The Super Bowl is all set for this weekend. But back here in Chicago, fans are all looking for something to be excited about. The Bulls are heading for another play in game appearance. The Blackhawks are meandering their way through the season, while defending Connor Bedard from criticisms from national media. The less said about the White Sox, the better.
It could be argued that the Bears, fresh off a 5 win season, have the brightest future. They have the new coach, they probably have the quarterback and they have cap space three top 41 picks. Those ingredients result in immense hope.
Focusing on the draft, the #10 pick is a real mystery at this point. With a mediocre at best quarterback class, the first 9 picks can go in a number of different directions. Many people, myself included, insist the Bears need to invest that pick on either the offensive or defensive lines. Could the Bears add the electric Ashton Jeanty to help Caleb Williams jump start the offense?
I will not deny Jeanty’s talent. He single handedly dragged Boise State to the College Football Playoff. He was not just stacking yards against inferior competition either. Against Oregon, the #1 team in the country for most of the season, he had 192 yards and 3 touchdowns. But taking a running back at #10 means they have to be ready to be the RB 1 and that position firmly belongs to Deandre Swift. Mainly due to his $8.7 million dead cap hit.That contract makes a trade very unlikely. And if the Bears release him, they won’t save any money, so there would really be no reason to let him go. But with the addition of Jeanty, he could move into more of a receiving back role, albeit a very expensive one. His one year with Ben Johnson as OC in Detroit, he had 48 catches to go along with 542 yards on only 99 carries.
A Jeanty/Swift duo could be a quarterback’s best friend. But in order to spend that premium capital on a running back, a lot would have to go right in free agency. Instead of hitting a home run on a guy like Trey Smith, General Manager Ryan Poles would have to sacrifice quality for quantity. Instead of giving $20+ million for Smith, maybe he offers Mekhi Becton 3 years, $27 million and Kevin Zeitler, Ben Johnson’s right guard this past season in Detroit, one year, $7 million.
In this scenario, you have two veterans who walk in as immediate starters. Becton has the bonus of still being young and developing. He turns 26 this April and has had a career resurgence this year in Philadelphia. He also has the potential to fill in at tackle if injuries occur.
Poles could then focus his two second round picks on helping the defensive line. In the 39-41 range, there would be quality defensive tackles like Walter Nolen or strong run defender TJ Sanders out of South Carolina. It is too early to tell but both Ohio State defensive ends (Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoaloau) could be there as well.
A young trio of Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze and Ashton Jeanty is probably more exciting in the Madden world than the actual NFL but what do you think? Are the Bears good enough to take a running back at #10 despite other needs?
