The Chicago Bears control the draft with two picks in the top ten. With the first pick presumably being Caleb Williams, the Bears ninth pick is shrouded in mystery. There are various routes the Bears can go with the ninth pick. Trading back or staying at nine seems the most viable option, but NFL Analyst Daniel Jeremiah recently proposed a different route for the Bears. He suggests the possibility of trading up to the sixth pick to secure Joe Alt, widely regarded as the top tackle in the draft. Although the Bears have a solid left tackle in Braxton Jones, there’s a reason they would trade up for Alt.
Looking at the potential trade spots and thought this was an interesting one- Chicago trades up from 9 to 6 to take Joe Alt. I know they have a functional LT right now but Alt & Wright would be an incredible tandem to protect Caleb for a decade. Ideally for 2025 pick/pick swap
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) April 18, 2024
Intriguing Proposal Suggest the Chicago Bears Trading up to Draft Joe Alt
What Makes Joe Alt Special?
As a former tight end, Alt’s athleticism is off the charts. He’s a physical specimen with the speed, strength, and IQ to dominate defensive linemen. Alt had a 91.4 PFF grade in 2022 and 90.7 in 2023. Alt’s natural speed and ability to get up to the second level is impressive, considering he’s 6’8″ and 320 pounds. In addition, Alt doesn’t create many penalties and is only 21 years old. Although Alt is a rawer prospect, his physical and intellectual abilities should allow him to be a fantastic offensive tackle on day one in the NFL.
Why Should The Chicago Bears Consider Trading Up?
To start, the Bears already have a solid left tackle. Braxton Jones has certainly passed expectations for a fifth-round pick, starting at left tackle for the Bears since his rookie season. Additionally, the Bears enter the 2024 NFL Draft with the fewest selections, possessing only four picks. While it may seem reasonable to prioritize other positions given Jones’s performance and the team’s limited draft capital, there’s no argument against improving at one of the most critical positions in football. Aside from quarterback, having a premier left tackle is the most important position on offense.
Frankly, the Bears are the worst franchise at developing quarterbacks. However, they have a chance to rewrite history by selecting Joe Alt. The Bears already have a franchise tackle in Darnell Wright. Pairing him up with Alt gives Caleb Williams the best chance to develop and succeed in the NFL. As for the limited amount of picks in this year’s draft, the Bears don’t have to worry. They have plenty of picks in next year’s draft, which gives them the flexibility to move up in this year’s draft if they want. Having two elite tackles to pair with an ultra-talented quarterback for the next decade is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The Bears can lay the foundation for sustained success for years to come.
Historically, Bears General Managers prioritized short-term gains, often resulting in detrimental long-term consequences for the team. In contrast, the current GM, Ryan Poles, stands out for his strategic approach focused on securing long-term success. Trading up for an offensive tackle isn’t the flashy move most fans would like, but it’s a highly beneficial move for the success of the incoming rookie quarterback and the team for years to come.
Main Photo: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
