The Chicago Bears traded for star wide receiver Keenan Allen late Thursday night. After trading a 4th round pick for Allen, that leaves the Bears with only four picks in the NFL Draft. Now, will General Manager Ryan Poles take the best player available at #9, or will he trade back and recoup some picks?
Keenan Allen’s Impact on the Bears
After trading for the veteran WR, the Chicago Bears filled one of their biggest needs on the roster. Allen brings the Bears a consistent pass catcher, having five-100 reception seasons in his last seven years. This consistency at the position is something the Bears have not had in a year. Also, the tandem between DJ Moore and Keenan Allen gives the Bears one of the best duo of receivers in the NFL. With Allen under contract only for the 2024 season, it will be interesting if he is extended at all.
What will the Bears do at pick #9
In case you're curious, this is the Chicago Bears' current draft pick situation.
? via @tankathon pic.twitter.com/MrABLBbVzA
— Bleacher Nation Bears (@BN_Bears) March 15, 2024
After the Keenan Allen trade, the Chicago Bears only have four picks in the NFL Draft. With WR now not being a glaring hole, the attention turns to, “Will the Bears trade down or pick at 9?” GM Ryan Poles has been quoted on multiple occasions talking about the need to build through the draft. Right now, it is more likely that the Chargers might go WR instead of OL after trading Keenan Allen. If that happens, the top 3 WR would be off the board at 9. Plus, Poles seems pretty pleased with the growth of Left Tackle Braxton Jones, so the most logical option left is taking a Defensive End. The Atlanta Falcons have been linked to taking Alabama DE Dallas Turner, so the top DE could be off the board, too.
I think Ryan Poles would be inclined to trade back with a QB-needy team or even someone who wants a top Tackle. Some options if the Bears do trade back in the 1st round could include Florida State’s DE Jared Verse or Oregon’s Center Jackson Powers-Johnson. Both of these options seem the most likely as the Bears do not have a long-term answer at center and still need to add an edge rusher across from Montez Sweat. Also, Poles has made it clear he likes to draft premium early in the draft.
Impact on Roster with Trading Back from #9
The Bears still have other depth holes to fill on their roster. Trading back from #9 would benefit them greatly and realistically could add a couple more Day 2 picks. They still have needs to fill depth at WR which they could target in rounds 2 or 3 with a deep receiver draft, and still get great production out of. Also some other needs are OL and DL which they can find value on Day 2 as well.
Ultimately this discussion will likely go on until draft night. With knowing how Ryan Poles operates, a trade down from #9 seems likely. The Chicago Bears will only get more attention as the NFL Draft is 41 days away.
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