The 2024 Draft

[RichH55]

Did Jerry or Brendan Rice say something or do something that made Brenden persona non grata?

Nope - unfortunately his play did all the speaking.

Slowly.

[BearsFanInMN]

Did Jerry or Brendan Rice say something or do something that made Brenden persona non grata?

Nope - unfortunately his play did all the speaking.

Slowly.

I think he’ll be solid but was surprised that low. Weird Jerry never came to his high school games.

[Bearfacts]

If Poles went out of his way to acquire both of those guys--with the intension of not paying either--then he should be fired. Like, tomorrow.

It will be interesting to see what Poles does going forward. Extend one, Extend both, let both walk, nothing would surprise me with Poles. He might feel that putting that much into the WR position isn't the way to build the team long and wouldn't be the first GM to work this way. Bunch of GMs around the league feel that an elite QB will elevate his receivers and he's hoping Williams becomes one such guy so that WR can be approached differently.

Having Moore still on the deal he signed with Carolina is a real boon since his cap cost is only $16 mil this year and next. That's what makes Allen affordable now and through 2025. The question with Allen is will he accept a one year extension or will he be looking for one more longer term deal. That will tell us whether or not he's only a one year rental.

DJ Moore will be just 29 in 2026 so I believe that if he's healthy and productive Poles will look to extend him for another 3-4 years during the 2025 season. These two expiring deals is one reason why drafting Odunze made so much sense. He'll be on his rookie $22.7 mil contract through 2027 with a 5th year option for 2028.

[karhu]

The Crocodile Punter.

[Heinz D.]

The Crocodile Punter.

[Heinz D.]

Merging some of the rando draft related threads.

Thank you. It was getting sort of confusing.

DJ Moore will be just 29 in 2026 so I believe that if he's healthy and productive Poles will look to extend him for another 3-4 years during the 2025 season. These two expiring deals is one reason why drafting Odunze made so much sense. He'll be on his rookie $22.7 mil contract through 2027 with a 5th year option for 2028.

Really? More sense than drafting Verse at #9 and Roman Wilson at #75?

I've gotta admit--I've been lifting the pipe quite a bit lately myself...but you may need to cut back a bit, my friend.

[Bearfacts]

Merging some of the rando draft related threads.

Thank you. It was getting sort of confusing.

DJ Moore will be just 29 in 2026 so I believe that if he's healthy and productive Poles will look to extend him for another 3-4 years during the 2025 season. These two expiring deals is one reason why drafting Odunze made so much sense. He'll be on his rookie $22.7 mil contract through 2027 with a 5th year option for 2028.

Really? More sense than drafting Verse at #9 and Roman Wilson at #75?

I've gotta admit--I've been lifting the pipe quite a bit lately myself...but you may need to cut back a bit, my friend.

Yes Heinz. Far more sense than drafting Verse and Wilson. You my friend are way too hung up on a guy who will never be an elite NFL pass rusher. There's a reason why Odunze was a top ten pick and Verse was not. I like the combo of Odunze at #9 and Amengadie at #75 much better for our purposes. And I'm still dead ass straight right now. That's about to change though.

[Shadow]

I am very pleased with this draft.
Ryan Poles is showing Bears fans what a true GM looks and acts like.

[The Marshall Plan]

It will be interesting to see what Poles does going forward. Extend one, Extend both, let both walk, nothing would surprise me with Poles. He might feel that putting that much into the WR position isn't the way to build the team long and wouldn't be the first GM to work this way. Bunch of GMs around the league feel that an elite QB will elevate his receivers and he's hoping Williams becomes one such guy so that WR can be approached differently.

Having Moore still on the deal he signed with Carolina is a real boon since his cap cost is only $16 mil this year and next. That's what makes Allen affordable now and through 2025. The question with Allen is will he accept a one year extension or will he be looking for one more longer term deal. That will tell us whether or not he's only a one year rental.

DJ Moore will be just 29 in 2026 so I believe that if he's healthy and productive Poles will look to extend him for another 3-4 years during the 2025 season. These two expiring deals is one reason why drafting Odunze made so much sense. He'll be on his rookie $22.7 mil contract through 2027 with a 5th year option for 2028.

So long as the QB and both OTs are on rookie deals we can spend whatever we want elsewhere.

We're talking about a solid $80M to $100M in cap benefit there.

Extend Moore. Extend Allen. Odunze is on the rookie deal. Kmet just got paid.

4 legit weapons together for the next 3 years while the rookie QB develops and grows.

After this draft we just entered a Window Of Contention. This is a serious comment.

Why can't this team contend to play in the Conference Finals game?

Keep the core together.

[Bearfacts]

Having Moore still on the deal he signed with Carolina is a real boon since his cap cost is only $16 mil this year and next. That's what makes Allen affordable now and through 2025. The question with Allen is will he accept a one year extension or will he be looking for one more longer term deal. That will tell us whether or not he's only a one year rental.

DJ Moore will be just 29 in 2026 so I believe that if he's healthy and productive Poles will look to extend him for another 3-4 years during the 2025 season. These two expiring deals is one reason why drafting Odunze made so much sense. He'll be on his rookie $22.7 mil contract through 2027 with a 5th year option for 2028.

So long as the QB and both OTs are on rookie deals we can spend whatever we want elsewhere.

We're talking about a solid $80M to $100M in cap benefit there.

Extend Moore. Extend Allen. Odunze is on the rookie deal. Kmet just got paid.

4 legit weapons together for the next 3 years while the rookie QB develops and grows.

After this draft we just entered a Window Of Contention. This is a serious comment.

Why can't this team contend to play in the Conference Finals game?

Keep the core together.

Yup, another huge benefit and we added yet another OL this year who has a good shot at becoming a starter within two years.

I'm hoping Tevin Jenkins finally makes it through an entire 17 game season and makes an All Pro team. I think Poles would love to keep him but he's gotta show he can play a full season. Theoretically he could offer Allen a two year extension beyond 2024 with an out after 2025 since Odunze's rookie contract will run through 2027, 2028 with his option but if he's what we believe he'll be he'll be extended before then.

So yeah, the window is opening again and he's got so much of his roster under either rookie deals or deals that will be team friendly as the cap increases there shouldn't be much of a problem adding a key player or two in FA and still having the cap to retain our own top guys. The cap management issue along with his roster building has been very impressive.

[HurricaneBear]

Merging some of the rando draft related threads.

Thank you. It was getting sort of confusing.

DJ Moore will be just 29 in 2026 so I believe that if he's healthy and productive Poles will look to extend him for another 3-4 years during the 2025 season. These two expiring deals is one reason why drafting Odunze made so much sense. He'll be on his rookie $22.7 mil contract through 2027 with a 5th year option for 2028.

Really? More sense than drafting Verse at #9 and Roman Wilson at #75?

I've gotta admit--I've been lifting the pipe quite a bit lately myself...but you may need to cut back a bit, my friend.

Yes, yes it does make more sense. Just like some of us told you all off-season. Where you became a condescending dick about it and then got proven wrong. But it's all good. You'll be enjoying the modern Bears and praising the offense before long.

[Heinz D.]

Yes, yes it does make more sense.Just like some of us told you all off-season. Where you became a condescending dick about it and then got proven wrong. But it's all good. You'll be enjoying the modern Bears and praising the offense before long.

Explain why?

And, also explain why if Poles makes a move, contrary to what any of us think--that automatically means any of us are "proven wrong"?

[Ditka’s dictaphone]

That Carolina trade last year, a parting gift from Lovie has absolutely turbo-charged the building of this team.

We have built a great roster and we still have 7 picks next draft

[The Marshall Plan]

So long as the QB and both OTs are on rookie deals we can spend whatever we want elsewhere.

We're talking about a solid $80M to $100M in cap benefit there.

Extend Moore. Extend Allen. Odunze is on the rookie deal. Kmet just got paid.

4 legit weapons together for the next 3 years while the rookie QB develops and grows.

After this draft we just entered a Window Of Contention. This is a serious comment.

Why can't this team contend to play in the Conference Finals game?

Keep the core together.

Yup, another huge benefit and we added yet another OL this year who has a good shot at becoming a starter within two years.

I'm hoping Tevin Jenkins finally makes it through an entire 17 game season and makes an All Pro team. I think Poles would love to keep him but he's gotta show he can play a full season. Theoretically he could offer Allen a two year extension beyond 2024 with an out after 2025 since Odunze's rookie contract will run through 2027, 2028 with his option but if he's what we believe he'll be he'll be extended before then.

So yeah, the window is opening again and he's got so much of his roster under either rookie deals or deals that will be team friendly as the cap increases there shouldn't be much of a problem adding a key player or two in FA and still having the cap to retain our own top guys. The cap management issue along with his roster building has been very impressive.

I don't think Poles keeps Jenkins.

We are loaded with draft picks next year. Loaded, including a first and two seconds.

Imagine having the 20th(?) overall pick and taking the best guard on the board. I'd be fine with that.

I love Jenkins' approach to the game and the OL is obviously better when he's a part of it, but it's not an ideal situation with him.

[The Marshall Plan]

Thank you. It was getting sort of confusing.



Really? More sense than drafting Verse at #9 and Roman Wilson at #75?

I've gotta admit--I've been lifting the pipe quite a bit lately myself...but you may need to cut back a bit, my friend.

Yes, yes it does make more sense. Just like some of us told you all off-season. Where you became a condescending dick about it and then got proven wrong. But it's all good. You'll be enjoying the modern Bears and praising the offense before long.

Hey man!

I haven't connected with you about the draft.

WE GOT SUPER DUPER OFFENSE!!!!!

[grendel2000]

Yup, another huge benefit and we added yet another OL this year who has a good shot at becoming a starter within two years.

I'm hoping Tevin Jenkins finally makes it through an entire 17 game season and makes an All Pro team. I think Poles would love to keep him but he's gotta show he can play a full season. Theoretically he could offer Allen a two year extension beyond 2024 with an out after 2025 since Odunze's rookie contract will run through 2027, 2028 with his option but if he's what we believe he'll be he'll be extended before then.

So yeah, the window is opening again and he's got so much of his roster under either rookie deals or deals that will be team friendly as the cap increases there shouldn't be much of a problem adding a key player or two in FA and still having the cap to retain our own top guys. The cap management issue along with his roster building has been very impressive.

I don't think Poles keeps Jenkins.

We are loaded with draft picks next year. Loaded, including a first and two seconds.

Imagine having the 20th(?) overall pick and taking the best guard on the board. I'd be fine with that.

I love Jenkins' approach to the game and the OL is obviously better when he's a part of it, but it's not an ideal situation with him.

I don't know... The draft is about FINDING talent. We already know that TJ has talent. If you have a guy who can play at that caliber the only question in my mind is about his ability to stay healthy. Use those high draft picks on other areas with more question marks, like fining a dominant Center.

Just my 2 cents...

[bearsoldier]

The Crocodile Punter.

You nailed it!

[Grizzled]

Yes, yes it does make more sense.Just like some of us told you all off-season. Where you became a condescending dick about it and then got proven wrong. But it's all good. You'll be enjoying the modern Bears and praising the offense before long.

Explain why?

And, also explain why if Poles makes a move, contrary to what any of us think--that automatically means any of us are "proven wrong"?

Because Poles is one of 32 holding the position of NFL GM in the world We're Joe Palookas reading whatever we can on the Internet, a lot of which is about ... Poles and his decision making and building of the team. So I tend to believe that he'll get it right more than we will but there will be times (cough cough Claypool) that he misses and, I believe, guys on the Board preached against the trade.

[HisRoyalSweetness]

I don't think Poles keeps Jenkins.

We are loaded with draft picks next year. Loaded, including a first and two seconds.

Imagine having the 20th(?) overall pick and taking the best guard on the board. I'd be fine with that.

I love Jenkins' approach to the game and the OL is obviously better when he's a part of it, but it's not an ideal situation with him.

I'd hate to see Jenkins go. He's the one high end player the Bears have on the O-line. Maybe Wright will join him at that level but he wasn't close as a rookie.

We're all excited right now, and understandably so, about all the talent at the offensive skill positions but the O-line is still a significant work-in-progress.

I understand people's concerns about Jenkins' injury history, but last year's were not related to his neck or back. He missed the first 4 games after somehow managing to strain both calves and then one more with a concussion. Without underplaying the dangers of concussions, those aren't the types of injuries that should be a cause for ongoing concern.

It's not that unusual for OL to miss a few games. Heck Wright was the only one who started every game for the Bears last year. Top linemen like Trent Williams, Tyron Smith and Lane Johnson have missed a fair few games over the years.

It's something you'd want to factor as a risk into any contract, but unless Jenkins misses a ton of games this year what's gone on before aren't a major red flag for me. I'd prioritse a center and an OG to replace Davis and look to retain Jenkins.

[Mikefive]

Post-draft thoughts...

There's always that debate between drafting for need or BPA. Poles continues to show that he leans harder toward BPA, while still considering need. If he was a "gotta fill needs" guy, Odunze wouldn't be a Bear as WR is not the need that starting DE is. And with the roster still screaming for a DE, he picks a backup OL guy in R3. Who does that? But Poles has arguably done it twice with Velus Jones also. You build a winner by drafting the best players and Poles does that. I love it.

Personally, I was on board with many Bear fans in really hoping we'd get Odunze which I had posted about some days back. I was sitting there with Packer fan son on Thursday night, who has a similar appreciation for Odunze. He was sitting there begging for us to fill the need and take one of the DL guys. When we picked Odunze, I went "YES!" and did the fist pump thing. He reacted with "dammit! I hate that you guys keep taking guys I like." (He also was and continues to be a big JF1 appreciator.) Interestingly, he thinks JJ McCarthy will be a bust and his mood turned around when the Vikings took him. He was hoping the Pack would take Koolaid. lol

I know there was a lot of talk about packaging a 2025 R2 pick to move back into R2. I did not post about it, but was secretly hoping it wouldn't happen. I'm thrilled it didn't. The 2025 4th for Booker was OK. It's just a 4th, right? What was interesting about that move was that we made the deal with somebody still on the clock before us. That tells me we had 2 players on the board we really liked at that point. I wonder who the other was?

The Kiran pick in R3 was very interesting. Is Poles sending a message to Brax Jones? Nate Davis? Jenkins? It's almost certainly a pink slip for Larry Borom. Putting the best 5 out there could be quite a difficult decision by mid-season. Definitely one worth watching.

I didn't post it, but had a hunch that the Bears would draft a punter. But I figured they'd trad down out of R4 and snag another late pick next year. Taking a punter in R4 signals to me how the talent in this draft was watered down. If you wanted the best punter in THIS draft, you better use a R4 pick on him.

I like Ryan Poles more and more as time goes on.

[thunderspirit]

M5, be sure to tell your son I hate that his team drafted Jordan Morgan, Jacob Monk, and Michael Pratt, so we're kinda even.

[RichH55]

M5, be sure to tell your son I hate that his team drafted Jordan Morgan, Jacob Monk, and Michael Pratt, so we're kinda even.

Thunder - what am I missing on Morgan?

Do you think he was still not 100% at Senior Bowl? Because the movement skills were not top caliber there - I had him Guard all the way

[wulfy]

Can we get some consideration for The Thunder From Down Under?

[Bears Whiskey Nut]

I throw my post draft thoughts in too...

I have not been shy about my doubts regarding Caleb Williams. I was a bigger fan of Jayden Daniels. But as it is, Williams is our new QB, and I will root my ass off for his success. It's certainly a new day for Chicago Bears football. Drafting a QB 1st overall should be a franchise altering move, and I truly hope it will be.

I was a fan of trading back in the 1st round and picking up a couple more players. I also think our biggest need was an EDGE rusher. So Dallas Turner or Jared Verse would have been amazing choices. All of that being said...I LOVE Rome Odunze. He was one of my very favorite players last year in college football. I think we are at the beginning of an amazing journey for this kid. He has NFL Star written all over him. Then to pair him with the top QB in the draft... It's a new offense in Chicago. One the fans have never seen in their lives. It will be exciting to see them develop together.

I really liked the 3rd round pick. I love really smart OL, because I think outside of the QB position, it's the most complex position on the field. On either side. Amegadjie's measurables are really impressive. He's 6'6" and has 36" arms. That's insane. Then pair that with the fact that he didn't give up a sack at the LT position in two years at Yale... There's your starting LT in 2025. He's be the swing this year, but in 2025 it will be his position to lose.

The punter pick isn't a sexy one. For the layman football fan, it may even be a bit of a head scratcher. But a good P is a weapon. It's a weapon for pinning opponents deep and then letting your defense eat. It's a way to flip the field after a failed offensive series. If Taylor can do for Chicago what he did for Iowa. It's a great pick.

I think Poles jumping back into the 5th round to grab a high-value EDGE was a brilliant move. We needed an EDGE rusher. It was the only glaring hole in Poles' draft thus far, and he got back in and grabbed a great EDGE project with great measurables. In some mocks he was a low 2nd round high 3rd round grade. He was projected low 1st round if he declared next year. He's 6'4" and 240 lbs. After an offseason of NFL conditioning he'll be 255 lbs. If Sweat is willing to take him under his wing, he'll end up being a great pick.

All in all I thought it was a great draft for Poles. He drafted positions of need, and stuck to his plan. He didn't reach on anyone (I'm looking at you Atlanta), and got a lot of value in the later rounds. But here's an even more important aspect. Poles reset the clock on two of the most expensive offensive positions. Which should automatically give him a B+ or an A- grade. If Amegadjie works out and grabs the LT position in 2025, there is no way this draft cannot be seen as an A+ and franchise altering. Poles is really coming into his own as a GM. It's an exciting time to be a Bears fan.

[The Marshall Plan]

I don't think Poles keeps Jenkins.

We are loaded with draft picks next year. Loaded, including a first and two seconds.

Imagine having the 20th(?) overall pick and taking the best guard on the board. I'd be fine with that.

I love Jenkins' approach to the game and the OL is obviously better when he's a part of it, but it's not an ideal situation with him.

I'd hate to see Jenkins go. He's the one high end player the Bears have on the O-line. Maybe Wright will join him at that level but he wasn't close as a rookie.

We're all excited right now, and understandably so, about all the talent at the offensive skill positions but the O-line is still a significant work-in-progress.

I understand people's concerns about Jenkins' injury history, but last year's were not related to his neck or back. He missed the first 4 games after somehow managing to strain both calves and then one more with a concussion. Without underplaying the dangers of concussions, those aren't the types of injuries that should be a cause for ongoing concern.

It's not that unusual for OL to miss a few games. Heck Wright was the only one who started every game for the Bears last year. Top linemen like Trent Williams, Tyron Smith and Lane Johnson have missed a fair few games over the years.

It's something you'd want to factor as a risk into any contract, but unless Jenkins misses a ton of games this year what's gone on before aren't a major red flag for me. I'd prioritse a center and an OG to replace Davis and look to retain Jenkins.

It isn't that I WANT Jenkins to go. I just don't think Poles will pay him whatever the market is for an oft injured guard when we have a ton of picks next year.

TBH with you I don't know what my preference is. I respect the argument for replacing him via the draft.

Jenkins misses a lot of games. Whatever the reason is. He misses a lot of time. That can't be flippantly dismissed.

[The Marshall Plan]

I throw my post draft thoughts in too...

I have not been shy about my doubts regarding Caleb Williams. I was a bigger fan of Jayden Daniels. But as it is, Williams is our new QB, and I will root my ass off for his success. It's certainly a new day for Chicago Bears football. Drafting a QB 1st overall should be a franchise altering move, and I truly hope it will be.

I was a fan of trading back in the 1st round and picking up a couple more players. I also think our biggest need was an EDGE rusher. So Dallas Turner or Jared Verse would have been amazing choices. All of that being said...I LOVE Rome Odunze. He was one of my very favorite players last year in college football. I think we are at the beginning of an amazing journey for this kid. He has NFL Star written all over him. Then to pair him with the top QB in the draft... It's a new offense in Chicago. One the fans have never seen in their lives. It will be exciting to see them develop together.

I really liked the 3rd round pick. I love really smart OL, because I think outside of the QB position, it's the most complex position on the field. On either side. Amegadjie's measurables are really impressive. He's 6'6" and has 36" arms. That's insane. Then pair that with the fact that he didn't give up a sack at the LT position in two years at Yale... There's your starting LT in 2025. He's be the swing this year, but in 2025 it will be his position to lose.

The punter pick isn't a sexy one. For the layman football fan, it may even be a bit of a head scratcher. But a good P is a weapon. It's a weapon for pinning opponents deep and then letting your defense eat. It's a way to flip the field after a failed offensive series. If Taylor can do for Chicago what he did for Iowa. It's a great pick.

I think Poles jumping back into the 5th round to grab a high-value EDGE was a brilliant move. We needed an EDGE rusher. It was the only glaring hole in Poles' draft thus far, and he got back in and grabbed a great EDGE project with great measurables. In some mocks he was a low 2nd round high 3rd round grade. He was projected low 1st round if he declared next year. He's 6'4" and 240 lbs. After an offseason of NFL conditioning he'll be 255 lbs. If Sweat is willing to take him under his wing, he'll end up being a great pick.

All in all I thought it was a great draft for Poles. He drafted positions of need, and stuck to his plan. He didn't reach on anyone (I'm looking at you Atlanta), and got a lot of value in the later rounds. But here's an even more important aspect. Poles reset the clock on two of the most expensive offensive positions. Which should automatically give him a B+ or an A- grade. If Amegadjie works out and grabs the LT position in 2025, there is no way this draft cannot be seen as an A+ and franchise altering. Poles is really coming into his own as a GM. It's an exciting time to be a Bears fan.

I agree with every word of this except the trade up for the DE. I wasn't a fan of that.

Yet at the same time criticizing this draft would be like critiquing the Mona Lisa. This is about as perfect of a draft we will ever see.

This season has to be a playoff run or Eberflus needs to go.

[Bears Whiskey Nut]

I throw my post draft thoughts in too...

I have not been shy about my doubts regarding Caleb Williams. I was a bigger fan of Jayden Daniels. But as it is, Williams is our new QB, and I will root my ass off for his success. It's certainly a new day for Chicago Bears football. Drafting a QB 1st overall should be a franchise altering move, and I truly hope it will be.

I was a fan of trading back in the 1st round and picking up a couple more players. I also think our biggest need was an EDGE rusher. So Dallas Turner or Jared Verse would have been amazing choices. All of that being said...I LOVE Rome Odunze. He was one of my very favorite players last year in college football. I think we are at the beginning of an amazing journey for this kid. He has NFL Star written all over him. Then to pair him with the top QB in the draft... It's a new offense in Chicago. One the fans have never seen in their lives. It will be exciting to see them develop together.

I really liked the 3rd round pick. I love really smart OL, because I think outside of the QB position, it's the most complex position on the field. On either side. Amegadjie's measurables are really impressive. He's 6'6" and has 36" arms. That's insane. Then pair that with the fact that he didn't give up a sack at the LT position in two years at Yale... There's your starting LT in 2025. He's be the swing this year, but in 2025 it will be his position to lose.

The punter pick isn't a sexy one. For the layman football fan, it may even be a bit of a head scratcher. But a good P is a weapon. It's a weapon for pinning opponents deep and then letting your defense eat. It's a way to flip the field after a failed offensive series. If Taylor can do for Chicago what he did for Iowa. It's a great pick.

I think Poles jumping back into the 5th round to grab a high-value EDGE was a brilliant move. We needed an EDGE rusher. It was the only glaring hole in Poles' draft thus far, and he got back in and grabbed a great EDGE project with great measurables. In some mocks he was a low 2nd round high 3rd round grade. He was projected low 1st round if he declared next year. He's 6'4" and 240 lbs. After an offseason of NFL conditioning he'll be 255 lbs. If Sweat is willing to take him under his wing, he'll end up being a great pick.

All in all I thought it was a great draft for Poles. He drafted positions of need, and stuck to his plan. He didn't reach on anyone (I'm looking at you Atlanta), and got a lot of value in the later rounds. But here's an even more important aspect. Poles reset the clock on two of the most expensive offensive positions. Which should automatically give him a B+ or an A- grade. If Amegadjie works out and grabs the LT position in 2025, there is no way this draft cannot be seen as an A+ and franchise altering. Poles is really coming into his own as a GM. It's an exciting time to be a Bears fan.

I agree with every word of this except the trade up for the DE. I wasn't a fan of that.

This season has to be a playoff run or Eberflus needs to go.

So if the Bears go 10-7 and miss out on the wild card, Flus has to go? Which is good for Caleb Williams' development how?

[The Marshall Plan]

I agree with every word of this except the trade up for the DE. I wasn't a fan of that.

This season has to be a playoff run or Eberflus needs to go.

So if the Bears go 10-7 and miss out on the wild card, Flus has to go? Which is good for Caleb Williams' development how?

OK, so you're looking for the proton torpedo that finds the thermal exhaust port.

If Mars enters Sagittarius doesn't interest me.

This is a playoff team. Objectively speaking we are loaded. Loaded.

I don't see how that can be disputed.

Caleb Williams, yeah sure there's going to be a bad game or two, but this guy is entering the greatest scenario a rookie QB could possibly, and maybe, has ever entered.

I do not expect Williams to have the prototypical Rookie QB Shits The Bed type season.

If Williams has a rookie year akin to Peyton Manning's or Troy Aikman's we are in deep shit.

[Yogi da Bear]

I'd hate to see Jenkins go. He's the one high end player the Bears have on the O-line. Maybe Wright will join him at that level but he wasn't close as a rookie.

We're all excited right now, and understandably so, about all the talent at the offensive skill positions but the O-line is still a significant work-in-progress.

I understand people's concerns about Jenkins' injury history, but last year's were not related to his neck or back. He missed the first 4 games after somehow managing to strain both calves and then one more with a concussion. Without underplaying the dangers of concussions, those aren't the types of injuries that should be a cause for ongoing concern.

It's not that unusual for OL to miss a few games. Heck Wright was the only one who started every game for the Bears last year. Top linemen like Trent Williams, Tyron Smith and Lane Johnson have missed a fair few games over the years.

It's something you'd want to factor as a risk into any contract, but unless Jenkins misses a ton of games this year what's gone on before aren't a major red flag for me. I'd prioritse a center and an OG to replace Davis and look to retain Jenkins.

It isn't that I WANT Jenkins to go. I just don't think Poles will pay him whatever the market is for an oft injured guard when we have a ton of picks next year.

TBH with you I don't know what my preference is. I respect the argument for replacing him via the draft.

Jenkins misses a lot of games. Whatever the reason is. He misses a lot of time. That can't be flippantly dismissed.

Jenkins is my favorite current Bear by a large margin. I love isolating his play. But I too think he's on the way out. And I don't even think it's because of injuries. He hasn't had a back problem since he started taking Pilates (hear that DP ). We have Braxton's contract coming due in two years and Wright's in three years. I expect to see Kiran take his spot next year and then maybe Jones' sport two years from while Poles fills the interior with more draft picks.

My only hope for Tevin is that he plays so well and is healthy, he becomes impossible to let go. Maybe we'll cut Davis after this coming season and use that savings to extend Tevin. But then you still have Jones coming due the following season and Wright the year after....

[The Marshall Plan]

It isn't that I WANT Jenkins to go. I just don't think Poles will pay him whatever the market is for an oft injured guard when we have a ton of picks next year.

TBH with you I don't know what my preference is. I respect the argument for replacing him via the draft.

Jenkins misses a lot of games. Whatever the reason is. He misses a lot of time. That can't be flippantly dismissed.

Jenkins is my favorite current Bear by a large margin. I love isolating his play. But I too think he's on the way out. And I don't even think it's because of injuries. He hasn't had a back problem since he started taking Pilates (hear that DP ). We have Braxton's contract coming due in two years and Wright's in three years. I expect to see Kiran take his spot next year and then maybe Jones' sport two years from while Poles fills the interior with more draft picks.

My only hope for Tevin is that he plays so well and is healthy, he becomes impossible to let go. Maybe we'll cut Davis after this coming season and use that savings to extend Tevin. But then you still have Jones coming due the following season and Wright the year after....

As it stands now I believe our 2025 Draft Choices are:

First Round
Second Round - 2
Third Round
Fifth Round
Sixth Round - 3

Poles has 4 picks in the first three rounds and he drafts linemen like kids eat candy. It's going to happen.

I'm thinking next year's draft will be the polar opposite of this year's. 2025 will be like watching paint dry. It'll be lineman. A linebacker. Guys like that.

To your point about Kiran, yep, he drafted that guy for a reason.