ASHKUM BEAR

Just knowing he is the pick takes a little of the excitement out of the draft, but then we have pick 9 and the not knowing which redeems the anticipation that you had as a child on Christmas morning. 24 hours and the excitement begins 🍻

Does knowing what the 1st "gift" pick take away some of the anticipation? I love draft weekend and it became a dedicated part of my life the year the Bears took McCown. What will make my #1 pick day is if the Bears can have Caleb Williams turn in the card for himself.

I seen that and as long as he gets a guy that can take over games, I am happy. Or a guy that can shut down someone, like Wright. Dexter in the future should be able to play both interior positions.

Stroud set expectations to this level. I believe Caleb can exceed that benchmark because the Bears were basically a 9 win team if the defense held up and the QB didn't fall apart trying to take the team on his back. They have added Keenan Allen, Swift, Bates, and Everett to upgrade the holes, so the offense along with a OC that is not a first timer. Williams will make mistakes, but he should exceed the previous QB.

I recall Caleb saying he played HS ball with Penn St LT Olum Fashanu. I wouldn't be shocked to hear his name called if the draft fell a certain way.

Barton also has a high iq for understanding and making line calls. I mentioned him months ago for C when he was listed mainly as OT. Been seeing some drafts with GB taking him rd1 because he has versatility to play anywhere. I wouldn't complain if Poles drafted him and if he is climbing, then maybe Frazier slides.

Right now, the projected blue-chip DE is Turner DE/OLB, but is he a scheme fit? I think Latu or Verse are closer fit, regarded as DE/Edge and can be blue, or is it Darius Robinson DL/DE? Size and college position determined class. A guy similiar to Sweat is Myles Cole DE Texas Tech if they look for a body style. Guys Poles should run for at 9 are Alt, Nabers, or Odunze. I think they can move down a few slots and get a tier 1b guy especially if Penix is there and the Raiders/Broncos want to bid against each other for him.

I am a oline guy, but I want nothing to do with drafting a G in round 1. If the team was complete and we were drafting at pick 25 or after, then maybe. I have the same thought on RB and MLB. Sure you can get a good one like Roquan, but you can also find cheaper equivalent talent later in the draft. If they draft oline at 9, better be LT and there are maybe 2 worthy. WR is always a need if you look at the price. Moore could have been a 2025 1st rd pick but we wanted him or Burns instead. Allen is a pricey 1 year rental (20mil), so getting a stud on the cheap now can help save money to pay either Jenkins or Davis down the road.

One thought that crosses my mind is what is more important to get, a stud LT, DE, or WR? This is taking into account that next draft the Bears could be looking at drafting 15-20th and can they get one of the 3 positions next year at that slot. With that thought, I hate to say it but Alt would have to be deeply considered. Yes, they have Braxton but saying they shouldn't shoot for a top 3-5 LT to pair with Wright and make the line one of the best is like saying QB wasn't a need with JF.

The obvious...and common amongst this board. Caleb Williams QB - no brainer. The Bears finally get a QB and the timing is perfect. Malik Nabers or Rome Odinze WR- even with Allen and Moore, the Bears need a strong WR Corp and these 2 should become prime players with MHJ, of course. Laiautu Latu DE - I feel he can come in and dominate more so that Turner. If Poles wants to make a defensive splash, Latu can do it. Trading down... Michael Thomas Jr WR- the kid is smart and wants to be great. Include the measurables and production, he has the culture the Bears look for. Dariaus Robinson DE- he has size and arm length to hold or collapse the line. Add him to Dexter, Billings, and Sweat, the front 4 will be stout. Bralen Trice DE- similiar to Robinson having that size. Zach Frazier C - if the Bears can find the sources to get their long term anchor, it would be a blessing. Great centers seem to be a key to winning the 3rd and short battles. Zac Zinter G - he may start off behind with having a bad leg break, but getting a future stud G that fits the run scheme will help keep the Bears strong competitors when decisions have to be made with Davis and Jenkins. DT- there are a handful of 3rd-4th round prospects that can fit this rotation. Maason Smith LSU can be a diamond or Ruke Orhoharo, Kris Jenkins.

I am stuck on this scenario. The Bears use Rome Odunze as trade bait and Indy bites. Bears get pick 15 and 44 while still landing a WR prospect that can line up at X and give Caleb a lengthy target. Round 2, they get a DE with size and arm length who can collapse the edge. Round 3, at DT prospect to rotate with Dexter. Round 4, G depth that can be a future staple to strong running game. 2025 they can use their 1st on a LT and round 2 get that stud Center and most likely a S.

Can we change the name of this board? I suggest "The not so great Justin vs Caleb debate." 😝 This should be a fun/great time to discuss every prospect but the one who is 99% locked as our number 1 pick and been discussed since December. Turn the page and let's discuss Latu, Turner, and Verse. Or Ozume, Naber, Bowers, and Thomas Jr. Who fits the scheme and team best etc.

The o line had weaknesses and they basically had only one WR that could be counted on besides Kmet. When the oline consistently gets pushed into the pocket, the QB is pressured and scrambled. Is Center addressed with Bates an Co., we will see. Can the LT take on strength and bull rushes, we will see. Is Keenen Allen enough to give the QB 2 targets for the season...

It sure is a good time to be a Bears fan. To possibly finally have a long term answer at QB is like winning the draft for a decade. Get a DE or WR at 9 and the draft is a W, regardless of whoever else is taken rd 3 and 4. Come 2025 draft, the rebuild process will get the finishing touches and the Bears should be in Superbowl contention.

That was why early on, I looked at Washington DE Bralen Trice who is a mid-late 2nd rd. He doesn't have the bend, has size, and can hold the edge while able to put pressure on the QB. If they want the nimble, Turner at 9 or even the kid from Penn St, Chop Robinson who can be had by moving down. The question is would Odunze, Turner, or a OT at 9 be enough to get the Bears into contention.