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NFL columnist Peter King gave followers his shocking opinion of the Chicago Bears’ NFL Draft plan for April. The franchise currently holds the No. 1 pick, with the quarterback position being a focal point of that decision making process.
The initial belief was that the pick would be used on Heisman trophy winner Caleb Williams, who’s fresh off another stellar season at USC. The signal caller has been college football’s best player over the last few seasons, cementing his status as favorite to come off the board first.
There was even speculation that Williams’ head coach Lincoln Riley would make his way to Chicago as part of a package deal.
According to King, the winds are changing.
The thing that would deter the Bears from going all in on Caleb Williams is Justin Fields. The franchise used a first-round pick on the passer in the 2021 NFL Draft, and they’ve been left with the decision to either move forward or cut him loose.
There are interested parties, giving Chicago trade options. So, the question remains: Rebuild with a rookie while getting as much as possible for Fields -OR- Trade the top pick for weapons to surround the current QB?
Peter King foresees a trade of that No. 1 pick, expecting the team to stick with Fields.
I suppose the Bears are going to trade the top pick. I know nothing, but that seems to be the way the wind is blowing. What I say: The Bears could keep Justin Fields (and should), and trade the first pick down once or twice, and build the kind of supporting cast a team needs to contend.
King suggests a scenario where the Bears trade down from No. 1 to No. 2 with Washington – who takes Caleb Williams.
Then, Chicago trades that newly attained No. 2 pick to Atlanta for the No. 8 overall pick. In the process, they’d pick up a major draft haul loaded with early picks for this year and beyond.
For moving down seven picks in the first round, the Bears could end up with nine picks in the first two rounds of the next two drafts. Instant infrastructure.
If the Bears have any faith in Fields being ‘the guy’ in Chicago, this is the best plan. We’ll know their feelings on the quarterback soon with the draft quickly approaching.