Does Ashton Jeanty make sense in Chicago?

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?

2025 NFL Draft Crushes

We are a little over a week from the Super Bowl but for 30 unhappy fanbases all eyes are on the offseason.  That means finding refreshing Twitter for new position coach hires, looking at free agents and scouting potential rookies.  

Mock draft season is one of my favorites.  Nothing is better than using any of the simulators available and ending up with 15 picks and dominating computer GMs.  No matter how unrealistic it is, I can't help myself.  But while we all wait for Ben Johnson to fill out his staff,  I decided to share a couple of my favorite prospects in the upcoming draft who I hope found their way to Chicago.

Nic Scourton - Edge - Texas A&M

Credit: Julio Cortez -AP

Scourton initially came on my radar in 2023 when he was Second Team all Big ten at Purdue. He dominated the competition with 10 sacks.  He then transferred to the SEC this season where he he got a nice NIL deal and delivered with a first team all-SEC season. 

At 6'4, 280 pounds his body is ready for the NFL His lethal spin move would be a perfect addition opposite Monte Sweat.  When looking up what scouts think of him, his draft projection ranges anywhere from top ten to the second round.  

If he is there at 39 the Bears would sprint to the podium.  I don't foresee him lasting that long but if Ryan Poles drops back a couple spots in the 1st to gain some extra draft capital it would get an A+ grade from me.

Pat Bryant - Wide Receiver - Illinois

Keenan Allen had an up and down season in his lone year in the Windy City. But due to age and likely salary demands I see him leaving this offseason and I feel Pat Bryant is the perfect replacement. His 6'2, 208 pound frame works in the slot or on the outside.  While the height is solid, his 6'5 3/4" wingspan is exactly the type of target Caleb Williams needs. 

Bryant is not a burner by any means but what he lacks in burst he makes for in footwork and route running (sound familiar?) You love to see that Bryant increased his stats every season and it is not just one particular stat.  His receptions, yards and touchdowns increased from the previous season all four years.

He also contributes in the run game as a sound blocker but my favorite thing about him is his clutch factor. Some say you can't measure clutch but this past season 3 of his 10 touchdowns were game winning scores in the final 30 seconds of the 4th quarter or overtime in one score games. And these weren't just five yard outs, check out his 40 yard touchdown on 4th and 13 here.

It seemed like every week the Bears were in a one score game and having a player Bryant who relishes the big moment would be a big-time boost for the offense. He currently is projected to be a 4th or 5th round pick but I can see him moving up to the third round with a strong Senior Bowl and combine.

Jackson Hawes - Tight End - Georgia Tech

You may be asking, "Why would a tight end who ended the season with only 16 catches and less than 200 yards earn crush status?"  The answer is simple. the guy is a blocking machine!! Whether he is leading a running back on wham block or releasing to help block on a screen, if Hawes gets his hand on a defender they're not going to make the tackle. Also, Hawes has some brains, he earned second team All-Ivy League during his three seasons at Yale before transferring to the Yellow Jackets. 
Currently, he is not projected to be one of the first ten tight ends taken but his skillset is missing on the Bears current roster.  His addition would allow Kmet to split out and be more of a receiving threat.  And while Ben Johnson insists his Bears offense won't be a clone of his past Lions teams, I would say Hawes is very similar to Brock Wright, the #2 tight end in Detroit. I desperately want to see the Bears clear out the tight end room (except for Kmet). Hawes as a likely a day 3 pick would have a great chance at making the roster as a special teams contributor / jumbo package tight end.