This Bears 9th pick proposal would be SICK

The Chicago Bears are keeping their strategy under wraps until the opening night of the 2024 NFL Draft regarding the No. 9 overall pick. They might either utilize the pick themselves or trade it for additional assets. General Manager Ryan Poles is speculated to potentially engage in trade discussions with his former colleagues from the Kansas City Chiefs.

In an article by NFL.com's editor Tom Blair, published on April 17, a trade scenario is envisioned where the Chiefs could pursue a bold move to acquire Georgia tight end Brock Bowers, seen as the successor to Travis Kelce. In exchange for the Bears' ninth pick, the Chiefs would offer a robust package including their first-round (No. 32), second-round (No. 64), and fourth-round (No. 131) picks in the 2024 draft, along with a first-rounder in 2025. This strategy would furnish the Bears with numerous opportunities to enhance their roster depth on the second and third days of the draft while still securing a potential game-changer at No. 32.

Blair suggests that this approach reflects the Bears' shrewd, value-oriented mindset, highlighting the differing strategic timelines between the two teams, which he describes as a "win-win" situation.

Amidst the speculation, the Bears stand to gain significantly from this hypothetical trade with the Chiefs, receiving a 22% premium on their No. 9 pick based on the Jimmy Johnson trade value chart. This deal would not only provide Chicago with two first-round picks for a consecutive year but also increase their total selections from four to six in the first four rounds of the 2024 draft.


However, the potential downside lies in the projected value of the Chiefs' future first-round pick at No. 24 overall. For Kansas City to place that high in the draft order, they would have to lose early in the playoffs—a scenario that seems unlikely given their status as reigning Super Bowl champions with Patrick Mahomes at the helm.

As for the No. 32 pick that the Bears would acquire, the team has already scouted several key prospects, including Penn State defensive end Chop Robinson and Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy. These players, though not as highly rated as the top prospects, offer substantial potential and could fill significant roles on the Bears' roster. Additionally, the Bears have shown interest in various offensive linemen, suggesting a comprehensive strategy to bolster both their defense and offensive support for their quarterback.