Bears Commit Significant Blunder in Trade According to Peter Schrager

The Chicago Bears have been proactive in bolstering their team this offseason, especially after a 7-10 finish last season signaled the need for change. They made strategic signings with D'Andre Swift, Gerald Everett, Kevin Byard, and an extension for Jaylon Johnson, alongside acquiring Pro Bowl WR Keenan Allen. Holding both the first and ninth picks in the upcoming NFL Draft positions them strongly.

The general consensus is that the Bears will draft USC's Caleb Williams first overall, following their trade of Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The draft intrigue for Chicago begins with their ninth overall pick. In his latest mock draft, Peter Schrager suggests the Bears might trade down from the ninth to the fifteenth spot with the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts aim to draft WR Malik Nabers, while the Bears could pick Alabama's JC Latham.

However, this strategy of trading down, while potentially increasing their draft capital given their limited number of picks and absence of a second-round pick this year, may not be the wisest move. Selecting Latham at fifteen, especially when seasoned players like Allen are nearing contract ends and with pressing needs like an edge rusher—given the team ranked 31st in sacks last year—poses a question on strategic priorities. Notable talents like Malik Nabers and Laiatu Latu available at ninth could potentially offer immediate and long-term benefits over another tackle, given the presence of capable tackles Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright on their roster.