Chicago Bears: Observations as the new league year approaches

Do the Bears keep or trade their first round pick?

To trade or not to trade is the question for the Bears concerning their first-round pick. They own the No. 8 overall pick and it could be attractive to other teams.

The draft is deep with front seven defensive players. This is a need for the Bears. A 3-4 defensive end and linebackers are what they need on defense. They can get a good player with the eighth pick, but they could also trade down, get more picks, and still get a player they need.

There are teams who covet some of the quarterbacks in this draft and may be ready to deal with the Bears. There are already rumors of a possible trade with the Miami Dolphins, for example. Also, the Bears may covet guard Quenton Nelson. He’ll probably be available at eight, but he’ll probably be available lower as well. Teams don’t usually like to draft guards that high, so there’ll probably be a run on quarterbacks and front-seven players before someone gets to Nelson. Good news for the Bears, who could move down, acquire picks, and still get their man.

Drafting down and picking up more draft picks is a popular option for Bears fans. Getting more picks is always a positive for teams. Pace’s history in the first round is the opposite, though. He’s traded his first round picks in two of his three years as Bears general manager and he’s traded UP both times. He moved up to draft Leonard Floyd and Mitchell Trubisky. Does he change that history?

Next: 2018 Bears free agent preview

There are a great many decisions Ryan Pace and the Chicago Bears front office must answer. What I illustrated were but a few. Whatever happens, Chicago will be in the middle of all the postseason excitement.