Chicago Bears Mock Draft: Ryan Poles adds another first-rounder, builds up trenches

The Chicago Bears trade down with the Steelers

It all makes sense now. The Justin Fields trade was just part one of a bigger picture. With Joe Alt, Malik Nabers, Marvin Harrison, Jr. and Rome Odunze all off the board at 1.09, the Chicago Bears look to move down and collect more draft picks. Fields was sent to the Steelers for a futures sixth-round pick that could end up being a fourth-rounder if he plays 51% or more of the Steelers' snaps. That could be tough with Russell Wilson slotted ahead of him on the depth chart. Now, the Steelers send the Bears picks 1.20, 2.51, and a 2025 second-rounder to move up to 1.09.

Bears Receive:
1.20
2.51
2025 2nd Round Pick

Steelers Receive:
1.09

With only four picks in this draft, Ryan Poles moves down and adds another pick just outside the top 50. Moving down means that Brock Bowers is no longer an option for Chicago. After adding Gerald Everett, adding a guy like Bowers would be a luxury. Bowers is not your typical tight end and would make a great addition to the receivers for Caleb Williams, but he feels like more of a luxury and the Bears are not ready for a luxury.

It was difficult for me to move down to 20. I tried moving down but staying inside the top 15. I really wanted to move down, collect a second-round pick, and select defensive end Jared Verse. He is my favorite of the top-three pass rushers and would fit nicely in Matt Eberflus' system. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a trade partner in that range. Pittsburgh was willing to move up and give me enough compensation to allow the Bears to keep building not only in this draft but also in next year's draft.

All three edge rushers were off the board and I was left to pick between the next set of receivers or Chop Robinson.