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.
Why the Chicago Bears should draft Jalen Carter at no. 9
You’ve heard of the phrase “generational talent” before, no doubt. But, this is a phrase thrown around when speaking about Carter for a while now. Whether it’s his agent speaking those words, former head coaches or draft experts everywhere, that’s the type of player many believe he is.
Carter stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 313 pounds, but he moves like a pass rusher, and even a linebacker at times. The guy is one of the most explosive players in the draft, regardless of position. Many have compared him to Aaron Donald, and that’s high praise.
If the Bears were to be guaranteed a player even 75 percent of Donald’s talent level, then they should take him if he’s there at no. 9.
The rest of the defense is almost completely shored up in terms of starting talent. There aren’t as many holes as there were a month ago, with signings like Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards, DeMarcus Walker and Andrew Billings. All of these players are going to come in and have an impact right away, whether it be via starting or part of the rotation on a regular basis.
You add in Carter, who is a game-wrecker on the interior line, and the Bears immediately become a top-10 unit.
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?