2017 NFL Draft: Possible trade scenario for Chicago Bears

As we get closer to the 2017 NFL Draft, rumors about what the Chicago Bears will do run rampant. ESPN came up with a trade scenario that just might make sense for them.

We are just over a week away from the 2017 NFL Draft. As we inch closer to Day 1 of the draft, the internet is going crazy over different scenarios for different teams, including the Chicago Bears. They own the third overall pick in the draft, and what they do may be a key to quite a few teams below them.

In the past few days, reports are that the Bears want to trade down instead of using their number three pick. That way, they can pick up extra draft picks to help fill the many holes on the roster.

ESPN writer Bill Barnwell came up with an interesting scenario. He thought up of a trade between the Bears and the New York Jets that seems like a good one for both teams. In his trade scenario, the Bears and Jets swap first-round picks, and the Bears also receive the Jets’ third-round pick and defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson.

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Richardson had a bad year in 2016. The Jets are loaded at defensive line, so Richardson is expendable. Many don’t think he’ll return after the season when he becomes a free agent. Therefore, the Jets want to receive something in return.

The Jets had a deal for Richardson on the table last season before the trade deadline. The Dallas Cowboys offered a second-round pick, but the Jets insisted on a first-rounder. That was a deal stopper. Now, with the writing on the wall, trading Richardson is more difficult. Their best bet is finding a trade partner during the draft.

For the Bears, this opens a world of opportunities for them. They are in need of a defensive lineman. There is Jonathan Allen there. Many feel he is a great fit for the Bears. The problem is he has shoulder ailments that could eventually cause trouble down the road. I don’t think they feel comfortable taking him and hoping after the injury problems of their past two first-round picks.

With this trade, the Bears get a proven commodity in Richardson. Yes, he had an off-year in 2016, but with him, the Bears could receive a very motivated, very good player. Then, with the sixth pick, they can get one of the excellent defensive backs available in this draft. That means they can fill two defensive slots, helping improve an already pretty good defense.

Additionally, don’t underestimate the extra third round pick. Barnwell explains the value of that pick.

"In this draft, which isn’t top-heavy but is very deep, middle-round picks are likely to be more valuable than usual."

That extra pick gives the Bears two third and two fourth-round picks. They can play “Let’s make a deal” with those picks. Their wheeling and dealing can yield even more picks, thus helping the Bears get back to their winning ways quicker.

Two months ago, I wrote about the possibility of the Bears going after Richardson. I felt the Bears could take advantage of the Jets having to deal Richardson, much like the Bears’ situation with Brandon Marshall. The Jets have this last opportunity to trade Richardson for something of value. If it doesn’t happen at the draft, they’ll lose him for nothing or close to nothing.

Next: Bears seven round mock draft

Some team will deal with the Jets for Richardson. It might as well be the Chicago Bears.

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