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

Why the Chicago Bears should trade the no. 9 pick, pass on Jalen Carter

First of all, if we’re talking about the Bears passing on Carter, we need to know what’s in it for them. Should there be a team like the Washington Commanders at no. 16 or the Tennessee Titans at no. 11 interested in the ninth pick, in order to get a quarterback, the Bears should listen.

Now, real quick, if the Titans traded up with the Bears, then the Philadelphia Eagles would undoubtedly draft Carter at no. 10, disallowing the Bears to grab him at no. 11.

But, for the sake of this argument, let’s say the Commanders offer the Bears their no. 16 pick, a third rounder this year (no. 97), and somewhere along the lines of a second and a fourth rounder next year. If the Bears can come away with a second, third and fourth rounder and move down seven spots, then they should do it.

At 16, Chicago is still likely to end up with one of Paris Johnson Jr., Calijah Kancey, Joey Porter Jr., Jaxon Smith-Njigba, or Lukas Van Ness, for example. Those are all very likely names the Bears could get at that spot, and also come away with three extra picks.

Aside from the value of trading the pick, the Bears should also be weary of Carter’s work ethic. There have been instances on tape where Carter visibly takes plays off. Is that going to happen at the pro level? He might have all the talent in the world, but if his work ethic isn’t there, and his mental game isn’t strong enough (which could also be linked to his off-field incident), then is he really worth drafting?