More NFL Sources Confirm Chicago Bears’ 1st Round Desire

The NFL draft is finally near. Only nine days remain until the action finally kicks off in Kansas City. GM Ryan Poles has set the Chicago Bears up well. He already secured a go-to receiver in D.J. Moore by moving down from #1 to #9. He has ten picks total, including eight in the top 150 and four in the top 64. The only question left unanswered is what he plans to do in the 1st round. There is no shortage of rumors. One of the hottest is the idea he would willingly take much-maligned Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter if he falls to #9.

There is an element of logic to that idea. Carter is the most talented player in the draft. He’s a perfect fit for the Bears’ defense. His red flags, while troubling, aren’t impossible to overcome. Poles may feel comfortable taking the risk since he has several extra picks in his back pocket. However, the prevailing belief is that scenario isn’t the GM’s endgame. David Kaplan of ESPN 1000 provided further proof on his YouTube channel that everybody around the NFL thinks the same thing.

If given a chance, Poles wants to move down again.

The Chicago Bears are interested in stacking picks.

It is evident Poles doesn’t think too highly of the top talent in this class. He sees the 2023 draft as an excellent depth class rather than one to find stars. Most experts admit the meat of the draft isn’t at the top but closer to the late 1st round and early 2nd round range. Any GM smart enough to recognize this would be moving down to acquire assets. Poles was ahead of the game from the moment the off-season began. He seems dead set on moving down against and already appears to have some possible takers.

Pittsburgh was confirmed as one team interested. There are at least two others that have checked in. All have indicated to keep the phone line open. They want to see if the right player is available. Maybe it’s a top cornerback. Perhaps one of the quarterbacks falls. There will be some intriguing options. Poles has already proven he can work the wire, generating interest. Don’t be surprised if the Chicago Bears end up picking a little later than expected.

Educated to be a writer at the prestigious Columbia College in Chicago, Erik has spent the past 10 years covering the Bears.