There are also other options (not a Bears fan but it's an interesting problem). You can trade the #1 AND trade Fields and take a different QB either at a new trade spot (like Maye at #2), or at the original #9 spot and take somebody else with a higher pick (like Marvin Harrison Jr.).
The QBs at #9 are just a lateral move or worst from Justin Fields.
Mahomes was drafted at #10. Depends on getting an accurate valuation of a QB for your franchise. (Trubitsky was the top-rated QB that year.) And a rookie drafted there will give you more cap space than keeping Fields.
I think this is the main driving force for going with the rook. Granted, if Fields was a no-question-must-keep performer, we obviously wouldn't be having this discussion and instead we'd all be speculating as to which team and how much booty Poles would receive in trading the #1 pick. But because Fields has not completely proven himself, that rookie contract vs Fields pay raise just around the corner is probably playing a large role in the decision making process.
Yep. I was just comparing top picks vs later 1st round picks but 2020 class had Burrow, Tua, Herbert in the top 6 and Jordan Love at #26
That’s true, but - Josh Allen was #7 in 2028 behind Baker, and Darnold was #3.
To be fair, everyone but the 49ers had Fields above Lance
Which means that streak will end soon.
Maybe they want to develop Bagent?
Combine isnt for me.
I paid some attention last year - to @averagejoe's point, they're working without opposition.
It can be fun - but remember to temper excitement about beautiful 60-yard spirals to a WR with nobody else on the field.
