3 Players the Bears Must Target With the No. 9 Pick
3. Joe Alt - Tackle, Notre Dame
Left tackle isn't as glaring of a need as wide receiver and pass rusher, but if the draft plays out where the elite players at those respective positions are gone, it means that likely one of the elite offensive tackles falls to Chicago.
While a trade back is definitely an option at that point, it can also be difficult for Poles to pass on a book-end tackle to protect his rookie quarterback for the next decade. Joe Alt is the highest tackle on most scouts' boards and for good reason.
If you created a left tackle in a video game, you would likely use Alt as a guideline. At 6'8, 322lbs he has the prototypical size you look for in a left tackle. He moves excellent for that size as well and is very light on his feet. His father was a starter in the NFL for 13 years with the Chiefs and was inducted in their Hall of Fame in 2002.
Alt will not be the most powerful run blocker in the league out of the gate, but he is as polished of a pass blocker as you will see in a prospect entering the draft. While there is no such thing as a can't-miss prospect, Alt is about as close to that as you will see. If he falls to the Bears at No. 9, I don't think many fans would be upset with this selection.
The Bears need to nail their offseason decisions, including their two first-round picks, if they want to make some noise next year. FanDuel Sportsbook currently has them as a very long shot (+2200) to win the NFC. Head over to FanDuel and take advantage of these odds and their sign-up bonus of $150 using the exclusive Da Windy City link.
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