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Five Reasons the Chicago Bears Should Trade Down in the 2017 NFL Draft

By Greg O'Shalae

Aug 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach John Fox (left) talks with general manager Ryan Pace (right) prior to a preseason NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach John Fox (left) talks with general manager Ryan Pace (right) prior to a preseason NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Bears hold the third overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Here are five reasons why they need to trade down.

There are many directions the Chicago Bears could take in the upcoming 2017 NFL draft.  They could target a QB to be the face of the franchise, an offensive tackle to protect a potentially expensive free agent QB, a DE with hopes of propelling the defense into the top five, or a member of the secondary to stop their dreaded rivals from seemingly always being able to throw deep with ease.  What they should do, however, is trade down.

Here are five reasons the Chicago Bears should trade down:

One Clear Star

1)      Nearly all experts agree that Myles Garrett is the one true star of this draft.  The likelihood of him falling to the third pick is slim.  If he falls that far, it’s a no-brainer.  Garrett would potentially elevate the Chicago Bears defense into a top-5 unit.  It’s unlikely, however, that he falls to the Bears.

QB Question Marks

2)      While each of the top three QBs could be nabbed at #3, each have significant question marks.  Mitch Trubisky has the look, but very minimal starting experience (one season).  Deshaun Watson has the production, but questions about his mechanics and adaptability to a pro-style offense abound.  And while DeShone Kizer appears to have the size and the tools, he has enough accuracy issues (only QB in the top ten under 60%) to raise eyebrows.

Premium Trade Value

3)      The trade value chart places significant value on the third pick.  There is a 400 point gap between each of the first four picks of the NFL draft (3000, 2600, 2200, 1800).  From the fourth to the fifth pick, however, there is only a 100 point difference (1800, 1700).  The Chicago Bears are clearly in a position to capitalize on the premium value of a top-3 pick.

Many Holes to Fill

4) As most teams with three wins, the Bears have multiple deficiencies.  At the very least, the Bears need a QB, TE, 5-Tech DE, CB, and FS.  An easy argument could be made there is also a serious need at both OT positions.  Depending on Alshon Jeffery’s contract and Kevin White’s robotic legs, two WR spots could also need to be filled.  Trading down means more picks to improve the weak areas.

Injured Potential Picks

5) Injuries are narrowing the viable options.  The most likely picks are Garrett, the aforementioned three QBs, Jonathan Allen from Alabama, Malik Hooker from Ohio State, and Jamal Adams from LSU.  Both Allen (multiple shoulder surgeries) and Hooker (labrum and hernia) have injury history.  Pace has been snake-bitten by Kevin White, and it would be understandable if he avoided players with injury concerns, which leaves only Jamal Adams.

Summary

The Chicago Bears are guaranteed to be widely critiqued and debated regardless of what they do with the #3 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.  Trading down, however, brings the best bang for the buck for the Bears this year.

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