The Chicago Bears have secured the first overall pick with their loss in week 18, and with the Houston Texans winning their game.
While the 2023 NFL Draft is full of quarterbacks, the Bears already have a quarterback in Justin Fields.
However, if Ryan Poles and the Bears management feel Fields isn’t the answer in Chicago, they can draft a quarterback.
But should the Bears trade the first overall pick, or use it on a player of their choice?
Trading Their Pick Gives Them Additional Draft Capital They Need
With plenty of teams needing or wanting a quarterback, the Bears are in an influential position to trade their pick.
There are at least 16 teams this year that need/could draft a QB high in the 2023 NFL Draft with less than a handful worth drafting in that range.
~20 teams that could take a tackle R1 with ~5 that could be r1 guys. Will be interesting to see who feels like they have to move up— Big Game Bengal (@BengalYouTube) January 8, 2023
However, the Bears trading their pick will come at a premium.
The further they move back, the higher the draft compensation will be for the Bears.
With four teams having multiple picks in the first round, the Bears might target those teams first.
The Texans are the one team wanting a quarterback the most who also have multiple picks in 2023.
While the Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks, and Philadelphia Eagles are the other teams with two picks in the first round, it’s likely they won’t draft a quarterback.
So a trade with the Texans makes sense if the Bears want the second and ninth overall picks for 2023.
However, they could trade with the Indianapolis Colts, another team desperate for a quarterback.
But a trade with them won’t see the Bears getting multiple first-round picks for 2023.
With the Bears needing plenty of players, it’s best they trade their pick and haul in as many draft picks as they can.
NEXT: Bears Secure First Overall Pick For 2023 NFL Draft