Chicago Bears: Making The Case For Drafting A WR At Nine

While the Chicago Bears have all but set the number one pick in the draft, number nine is still a mystery. Here is a case for them to select a wide receiver at nine.

The 2024 NFL Draft is here! This may be the most impactful draft in Chicago Bears‘ history. General Manager Ryan Poles has some big decisions to make. While the number one pick is all but official to be Caleb Williams, what happens at nine is still a mystery.

Poles has a lot of options at nine. Poles can use the pick, or he can move up to select an even better prospect or down to acquire a few more picks. With only four picks, Poles may want to acquire more to fill more holes.

Poles has done an incredible job of revamping the offense. He added some firepower, bringing in running back D’Andre Swift, offensive linemen Ryan Bates, Coleman Shelton, Matt Pryor, and tight end Gerald Everett.

The cherry on top for Poles and the Chicago Bears was the acquisition of six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen. Allen and D.J. Moore look to be one of the best wide receiver duos in the league. They combined for 2,607 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns.

Williams will come into an offense with plenty of weapons and an improved offensive line. He will have the best situation any quarterback chosen number one has ever had.

What do the Chicago Bears do at nine?

As mentioned, the Bears have a few holes to fill on the roster. Most notably, they need an edge rusher to complement Montez Sweat. They also have a need at defensive tackle. Do they feel comfortable with having second-year player Gervon Dexter as the starter, or do they get someone who can compete with him for the starting job?

While those are valid needs, perhaps they can find players later in the draft. Poles has done a great job of improving the offense. he needs to continue that job so it carries over to multiple seasons.

While adding Allen was a coup for Poles, there are concerns. He will be 32 this season. In addition, he is in the final year of his contract. He isn’t in the Chicago Bears’ long-term plans.

The Bears will need a young wide receiver who can start as WR3. Then, if Allen is just a one-year rental, that youngster can step up and be a great complement to Moore.

Poles does wants to give Williams great tools for his rookie season and beyond. This is why he needs to add another receiver to target. Imagine if the stars align and he picks up Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. They would have a generational talent at both quarterback and wide receiver.

Poles would likely have to move up to get Harrison. However, he could stay pat and still have Rome Odunze from Washington available. In any other draft, Odunze would be the first wide receiver taken. With Harrison and LSU’s Malik Nabers, however, many have Odunze WR3.

Having Williams grow and develop with Harrison or Odunze would help him greatly. There is nothing like the QB/WR relationship. Either one can make the other look better.

Furthermore, having another receiver who can step up and make plays makes the Chicago Bears a more desirable place to play. That could be important when Moore’s contract comes to an end. If he plays great alongside another great receiver, he will be more likely to return and continue the success.

It will be an interesting decision for Poles and the Chicago Bears. Whatever happens, there will be a lot more excitement surrounding the team. That is something we have not seen for quite a while.