Post by JABF on Jan 9, 2023 9:58:37 GMT -6
Here's the Tankathon draft order:
2023 NFL draft order
Among the top-18 (non-playoff teams) there's at least 12 who are "QB-needy" if you will. Even if they already have a placeholder like Goff or Geno, those guys aren't the future or the long-range plan. Neither of them, despite having the best seasons of their respective careers in 2022, are gonna take you on a deep run. Point is, it's really remarkable how many teams are likely to be in the QB market this offseason. There's always some, but this year it seems like more than typical.
During the season, I was thinking about how many "established vet QBs" were failing--Ryan, Wentz, Mayfield, etc. Even Rodgers looks well past his prime. Its also remarkable how a razors edge separates things. Two years ago, the Jets won a meaningless late season game that moved them from the #1 pick to the #2 pick. Jacksonville got Trevor Lawrence and are now on the upswing; the Jets got Zach Wilson who has busted spectacularly in only 2 years.
Overall, I'm pretty optimistic we will be able to trade the #1 pick and get a good deal that helps the Bears. Lotta factors are in our favor. Was listening to Hoge & Jahns on way into work this morning and they were positively giddy. To paraphrase: Ryan Poles has an unprecedented opportunity to remake the Bears in a positive way like no GM has had in a long, long time. He's got his QB, the #1 pick to trade, and a ton of cap to work with.
After slogging thru the awful teardown year that 2022 was, the clouds are beginning to thin and the sun is coming out.
That is a great post that I totally agree with ^^^^^
And regarding what teams have done in the past in trade-downs, that doesn't necessarily dictate what happens now. Every team is different. Every situation is unique. The players in a given year's draft are also unique. In light of that fact, Poles will probably auction the #1 pick to the highest bidder. In 2023, it may not harvest what we meatball fans expect. But rest assured it will be the best he can get in light of the '23 draft situation. I have to believe Poles will get a good return on his investment. I also believe the meatballs will be disappointed no matter what he does. It's just the way meatball fans roll...