Chicago Bears: Buffalo Bills could be ideal trade partner

If the Chicago Bears looking to trade down from the 8th overall pick, they may have found an option.

There was a report today that the Buffalo Bills are interested in moving into the top 10 of this year’s NFL Draft.  Apparently, the Bills have been calling around looking for potential trade partners.  It is highly likely the Bills are looking to move up for a shot to take a quarterback.  The Chicago Bears could provide the trade partner the Bills are looking for.

Meanwhile, the Bears drafted their franchise quarterback last year.  Many believed that they should have waited until this year, in what was billed as a “loaded” quarterback class.  The hype on the 2018 class has cooled a bit, however, quarterback-needy teams like the Bills may be forced to reach in the first round in the hopes of landing their franchise signal-caller.

Depending on how the first 7 picks shake out, the Bears could find themselves in the driver’s seat at pick #8.  That would not be the case if Ryan Pace had not had the conviction to trade up to get Mitch Trubisky last year.  Instead, they could find themselves the beneficiary of a desperate Bills team.

The Bills currently own the 21st and 22nd overall picks in the draft.  Any deal to move up would certainly include those two picks, and possibly more.  At a minimum though, the Bears would be trading the 8th overall pick for two picks at the back end of the first round, where there is significant value.  In fact, some have even suggested this trade made sense, even before this report.

While many fans have argued for the Bears to take Calvin Ridley #8 overall, most agree that is too high for the Alabama wide receiver.  Most draft analysts agree his proper value is more in the range of 15-20.  It is not unreasonable to think the Ridley may fall to the 21st or 22nd pick.

The Bears could follow that pick with an offensive lineman like Mike McGlinchey or Connor Williams, both of whom some are suggesting would be best served by a move to OG in the NFL.

Again, landing either of these players with the #22 overall pick would offer tremendous value.  While some may think they would never be available that late if teams are not sold on their ability to switch positions effectively, they could drop a bit in the first round.

It is important to point out that the Bills are doing their due diligence at this point.  It is way too early to forecast whether the Bears would provide a good trade partner.  Much of that depends on how the top of the draft unfolds on draft night.  However, this story is certainly one to keep an eye on as the draft approaches.