Chicago Bears may have a dilemma with Jalen Carter, no. 9 pick

The closer we get to the 2023 NFL Draft, the more questions, rumors, reports and buzz that will be generated. But, that’s just how this thing goes. Who would have it any other way? At least, for Chicago Bears fans, they don’t have to worry about the quarterback position.

In an ever-changing NFL, that’s one thing the Bears finally haven’t had to worry about for the second year in a row — finally.

Just three weeks away, the draft presents plenty of opportunity for this Bears team, that’s already improved a lot over the course of free agency and via the massive trade Ryan Poles pulled off, where the team moved down to no. 9 with Carolina.

Speaking of that no. 9 pick, the Bears might end up being faced with a serious dilemma at that point. If recent reports are to be trusted, Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter could wind up falling out of the top 10.

What should the Chicago Bears do if Jalen Carter is on the board at no. 9 overall?

Falling out of the top 10 would mean the Bears pass on Carter, of course, but should they really make that mistake? After all, they did meet with him, therefore the interest is real.

If Poles did skip out on Carter, that would have to mean it’s due to another trade back, right? One would think it had to be. But, it might not be that easy, depending on who else is on the board at no. 9.

One interesting scenario is if the Bears see both Carter and a top-four quarterback still sitting there when they are on the clock. If that comes to fruition, then they’re really in a tough spot. It’s not an easy position to be in, having to decide between drafting a guy like Carter or potentially trading the pick and missing out on him altogether.

This is where we attempt to make sense of both sides, here. It’s a dilemma, for sure, but there are pros and cons to both sides. Let’s start, first, with looking at the Bears pulling the trigger on drafting Carter, followed by what a trade could look like.