Last year's NFL draft buzz around the Chicago Bears was all about snagging Caleb Williams at the top spot. It was almost set in stone.
But what about pick number 9? The whispers got louder in the days leading up to the draft, and sure enough, Washington's own Rome Odunze became a Bear.
Fast forward to this year, and the name on Chicago's radar is Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty. This Heisman finalist isn't just another running back; some people see shades of LaDainian Tomlinson in him.
With a new offensive line ready to pave the way and head coach Ben Johnson's love of the ground game, Jeanty seems like a perfect fit for the Bears.
But will he still be up for grabs when it's Chicago's turn to pick? According to Matt Miller from ESPN, the Bears have a lot of love for Jeanty. The buzz in the scouting community suggests they’d snatch him up at No. 10, assuming he's still on the board.
“The Bears love Ashton Jeanty, according to scouts around the league who’ve observed the team’s activity this offseason. So the Boise State running back could be the pick at No. 10 … if he’s still around.”
Here’s the catch. Will Jeanty still be available by then?
Some experts think not. Las Vegas, sitting at No. 6, might be too great of a temptation to pass him by.
However, Albert Breer from MMQB recently threw some doubt on that scenario.
The crucial moment is if Jeanty slips past the Raiders. If he does, Chicago's chances of snagging him increase significantly.
The Jets are stocked with Breece Hall and Braelon Allen, making them unlikely competitors. Carolina seems preoccupied with bolstering their defense.
That leaves the New Orleans Saints, who might fancy Jeanty as a youthful successor to Alvin Kamara, now facing his 30th birthday. Still, their needs might steer them toward other priorities like cornerback, wide receiver, or the defensive line.
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It's been a long time since the Bears took a running back in the 1st round. Not since 2005 have they made such a move, picking up Cedric Benson back then.
Previous attempts like Rashaan Salaam and Curtis Enis didn’t pan out as planned, and they missed out on Todd Gurley in 2015 and Christian McCaffrey in 2017. But landing Jeanty would end that streak.
From a talent standpoint, he's worth every bit of that first-round pick. In a draft that’s light on star power, Jeanty’s addition would be a significant win for Chicago.
