There are just a handful of picks remaining in the first day at the NFL Draft, but the Chicago Bears are trying to make that push and slide back into a position to make another first-round selection.
During the NFL Network’s coverage of the Draft, Ian Rapoport reported the Bears and Oakland Raiders were the two teams trying to move back into the back end of Round 1. Rapoport said the Bears would have to make a “big leap” to do so, and I imagine it might be difficult considering the team doesn’t have a third-round pick to dangle as trade bait.
As you might expect, there are plenty of reasons for the Bears to shoot their shot and get back into the first round.
There are a a handful of first-round caliber talents who are currently available. High-upside players include impact players on the defensive side of the ball such as Boston College edge rusher Harold Landry and Iowa cornerback Josh Jackson. Should the Bears re-enter the first round with offense on the mind, SMU wide receiver Courtland Sutton, Texas A&M wideout Christian Kirk, Ohio State offensive lineman Billy Price, and Iowa center James Daniels are among the best players available as of this post.
So while some of these players could be available when the Bears are on the clock in Round 2, drafting them in the first round would allow the Bears to gain an extra year of team control on the player’s rookie deal. Now, let’s see if they can pull it off.