Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles essentially confirmed one off-season rumor on Tuesday.
Poles was asked by reporters on Tuesday about possibly taking a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Chicago general manager told the media that he would have to be “absolutely blown away” to take a quarterback with the No. 1 pick
"I would have to be absolutely blown away." — Ryan Poles when asked if he would draft a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick
— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) January 10, 2023
Poles said Fields will be the Bears starting quarterback next season.
This response all but confirms that Chicago will be trading the No. 1 pick in the draft.
A quarterback will be the top pick — either Alabama’s Bryce Young or Ohio State’s CJ Stroud.
Poles’ comments combined with the superstar potential we saw from Justin Fields means a quarterback isn’t an option in the first round of the draft for Chicago.
So if that’s the case, there’s absolutely no reason to keep the No. 1 pick.
The best scenario for the Bears would be to trade that pick to the Colts for the No. 4 overall pick. Chicago would add draft capital and still get a chance to draft either Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson or Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter — two impact players that would instantly bolster the Bears’ defense.
Chicago has a golden opportunity to make a great trade with the No. 1 pick and based on Poles’ comments on Tuesday, it sounds like that’s exactly what they’re going to do.
Featured image via David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
