As the Chicago Bears prepare for the 2023 NFL Draft, a lot of fans are bracing themselves for another trade.
General manager Ryan Poles has already made one splash move, trading back from the first overall pick to no. 9 with the Carolina Panthers. But, could another trade be on the horizon?
Recently, there has been some buzz about the Tennessee Titans moving all the way up to pick no. 3, currently held by the Arizona Cardinals, and drafting Kentucky quarterback Will Levis.
At the same time, there are plenty of outlets that believe Levis will fall a bit. If the Titans are interested in Levis, and he’s there at no. 9 overall, the Bears could take advantage and execute a deal while moving back just two spots. If Poles were to make a deal happen with Tennessee, there are a few options to acknowledge.
In the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears, could trade back with the Tennessee Titans
For the Titans to move up just two spots, they likely wouldn’t have to give up too much. Still, this is within the context of Tennessee drafting whom they believe is their franchise quarterback. So, let’s assume they want Levis desperately and give them that benefit of the doubt.
The Bears move back a couple of positions but also acquire a third-round pick from the Titans, here, which is a huge value for Poles.
Hilariously enough, the Bears very well could trade back a third time, from here, depending on how the board falls. But, for now, they’ve still got a highly-valuable first rounder and an additional pick in the third round, which they could use to target a potential starter at a position of need like offensive or defensive line.
From here, what else would a deal look like between the two teams? Let’s examine one that would be a calculated risk for Poles.
Trade Number 2: The Chicago Bears take a chance on a risky player
Two years ago, the Titans drafted former Virginia Tech cornerback Caleb Farley in the first round at pick no. 22 overall. He came into the NFL as a highly-touted prospect with a load of potential. Since then, though, Farley has only appeared in 12 games.
In 2021, he played just three games due to a torn ACL. Last season, he had a scary back injury that forced him to miss time as well. Now, it’s anyone’s guess as to whether or not he will be completely healthy for the 2023 season. Still, the Bears take the shot on potential here, while nabbing another pick and moving back two spots again.
Cornerback is still a position of need for the Bears, and if Farley is able to practice this summer and compete with the likes of Kindle Vildor for a starting spot, that would be healthy for both players. Vildor stepped up his game last season and played surprisingly well; much better than anyone had anticipated going into the 2022 campaign.
If Farley even lives up to a good percentage of his draft stock, this trade is a win for the Bears. They will only miss out on one player at pick no. 10 before selecting someone they love at no. 11. Additionally, Poles gets a swing in the seventh round this year and takes a calculated risk on a player who hasn’t panned out yet, but still has time at just 24 years old.
Trade Number 3: The Chicago Bears make a slight move to help for 2023
Lastly, Poles could get creative and try to acquire one early second rounder from the Titans while swapping first-round picks with them.
This is somewhat of a “buy now, pay later” type of situation for the Bears, who actually give up more picks than they’re acquiring here. However, they get the 41st overall pick in the draft this year and pay for it a round later by giving Tennessee their third-round selection at no. 64. The Titans also get a seventh-round pick next year in the deal.
Think about it this way, though. With this deal, the Bears have three picks in the second round, coming at no. 41, no. 53 and no. 61. That’s four picks in the top 61 picks for Poles, who could easily find four starting-caliber players there.
You might end up seeing a starting offensive lineman, defensive lineman, cornerback and whomever the best player available is at the fourth pick.