Mel Kiper Reveals What He’s Hearing About Bears’ Draft Plans
The NFL draft has finally arrived. Chicago Bears fans have been trying to find any definitive proof of what their team has planned for the 1st round. The past two years were somewhat easy to predict. Everybody knew they would trade down from #1 in 2023, aiming to build a war chest of picks to rebuild the roster. Last year, everybody knew they were taking Caleb Williams at #1 and wanted one of the top wide receivers at #9. This year? People don’t have a clue. It is all over the map. Mel Kiper of ESPN has an idea, though.
He admits there are many possibilities for the Bears. If they choose to stay at #10, they could go offensive tackle, pass rusher, or tight end. That said, he believes their true intentions are simpler. They don’t intend to stay put at all.
If Warren is there, I’m betting Chicago jumps at the opportunity to draft him. But don’t discount Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams or even Graham if he’s still available. I’ve also heard the Bears would like to trade down if the right player isn’t there for them at No. 10.
The Bears have been surrounded by trade rumors for much of the past week. Many believe it would be to move up for running back Ashton Jeanty. Kiper thinks it’s actually the opposite. Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog also confirmed this a few days ago.
Mel Kiper isn’t the only ESPN notable who mentioned this.
Pete Schrager, the latest addition to the team, projected this to happen in his official mock draft. The Bears end up trading back to #14 with the Indianapolis Colts, selecting Texas left tackle Kelvin Banks. Most of the projections right before the big day have indicated a tight end is going #10. Some believe it will be to Chicago. Others think it will be for somebody else. The pieces are falling into place. Mel Kiper helped shine a light on how this could go. Local team insiders have suggested the Houston Texans are a team to watch that wants to come up. They’re eager for a left tackle after trading Laremy Tunsil. Getting to #10 in front of the left tackle-needy San Francisco 49ers makes plenty of sense. It seems GM Ryan Poles was correct. Things could get wild in the next few hours.