Chicago Bears: Mayfield going No. 1 overall could be ideal for Bears

The NFL Draft is hours away and we already have our first potential “surprise” developing.  If the Baker Mayfield rumors are true, it would be a tremendous benefit for the Chicago Bears.

As fans across the country get ready to settle in for Round 1 of the NFL Draft, Adam Schefter tweeted out some news that should interest Chicago Bears’ fans.  Contrary to popular belief, the Cleveland Browns may not take Sam Darnold No. 1 overall.  Instead, there is growing speculation that new general manager John Dorsey will select Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield.  As our own Ryan Heckman told us, expect the unexpected.

If these reports are true, and the Browns take Mayfield first overall, this would be a tremendous windfall for the Bears who stand to benefit greatly.  It could very well trigger an early run on quarterbacks, allowing some of the most talented players in the draft to slip to No. 8.

Dream scenario unfolding for the Bears?

Imagine for a moment the following scenario.  The Cleveland Browns take Mayfield first overall.  Next up are the New York Giants, who, likely did not think Darnold would be on the board at number two.  Perhaps the Giants (who were thought to not be interested in a quarterback) are now interested in Darnold, who they see fall into their lap.

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The New York Jets are next on the clock and the worst kept secret in the world is that they are taking a quarterback.  They certainly didn’t trade a treasure trove of picks for an offensive lineman.

After the Jets, the Browns are back on the clock at number four.  While they obviously will not be drafting a quarterback, it is likely they would look to “shop” that pick.  Teams that could be interested include the Buffalo Bills or Arizona Cardinals.  If not, those same two teams will likely feel pressure to move into the top seven to take Josh Allen.

If this, or a slightly modified version of this scenario takes place, the Bears will reap the benefits.  That is because it ensures that an elite player will be available to the Bears.  At least two of the following would be available: Bradley Chubb, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Quenton Nelson, Roquan Smith, and Saquon Barkley.  It would allow the Bears to come away with a premier defensive talent, or arguably one of the top two prospects in the entire draft (Nelson and Barkley).  If Barkley is available, they could also trade out of the eighth slot to a team desperate for a playmaker on offense.

The only thing that could throw a wrench into this dream scenario is Pace mucking it up and taking a player purely based on potential.  Those players offer a potentially high reward but come with a higher degree of risk.  It would be nice if the Bears could draft a “plug and play” star at eight — perhaps a guy like Roquan Smith who has been compared to Derrick Brooks and Patrick Willis.

Maybe even a dominant offensive lineman like Nelson comes to Chicago, who could be a Pro Bowl guard for the next ten years.  In the unlikeliest of events, maybe they end up with Chubb.  If teams weren’t so desperate for quarterbacks, Chubb would be the number one overall pick.

Next: Could Bears move up for Chubb?

Bottom Line

The Chicago Bears have to be intrigued by this news and are watching this development closely.  If at approximately 8:05 PM EST Roger Goodell announces Baker Mayfield as the number one pick, buckle your seatbelts. Things could get wild.