the team keeps choosing to turn its cap space into signings like Jarrett & Jackson.)

I think the Barron slot stuff is kinda weird. He played over 5 times the amount of snaps outside than in the slot last season, and that was his best season. Its not like 5-11 195 is too small to play outside. Pretty much agree with you on Warren. I just think he has that top 5 TE upside. Loveland does too, I find this TE class to be outstanding.

I think the speed element in the WR room is a little overrated. Like sure they wouldn't have a 4.3 guy, but Odunze and McMillan are both 4.48 guys, and DJ Moore has got behind defenses his entire career, despite being a 4.55 guy. I think the big plays on downfield throws are there with McMillan. He's probably my ideal pick if he's there and they stay at 10. Truth be told, I think he's a better prospect than Odunze was, but I realize I'm on a slight island there.

What did you think of what I did in the shark pool mock? Its almost certainly not happening, but it felt like the best option to me.

The Bears are more than a CB (albeit a stellar one) away from the Superbowl. I'm also a fan of building a team from the lines out. As such, I'd prefer to stay pat at 10 and use the high 2nds to pull in additional talent. Coming out of the 2nd with an Edge, OT, and a RB would be ideal and would bolster multiple positions on a team that needs starters AND rotational players.

Out of curiosity, what would you think of trading up for Hunter if it was for him to be a WR?

IMO there isn't top 10 value for a WR in this draft, inclusive of Hunter. For me, losing both 2nd rounders is a non-starter. Those high 2nds project to guys who should be plus starters that the Bears need.

Since that Egbuka at 39 mock, I've fell in love with the idea. He's a perfect slot in this offense and its excellent value. I thought he was a top 25 prospect, but I'm starting to see him slip in mocks mainly because he doesn't have one elite skill and projects to be a #2 WR in the NFL.

Agreed that 39 and 41 have a ton of potential. Two picks that close also give the Bears a ton of freedom to set up picks where their (team's) value is.

 

[Max Power]

Love the Case Keenum signing. I think the Bears made a mistake not having a seasoned vet around Caleb. Bagent is a great value for an undrafted FA, but offers little to nothing for Franchise QB development.

 

[Max Power]

Bears 7-round mock draft: Chicago makes MASSIVE trade to land elite defensive stud

The Chicago Bears will enter the 2025 season with expectations to win. To do that, they must add one more blue-chip prospect in the NFL Draft.

www.si.com

This mock highlights what could be a more plausible trade up for Chicago. IF two QBs go in the top 3 picks, it would leave one of Hunter or Carter on the board at 4. Bears send #10 and #39 to NE #4. Trade value chart has this as a + for NE. Bears can get a blue chip player and still have a second round pick. This would be a win all day.

Now we just need someone to draft Shedeur....

 

[InDitkaWeTrust]

Love the Case Keenum signing. I think the Bears made a mistake not having a seasoned vet around Caleb. Bagent is a great value for an undrafted FA, but offers little to nothing for Franchise QB development.

At this point in his career, Keenum is more of a QB coach anyway. I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up on the coaching staff in 2026 if he meshes well with Caleb.

 

[InDitkaWeTrust]

Bears 7-round mock draft: Chicago makes MASSIVE trade to land elite defensive stud

The Chicago Bears will enter the 2025 season with expectations to win. To do that, they must add one more blue-chip prospect in the NFL Draft.

www.si.com

This mock highlights what could be a more plausible trade up for Chicago. IF two QBs go in the top 3 picks, it would leave one of Hunter or Carter on the board at 4. Bears send #10 and #39 to NE #4. Trade value chart has this as a + for NE. Bears can get a blue chip player and still have a second round pick. This would be a win all day.

Now we just need someone to draft Shedeur....

I wouldn't hate that trade one bit, but I'm guessing it'll need more draft assets than just #10 and #39.

 

[ZWK]

I'd be happy with a trade-down, even if it's for a usual return rather than this kind of huge haul like the Fields & Mahomes trades. Trading down is usually a win, I'm not wild about anyone at 10, and there are some players I like who are projected to go in the 20s like WR Egbuka, DT Nolen, DT Harmon, and maybe EDGE Pearce.

Here's an attempt to rank the Bears' options at 10, focusing on the guys in the top 16 on the consensus board (excluding Carter & Hunter who will be gone by 10, and the QBs):

Mason Graham, Tetairoa McMillan, Will Johnson, Ashton Jeanty, Tyler Warren, Will Campbell, Jahdae Barron, Jalon Walker, Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks, Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart

Where the biggest negatives are positional value for Jeanty and (to a lesser extent) Warren, lack of need/fit for the OL, Warren, Barron, and Walker, and negative player takes on Williams, Stewart, and (to a lesser extent) Walker. For most of the players outside the top 4, having the pick work out will depend a lot on the team's plan for the player/roster/scheme and how well they execute on making it work, e.g. Jalon Walker would be a terrible pick if Dennis Allen doesn't want him & have a plan for him.

The more I think about how this board is going to break, the more I think Will Johnson is the pick. I'm fine with Jeanty at 10 and I think Warren is a luxury pick, but selfishly I'm ok with it. I don't think a TE makes sense for the team unless Ben Johnson has a lead role for that style of player.

I think both Graham and Campbell will be gone and Tet Mac isn't the best fit for a WR early.

Totally agree that the edge rushers look better after a trade down.

Daniel Jeremiah was on McAfee saying not to expect any big value trades. This class has depth, but lacks top quality in the positions teams normally makes moves for.

I think Barron would be a way better fit for the secondary than Johnson. I'd be happy with Warren. I think Kmet is fine, but Warren offers A TON more. Also, 2 TE sets are a good way to protect the QB in my opinion. I kinda hate all the EDGEs that aren't Carter in the top 10. Just feels like they aren't that different than what will be there at 39.

Why don't you like McMillan as a fit? In theory, it'd allow them to use DJ Moore in an ARSB role, which could improve both the deep and intermediate pass game.

The bolded is exactly why I think the Bears should try to move up for Hunter/Carter.

CB: Will Johnson profiles as an outside corner, Barron can move around but is probably at his best in the slot. The Bears have Gordon in the slot (though he's in a contract year) a hole at outside corner with Tyrique Stevenson & Terell Smith competing. So Johnson is a more natural fit for their roster gaps.

TE is a combo of: it's hard to build much of your offense around 2 TE sets (last year every team used multiple TEs on less than half their snaps), Kmet is fine, early TE picks don't have a great track record, and Warren is a good prospect but not Bowers-level. The big advantage of taking a shot at TE is that the top NFL TEs (Gronk, Kelce, Kittle) have generally been underpaid relative to the value they provide on the field, so if you hit on that level of player and the contract trend continues, he could provide a outsize value to your offense for many years.

McMillan: Part of what teams like about him is his size & potential to be a good X receiver, and the Bears don't need that as much with Odunze already there. (Though size is also useful in other ways, including as a big slot, and McMillan could turn out to be a better X than Odunze.) Also, the Bears lack speed in their receiving corps and could use a speedy deep threat to open things up, and McMillan doesn't help with that. I still like him enough for the Bears to have him 2nd behind Graham on my draft board.

I generally like trade-downs more than trade-ups because trade-ups are so expensive. Trade-downs give you more shots to land an elite player like Jaylon Johnson. They also often let you land more solid players on cheap contracts, which both helps keep the roster from having too many holes over the next 4 years and lets the team use money to sign good players instead of using it to fill holes with averageish players like Grady Jarrett & Jonah Jackson. (Though that savings is less useful if the team keeps choosing to turn its cap space into signings like Jarrett & Jackson.)

I think the Barron slot stuff is kinda weird. He played over 5 times the amount of snaps outside than in the slot last season, and that was his best season. Its not like 5-11 195 is too small to play outside. Pretty much agree with you on Warren. I just think he has that top 5 TE upside. Loveland does too, I find this TE class to be outstanding.

I think the speed element in the WR room is a little overrated. Like sure they wouldn't have a 4.3 guy, but Odunze and McMillan are both 4.48 guys, and DJ Moore has got behind defenses his entire career, despite being a 4.55 guy. I think the big plays on downfield throws are there with McMillan. He's probably my ideal pick if he's there and they stay at 10. Truth be told, I think he's a better prospect than Odunze was, but I realize I'm on a slight island there.

What did you think of what I did in the shark pool mock? Its almost certainly not happening, but it felt like the best option to me.

I do love Hunter & Carter, but I wouldn't have given up both 2nds to move up. Probably would've given 1 of them, which presumably means that I wouldn't have been able to make the trade.

I have McMillan & Odunze pretty close as prospects; not sure which I prefer. Odunze was my favorite player at 9 last year but I wanted a trade-down (that's what I did in last year's shark pool mock). Partly that's because last year's 1st round was so deep - my draft board after Odunze was Dallas Turner, Jared Verse, Byron Murphy, Brian Thomas, Chop Robinson, and Laiatu Latu, all of whom would probably belong in the first half of rd1 this year.

I'd rather just take Tetairoa McMillan at 10 and keep the 2nds, instead of trading up for Hunter, if that's an option (which it was in this mock).

McMillan actually fell all the way to 16 in our mock (where I took him for ARI), so you even could have traded down to 15 (as a team did, getting 15+67 for 10) and gotten him there. That would make it McMillan+39+41+67 vs. Hunter.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

I'd be happy with a trade-down, even if it's for a usual return rather than this kind of huge haul like the Fields & Mahomes trades. Trading down is usually a win, I'm not wild about anyone at 10, and there are some players I like who are projected to go in the 20s like WR Egbuka, DT Nolen, DT Harmon, and maybe EDGE Pearce.

Here's an attempt to rank the Bears' options at 10, focusing on the guys in the top 16 on the consensus board (excluding Carter & Hunter who will be gone by 10, and the QBs):

Mason Graham, Tetairoa McMillan, Will Johnson, Ashton Jeanty, Tyler Warren, Will Campbell, Jahdae Barron, Jalon Walker, Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks, Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart

Where the biggest negatives are positional value for Jeanty and (to a lesser extent) Warren, lack of need/fit for the OL, Warren, Barron, and Walker, and negative player takes on Williams, Stewart, and (to a lesser extent) Walker. For most of the players outside the top 4, having the pick work out will depend a lot on the team's plan for the player/roster/scheme and how well they execute on making it work, e.g. Jalon Walker would be a terrible pick if Dennis Allen doesn't want him & have a plan for him.

The more I think about how this board is going to break, the more I think Will Johnson is the pick. I'm fine with Jeanty at 10 and I think Warren is a luxury pick, but selfishly I'm ok with it. I don't think a TE makes sense for the team unless Ben Johnson has a lead role for that style of player.

I think both Graham and Campbell will be gone and Tet Mac isn't the best fit for a WR early.

Totally agree that the edge rushers look better after a trade down.

Daniel Jeremiah was on McAfee saying not to expect any big value trades. This class has depth, but lacks top quality in the positions teams normally makes moves for.

I think Barron would be a way better fit for the secondary than Johnson. I'd be happy with Warren. I think Kmet is fine, but Warren offers A TON more. Also, 2 TE sets are a good way to protect the QB in my opinion. I kinda hate all the EDGEs that aren't Carter in the top 10. Just feels like they aren't that different than what will be there at 39.

Why don't you like McMillan as a fit? In theory, it'd allow them to use DJ Moore in an ARSB role, which could improve both the deep and intermediate pass game.

The bolded is exactly why I think the Bears should try to move up for Hunter/Carter.

CB: Will Johnson profiles as an outside corner, Barron can move around but is probably at his best in the slot. The Bears have Gordon in the slot (though he's in a contract year) a hole at outside corner with Tyrique Stevenson & Terell Smith competing. So Johnson is a more natural fit for their roster gaps.

TE is a combo of: it's hard to build much of your offense around 2 TE sets (last year every team used multiple TEs on less than half their snaps), Kmet is fine, early TE picks don't have a great track record, and Warren is a good prospect but not Bowers-level. The big advantage of taking a shot at TE is that the top NFL TEs (Gronk, Kelce, Kittle) have generally been underpaid relative to the value they provide on the field, so if you hit on that level of player and the contract trend continues, he could provide a outsize value to your offense for many years.

McMillan: Part of what teams like about him is his size & potential to be a good X receiver, and the Bears don't need that as much with Odunze already there. (Though size is also useful in other ways, including as a big slot, and McMillan could turn out to be a better X than Odunze.) Also, the Bears lack speed in their receiving corps and could use a speedy deep threat to open things up, and McMillan doesn't help with that. I still like him enough for the Bears to have him 2nd behind Graham on my draft board.

I generally like trade-downs more than trade-ups because trade-ups are so expensive. Trade-downs give you more shots to land an elite player like Jaylon Johnson. They also often let you land more solid players on cheap contracts, which both helps keep the roster from having too many holes over the next 4 years and lets the team use money to sign good players instead of using it to fill holes with averageish players like Grady Jarrett & Jonah Jackson. (Though that savings is less useful if the team keeps choosing to turn its cap space into signings like Jarrett & Jackson.)

I think the Barron slot stuff is kinda weird. He played over 5 times the amount of snaps outside than in the slot last season, and that was his best season. Its not like 5-11 195 is too small to play outside. Pretty much agree with you on Warren. I just think he has that top 5 TE upside. Loveland does too, I find this TE class to be outstanding.

I think the speed element in the WR room is a little overrated. Like sure they wouldn't have a 4.3 guy, but Odunze and McMillan are both 4.48 guys, and DJ Moore has got behind defenses his entire career, despite being a 4.55 guy. I think the big plays on downfield throws are there with McMillan. He's probably my ideal pick if he's there and they stay at 10. Truth be told, I think he's a better prospect than Odunze was, but I realize I'm on a slight island there.

What did you think of what I did in the shark pool mock? Its almost certainly not happening, but it felt like the best option to me.

I do love Hunter & Carter, but I wouldn't have given up both 2nds to move up. Probably would've given 1 of them, which presumably means that I wouldn't have been able to make the trade.

I have McMillan & Odunze pretty close as prospects; not sure which I prefer. Odunze was my favorite player at 9 last year but I wanted a trade-down (that's what I did in last year's shark pool mock). Partly that's because last year's 1st round was so deep - my draft board after Odunze was Dallas Turner, Jared Verse, Byron Murphy, Brian Thomas, Chop Robinson, and Laiatu Latu, all of whom would probably belong in the first half of rd1 this year.

I'd rather just take Tetairoa McMillan at 10 and keep the 2nds, instead of trading up for Hunter, if that's an option (which it was in this mock).

McMillan actually fell all the way to 16 in our mock (where I took him for ARI), so you even could have traded down to 15 (as a team did, getting 15+67 for 10) and gotten him there. That would make it McMillan+39+41+67 vs. Hunter.

I'm not in love with.any of these WR. I'm ok with Hunter, but it seems like he wants to play CB.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

I'd be happy with a trade-down, even if it's for a usual return rather than this kind of huge haul like the Fields & Mahomes trades. Trading down is usually a win, I'm not wild about anyone at 10, and there are some players I like who are projected to go in the 20s like WR Egbuka, DT Nolen, DT Harmon, and maybe EDGE Pearce.

Here's an attempt to rank the Bears' options at 10, focusing on the guys in the top 16 on the consensus board (excluding Carter & Hunter who will be gone by 10, and the QBs):

Mason Graham, Tetairoa McMillan, Will Johnson, Ashton Jeanty, Tyler Warren, Will Campbell, Jahdae Barron, Jalon Walker, Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks, Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart

Where the biggest negatives are positional value for Jeanty and (to a lesser extent) Warren, lack of need/fit for the OL, Warren, Barron, and Walker, and negative player takes on Williams, Stewart, and (to a lesser extent) Walker. For most of the players outside the top 4, having the pick work out will depend a lot on the team's plan for the player/roster/scheme and how well they execute on making it work, e.g. Jalon Walker would be a terrible pick if Dennis Allen doesn't want him & have a plan for him.

The more I think about how this board is going to break, the more I think Will Johnson is the pick. I'm fine with Jeanty at 10 and I think Warren is a luxury pick, but selfishly I'm ok with it. I don't think a TE makes sense for the team unless Ben Johnson has a lead role for that style of player.

I think both Graham and Campbell will be gone and Tet Mac isn't the best fit for a WR early.

Totally agree that the edge rushers look better after a trade down.

Daniel Jeremiah was on McAfee saying not to expect any big value trades. This class has depth, but lacks top quality in the positions teams normally makes moves for.

I think Barron would be a way better fit for the secondary than Johnson. I'd be happy with Warren. I think Kmet is fine, but Warren offers A TON more. Also, 2 TE sets are a good way to protect the QB in my opinion. I kinda hate all the EDGEs that aren't Carter in the top 10. Just feels like they aren't that different than what will be there at 39.

Why don't you like McMillan as a fit? In theory, it'd allow them to use DJ Moore in an ARSB role, which could improve both the deep and intermediate pass game.

The bolded is exactly why I think the Bears should try to move up for Hunter/Carter.

CB: Will Johnson profiles as an outside corner, Barron can move around but is probably at his best in the slot. The Bears have Gordon in the slot (though he's in a contract year) a hole at outside corner with Tyrique Stevenson & Terell Smith competing. So Johnson is a more natural fit for their roster gaps.

TE is a combo of: it's hard to build much of your offense around 2 TE sets (last year every team used multiple TEs on less than half their snaps), Kmet is fine, early TE picks don't have a great track record, and Warren is a good prospect but not Bowers-level. The big advantage of taking a shot at TE is that the top NFL TEs (Gronk, Kelce, Kittle) have generally been underpaid relative to the value they provide on the field, so if you hit on that level of player and the contract trend continues, he could provide a outsize value to your offense for many years.

McMillan: Part of what teams like about him is his size & potential to be a good X receiver, and the Bears don't need that as much with Odunze already there. (Though size is also useful in other ways, including as a big slot, and McMillan could turn out to be a better X than Odunze.) Also, the Bears lack speed in their receiving corps and could use a speedy deep threat to open things up, and McMillan doesn't help with that. I still like him enough for the Bears to have him 2nd behind Graham on my draft board.

I generally like trade-downs more than trade-ups because trade-ups are so expensive. Trade-downs give you more shots to land an elite player like Jaylon Johnson. They also often let you land more solid players on cheap contracts, which both helps keep the roster from having too many holes over the next 4 years and lets the team use money to sign good players instead of using it to fill holes with averageish players like Grady Jarrett & Jonah Jackson. (Though that savings is less useful if the team keeps choosing to turn its cap space into signings like Jarrett & Jackson.)

I think the Barron slot stuff is kinda weird. He played over 5 times the amount of snaps outside than in the slot last season, and that was his best season. Its not like 5-11 195 is too small to play outside. Pretty much agree with you on Warren. I just think he has that top 5 TE upside. Loveland does too, I find this TE class to be outstanding.

I think the speed element in the WR room is a little overrated. Like sure they wouldn't have a 4.3 guy, but Odunze and McMillan are both 4.48 guys, and DJ Moore has got behind defenses his entire career, despite being a 4.55 guy. I think the big plays on downfield throws are there with McMillan. He's probably my ideal pick if he's there and they stay at 10. Truth be told, I think he's a better prospect than Odunze was, but I realize I'm on a slight island there.

What did you think of what I did in the shark pool mock? Its almost certainly not happening, but it felt like the best option to me.

The Bears are more than a CB (albeit a stellar one) away from the Superbowl. I'm also a fan of building a team from the lines out. As such, I'd prefer to stay pat at 10 and use the high 2nds to pull in additional talent. Coming out of the 2nd with an Edge, OT, and a RB would be ideal and would bolster multiple positions on a team that needs starters AND rotational players.

Out of curiosity, what would you think of trading up for Hunter if it was for him to be a WR?

Well, we already passed up on Jalen Carter. Why not make the same mistake again?

 

[fatness]

Olamide Zaccheaus's deal is just $1.5M for 1 year. Great signing for the Bears at that price.

That is a good price. Washington should have kept him.

 

[calcinorjones]

Bears 7-round mock draft: Chicago makes MASSIVE trade to land elite defensive stud

The Chicago Bears will enter the 2025 season with expectations to win. To do that, they must add one more blue-chip prospect in the NFL Draft.

www.si.com

This mock highlights what could be a more plausible trade up for Chicago. IF two QBs go in the top 3 picks, it would leave one of Hunter or Carter on the board at 4. Bears send #10 and #39 to NE #4. Trade value chart has this as a + for NE. Bears can get a blue chip player and still have a second round pick. This would be a win all day.

Now we just need someone to draft Shedeur....

These are interesting articles. The one thing that jumps out at me with these NFL drafts is the constant dangling of the shiny new objects that distract more than add the priority value. This is still a rebuild and arguably a rebuild that many thought in 2024 would result in a better outcome. I thought the team would hit at least 7-10 wins with all the new additions. Wow was that a mistake.

Last year was a lesson in adding while going in the wrong direction. The off season certainly remedied a lot of the issues and gaps in the coaching staff but this isn't an auto slam dunk to the next level. I am not convinced that the plug and pray OL moves are different from what we have seen in the past. Aside from the gaps in the coaching staff, the team struggled mightily with stopping the run and stopping defenses from sacking the crown jewel. SI is suggesting giving up draft capital for a shot at a defensive end. Not sure why this is a good idea for a 5 win team that has a lot to prove and is in dire need of fixing issues on both lines. Does a move like this vastly improve the defense in the key areas in need of improvement in lieu of the cost? I'm very hesitant in letting NE dictate draft capital and the flow of the draft for a player that might not be a top priority. This is not a draft to move up. This is a draft to get as much quality as possible with three big picks to FINALLY stabilize critical areas that have burned the team for years especially the OL. I would hate to help NE out in any fashion. Let them wallow in mediocrity for 30 years.

Put me in the camp of fixing these lines with what comes our way. The true value in this draft is cutting the sacks down. The true value of this draft is plugging the middle of the DL and drastically improving the defensive rushing numbers. 3 big picks gives the team a wild card on the third pick after these line issues are addressed. If an OT, DT, DE work here I am ecstatic. It its a DT, OT, OG and RB than great. The sexy picks can come after the first three picks or next year once the foundation has no cracks. As of today, both lines have cracks. Fix this, validate that the moves work than get the last pieces if this turns around. This team is still at high risk of having a bottom third OL and a bottom 5 defensive rushing unit. If this happens again and we lose draft capital it's a huge step backwards. Sorry for the soap box rant and as always - appreciate everyone's perspective.

 

[InDitkaWeTrust]

I'd be happy with a trade-down, even if it's for a usual return rather than this kind of huge haul like the Fields & Mahomes trades. Trading down is usually a win, I'm not wild about anyone at 10, and there are some players I like who are projected to go in the 20s like WR Egbuka, DT Nolen, DT Harmon, and maybe EDGE Pearce.

Here's an attempt to rank the Bears' options at 10, focusing on the guys in the top 16 on the consensus board (excluding Carter & Hunter who will be gone by 10, and the QBs):

Mason Graham, Tetairoa McMillan, Will Johnson, Ashton Jeanty, Tyler Warren, Will Campbell, Jahdae Barron, Jalon Walker, Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks, Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart

Where the biggest negatives are positional value for Jeanty and (to a lesser extent) Warren, lack of need/fit for the OL, Warren, Barron, and Walker, and negative player takes on Williams, Stewart, and (to a lesser extent) Walker. For most of the players outside the top 4, having the pick work out will depend a lot on the team's plan for the player/roster/scheme and how well they execute on making it work, e.g. Jalon Walker would be a terrible pick if Dennis Allen doesn't want him & have a plan for him.

The more I think about how this board is going to break, the more I think Will Johnson is the pick. I'm fine with Jeanty at 10 and I think Warren is a luxury pick, but selfishly I'm ok with it. I don't think a TE makes sense for the team unless Ben Johnson has a lead role for that style of player.

I think both Graham and Campbell will be gone and Tet Mac isn't the best fit for a WR early.

Totally agree that the edge rushers look better after a trade down.

Daniel Jeremiah was on McAfee saying not to expect any big value trades. This class has depth, but lacks top quality in the positions teams normally makes moves for.

I think Barron would be a way better fit for the secondary than Johnson. I'd be happy with Warren. I think Kmet is fine, but Warren offers A TON more. Also, 2 TE sets are a good way to protect the QB in my opinion. I kinda hate all the EDGEs that aren't Carter in the top 10. Just feels like they aren't that different than what will be there at 39.

Why don't you like McMillan as a fit? In theory, it'd allow them to use DJ Moore in an ARSB role, which could improve both the deep and intermediate pass game.

The bolded is exactly why I think the Bears should try to move up for Hunter/Carter.

CB: Will Johnson profiles as an outside corner, Barron can move around but is probably at his best in the slot. The Bears have Gordon in the slot (though he's in a contract year) a hole at outside corner with Tyrique Stevenson & Terell Smith competing. So Johnson is a more natural fit for their roster gaps.

TE is a combo of: it's hard to build much of your offense around 2 TE sets (last year every team used multiple TEs on less than half their snaps), Kmet is fine, early TE picks don't have a great track record, and Warren is a good prospect but not Bowers-level. The big advantage of taking a shot at TE is that the top NFL TEs (Gronk, Kelce, Kittle) have generally been underpaid relative to the value they provide on the field, so if you hit on that level of player and the contract trend continues, he could provide a outsize value to your offense for many years.

McMillan: Part of what teams like about him is his size & potential to be a good X receiver, and the Bears don't need that as much with Odunze already there. (Though size is also useful in other ways, including as a big slot, and McMillan could turn out to be a better X than Odunze.) Also, the Bears lack speed in their receiving corps and could use a speedy deep threat to open things up, and McMillan doesn't help with that. I still like him enough for the Bears to have him 2nd behind Graham on my draft board.

I generally like trade-downs more than trade-ups because trade-ups are so expensive. Trade-downs give you more shots to land an elite player like Jaylon Johnson. They also often let you land more solid players on cheap contracts, which both helps keep the roster from having too many holes over the next 4 years and lets the team use money to sign good players instead of using it to fill holes with averageish players like Grady Jarrett & Jonah Jackson. (Though that savings is less useful if the team keeps choosing to turn its cap space into signings like Jarrett & Jackson.)

I think the Barron slot stuff is kinda weird. He played over 5 times the amount of snaps outside than in the slot last season, and that was his best season. Its not like 5-11 195 is too small to play outside. Pretty much agree with you on Warren. I just think he has that top 5 TE upside. Loveland does too, I find this TE class to be outstanding.

I think the speed element in the WR room is a little overrated. Like sure they wouldn't have a 4.3 guy, but Odunze and McMillan are both 4.48 guys, and DJ Moore has got behind defenses his entire career, despite being a 4.55 guy. I think the big plays on downfield throws are there with McMillan. He's probably my ideal pick if he's there and they stay at 10. Truth be told, I think he's a better prospect than Odunze was, but I realize I'm on a slight island there.

What did you think of what I did in the shark pool mock? Its almost certainly not happening, but it felt like the best option to me.

The Bears are more than a CB (albeit a stellar one) away from the Superbowl. I'm also a fan of building a team from the lines out. As such, I'd prefer to stay pat at 10 and use the high 2nds to pull in additional talent. Coming out of the 2nd with an Edge, OT, and a RB would be ideal and would bolster multiple positions on a team that needs starters AND rotational players.

Out of curiosity, what would you think of trading up for Hunter if it was for him to be a WR?

I'm kinda reconsidering my stance since watching Hunter at his pro day. His route running was insanely good. The possibility of moving DJM into the slot with Rome and Hunter on the outside is an interesting thought. He would also be an instant starter at CB.

 

[Chreesto]

I'd be happy with a trade-down, even if it's for a usual return rather than this kind of huge haul like the Fields & Mahomes trades. Trading down is usually a win, I'm not wild about anyone at 10, and there are some players I like who are projected to go in the 20s like WR Egbuka, DT Nolen, DT Harmon, and maybe EDGE Pearce.

Here's an attempt to rank the Bears' options at 10, focusing on the guys in the top 16 on the consensus board (excluding Carter & Hunter who will be gone by 10, and the QBs):

Mason Graham, Tetairoa McMillan, Will Johnson, Ashton Jeanty, Tyler Warren, Will Campbell, Jahdae Barron, Jalon Walker, Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks, Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart

Where the biggest negatives are positional value for Jeanty and (to a lesser extent) Warren, lack of need/fit for the OL, Warren, Barron, and Walker, and negative player takes on Williams, Stewart, and (to a lesser extent) Walker. For most of the players outside the top 4, having the pick work out will depend a lot on the team's plan for the player/roster/scheme and how well they execute on making it work, e.g. Jalon Walker would be a terrible pick if Dennis Allen doesn't want him & have a plan for him.

The more I think about how this board is going to break, the more I think Will Johnson is the pick. I'm fine with Jeanty at 10 and I think Warren is a luxury pick, but selfishly I'm ok with it. I don't think a TE makes sense for the team unless Ben Johnson has a lead role for that style of player.

I think both Graham and Campbell will be gone and Tet Mac isn't the best fit for a WR early.

Totally agree that the edge rushers look better after a trade down.

Daniel Jeremiah was on McAfee saying not to expect any big value trades. This class has depth, but lacks top quality in the positions teams normally makes moves for.

I think Barron would be a way better fit for the secondary than Johnson. I'd be happy with Warren. I think Kmet is fine, but Warren offers A TON more. Also, 2 TE sets are a good way to protect the QB in my opinion. I kinda hate all the EDGEs that aren't Carter in the top 10. Just feels like they aren't that different than what will be there at 39.

Why don't you like McMillan as a fit? In theory, it'd allow them to use DJ Moore in an ARSB role, which could improve both the deep and intermediate pass game.

The bolded is exactly why I think the Bears should try to move up for Hunter/Carter.

CB: Will Johnson profiles as an outside corner, Barron can move around but is probably at his best in the slot. The Bears have Gordon in the slot (though he's in a contract year) a hole at outside corner with Tyrique Stevenson & Terell Smith competing. So Johnson is a more natural fit for their roster gaps.

TE is a combo of: it's hard to build much of your offense around 2 TE sets (last year every team used multiple TEs on less than half their snaps), Kmet is fine, early TE picks don't have a great track record, and Warren is a good prospect but not Bowers-level. The big advantage of taking a shot at TE is that the top NFL TEs (Gronk, Kelce, Kittle) have generally been underpaid relative to the value they provide on the field, so if you hit on that level of player and the contract trend continues, he could provide a outsize value to your offense for many years.

McMillan: Part of what teams like about him is his size & potential to be a good X receiver, and the Bears don't need that as much with Odunze already there. (Though size is also useful in other ways, including as a big slot, and McMillan could turn out to be a better X than Odunze.) Also, the Bears lack speed in their receiving corps and could use a speedy deep threat to open things up, and McMillan doesn't help with that. I still like him enough for the Bears to have him 2nd behind Graham on my draft board.

I generally like trade-downs more than trade-ups because trade-ups are so expensive. Trade-downs give you more shots to land an elite player like Jaylon Johnson. They also often let you land more solid players on cheap contracts, which both helps keep the roster from having too many holes over the next 4 years and lets the team use money to sign good players instead of using it to fill holes with averageish players like Grady Jarrett & Jonah Jackson. (Though that savings is less useful if the team keeps choosing to turn its cap space into signings like Jarrett & Jackson.)

I think the Barron slot stuff is kinda weird. He played over 5 times the amount of snaps outside than in the slot last season, and that was his best season. Its not like 5-11 195 is too small to play outside. Pretty much agree with you on Warren. I just think he has that top 5 TE upside. Loveland does too, I find this TE class to be outstanding.

I think the speed element in the WR room is a little overrated. Like sure they wouldn't have a 4.3 guy, but Odunze and McMillan are both 4.48 guys, and DJ Moore has got behind defenses his entire career, despite being a 4.55 guy. I think the big plays on downfield throws are there with McMillan. He's probably my ideal pick if he's there and they stay at 10. Truth be told, I think he's a better prospect than Odunze was, but I realize I'm on a slight island there.

What did you think of what I did in the shark pool mock? Its almost certainly not happening, but it felt like the best option to me.

The Bears are more than a CB (albeit a stellar one) away from the Superbowl. I'm also a fan of building a team from the lines out. As such, I'd prefer to stay pat at 10 and use the high 2nds to pull in additional talent. Coming out of the 2nd with an Edge, OT, and a RB would be ideal and would bolster multiple positions on a team that needs starters AND rotational players.

Out of curiosity, what would you think of trading up for Hunter if it was for him to be a WR?

I'm kinda reconsidering my stance since watching Hunter at his pro day. His route running was insanely good. The possibility of moving DJM into the slot with Rome and Hunter on the outside is an interesting thought. He would also be an instant starter at CB.

I would take a chance on Hunter if we only had to give up one of the 2nd round picks, but I don't think it is a slam dunk. I can imagine ways that Hunter doesn't translate to the pros, and I think we are at a point to be draft-centric with our approach to roster building. Adding quality contributors on rookie contracts would help balance out our spending over the next 3-5 years and give us flexibility for a big free agent, if we get to the point where one player could push us over the top. So, I would rather trade back than trade up. That said, I would be interested to see if Hunter and Johnson as our starting CBs and I wonder if Stevenson could transition to safety eventually? In my mind the Bears have the best chance to not screw things up by sitting back and letting BPA fall to them for the first three rounds.

 

[Max Power]

Seeing the Bears have interest in Texas players WR Isaiah Bond and S Andrew Mukuba. I think both would be good options in the 3rd round.

I'm ready for the draft at this point.

 

[JohnnyU]

Does anyone think there is a realistic chance Jeanty goes to the Bears?

 

[Chreesto]

Does anyone think there is a realistic chance Jeanty goes to the Bears?

It is seeming less and less likely. I believe his O/U has shifter from 12.5 to 8.5 or something like that (source - one of the many football podcasts to which I listen). I am OK with them taking him there or waiting to grab best RB available in the 2nd or 3rd rounds.

I would also love it if they traded back from 10 to get more picks and then took 2x RBs in this draft. Something like Quinshon Judkins and Bhayshul tuten or RJ Harvey. That would be a way to invest less draft capitol (based on the draft pick value charts) but still increase production at the position. This draft has a lot of good RBs that can be had later, something to think about.

 

[Sunday Gravy]

I love Tyler Warren as a player, but I also love Kmet and think he can flourish finally with Ben. I have a feeling Warren will be BPA when we're on the clock. I'm very torn.

 

[Max Power]

I love Tyler Warren as a player, but I also love Kmet and think he can flourish finally with Ben. I have a feeling Warren will be BPA when we're on the clock. I'm very torn.

I love the wrinkle Warren could add to the offense and agree, he is likely to be BPA.

ChatSports did a worst case scenario draft for the Bears and it was a bit worrying. Assuming Shadeur doesn't go in the top 9, the BPA options at 10 ended up being Will Johnson (who I like), Banks, McMillion, and I think Hampton.

 

[travdogg]

Seeing the Bears have interest in Texas players WR Isaiah Bond and S Andrew Mukuba. I think both would be good options in the 3rd round.

I'm ready for the draft at this point.

Want no part of Bond on day 2, and that was even before whatever his possible off field issue ends up being. Mukuba would be solid though.

Does anyone think there is a realistic chance Jeanty goes to the Bears?

I'd say 30% chance. Raiders are an obvious spot, but I think the Jaguars could be a sneaky one too. I think Etienne could be a trade candidate in the last year of his deal. Been some NO talk as well. Could also see Jeanty being a Giants trade down target, especially as we know the owner HATED letting Barkley go.

I love Tyler Warren as a player, but I also love Kmet and think he can flourish finally with Ben. I have a feeling Warren will be BPA when we're on the clock. I'm very torn.

I love the wrinkle Warren could add to the offense and agree, he is likely to be BPA.

ChatSports did a worst case scenario draft for the Bears and it was a bit worrying. Assuming Shadeur doesn't go in the top 9, the BPA options at 10 ended up being Will Johnson (who I like), Banks, McMillion, and I think Hampton.

I would be pretty happy with Warren, but I've always thought Kmet is just ok. Like a Hunter Henry type. I also would love McMillan at #10, but pretty much every team from #4 to #9 needs WR. I think that's WAY too high for Hampton, especially in such a deep class.

 

[Max Power]

Seeing the Bears have interest in Texas players WR Isaiah Bond and S Andrew Mukuba. I think both would be good options in the 3rd round.

I'm ready for the draft at this point.

Want no part of Bond on day 2, and that was even before whatever his possible off field issue ends up being. Mukuba would be solid though

What is going on with Bond? That 4.3 speed is the feed stretching I think Johnson wants.

 

[travdogg]

Seeing the Bears have interest in Texas players WR Isaiah Bond and S Andrew Mukuba. I think both would be good options in the 3rd round.

I'm ready for the draft at this point.

Want no part of Bond on day 2, and that was even before whatever his possible off field issue ends up being. Mukuba would be solid though

What is going on with Bond? That 4.3 speed is the feed stretching I think Johnson wants.

Sexual assault allegations.

 

[Sunday Gravy]

Looking at all the scenarios and who will likely be taken in the top 9, Mykell Williams is somebody I think I could live with. If Warren goes in that group over Sanders, then I feel like anybody could be in play. After those 9 there is not much separating 10-30 in this class.