Chicago Bears: The case for drafting Jaxon Smith-Njigba

At this point, most Chicago Bears fans know who Jaxon Smith-Njigba is. After all, prior to about a month ago, the Bears were still in desperate need of a number one wide receiver.

Smith-Njigba is arguably the best wideout in the 2023 NFL Draft class, boasting ideal size, route-running ability and some of the best hands in the class as well.

He does everything at a high level. He’s ready. He’s polished.

But, the Bears already boast Moore, Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool. Why would they waste a first-round pick on a wide receiver when offensive and defensive line are such a priority at this stage?

Let’s be real for a moment, here. This is an offense that ranked:

28th in total offense (YPG)

23rd in scoring

32nd in passing yards per game (130.5)

29th in sacks (4th most allowed in the NFL)

4th worst in passing touchdowns (17)

If you think the Bears being “set” at wide receiver is an excuse to pass up arguably the draft’s best wide receiver, you are sadly mistaken.

The Chicago Bears aren’t as set at wide receiver as one might think

Beyond the atrocious offensive output from a season ago, there are a couple other factors to think about here.

First of all, Mooney is entering a contract year, which is something no one is bringing up. We haven’t seen anything about an extension at this point, and if Mooney indeed tests free agency in 2024, the Bears will have a hole to fill.

Secondly, Claypool is also a free agent in 2024. So, while the core looks great on paper right now, the reality is, Chicago will probably have to choose between the two of them in terms of which one they’ll bring back, if either.

Should the Bears draft Smith-Njigba, they might not have to re-sign either one. Instead, admitting failure on the Claypool trade is a very real possibility and, as sad as it may be, letting go of Mooney is also a potential reality.

From there, having Moore, Smith-Njigba and drafting another wideout in 2024 could be the route the Bears go. That way, Ryan Poles doesn’t have a ton of money tied up on receivers not named D.J. Moore.

If we are thinking short-term, sure, it might not make a lot of sense for the Bears to draft a receiver in the first round. But, taking a step back and looking at the next four to five years, considering the development of Justin Fields and what it takes for smart football teams to win, drafting Smith-Njigba makes a heck of a lot of sense.