Chicago Bears Draft: 3 players to avoid with number 9 pick

Friday afternoon was an eventful experience for Chicago Bears fans, as they saw the team trade the number one overall pick to the Carolina Panthers.

In exchange for that pick, the Bears received a package built around Carolina’s number nine overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Now, the Bears have a plethora of options in the first round.

Depending on how the first eight picks shake out, the Bears could even trade back once more to snag additional value. That’s a real possibility, knowing how general manager Ryan Poles operates.

But, if they stay at number nine, who should the Bears target? Better question: who should they avoid? There are three particular players Poles should steer clear from, here.

Players the Chicago Bears should avoid with the 9th overall pick: CB Devon Witherspoon, Illinois

Would it be one heck of a story to see cornerback Devon Witherspoon stay in the Windy City and play for the Bears after playing his college ball in-state? Sure, it would be a lot of fun, and Witherspoon is one of the best players in this draft.

However, looking at the remaining cornerbacks in the class, the Bears could very well move back a few picks and end up with one of Joey Porter Jr. or Deonte Banks and add another pick from a quarterback-needy team. At number nine, there’s a good chance that one last quarterback could be sitting there for the taking.

The Bears should take advantage, especially if they have their eyes on a cornerback. Adding more value is far more attractive than taking Witherspoon, here.