Chicago Bears Rumors: How The L.A. Rams’ Trade Affects The Bears’ Draft


The Chicago Bears may be sitting pretty come the night of the NFL Draft. Several players which the Bears have their eyes on will most likely be available when they choose 11th. This is after two teams got together to make a move that has shaken up the entire first half of the first-round selections.

In the wake of the reported blockbuster trade (courtesy of the NFL website) between the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans, several teams are readjusting their draft boards. Those who were strongly considering drafting a quarterback with their picks, including the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Francisco 49ers, all have to rethink their strategy. As far as the hype leading up to the NFL Draft is concerned, much of the intrigue and mystery is gone.

The first two selections in the NFL Draft all but lock. The Rams, who traded up for the No. 1 pick, will either draft North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz or Cal’s Jared Goff.

After the Rams choose, the Cleveland Browns are next on the clock. They are expected to draft the quarterback whom the Rams do not select. The No. 3 pick of the NFL Draft is where the fun really begins. And how teams use their selections will be interesting. More trades may come now that the first two picks are expected to be quarterbacks.

The Chicago Bears may not be exempt from the trade discussion.

Carson Wentz and Jared Goff going first and second means that Memphis’ Paxton Lynch would be in play at some point.

Would the Dallas Cowboys draft Lynch? He is definitely a reach at the No. 4 pick. Lynch would be a reach at the seventh and eighth pick, where the 49ers and Eagles choose. So if each team were to pass on Lynch and he were to fall where the Chicago Bears pick at 11, would a team try and entice the Bears to take on more draft picks?

The New York Jets, unless they re-sign Ryan Fitzpatrick, will need a passer. They could reach out to the Bears if Paxton Lynch is available at 11. Judging from the haul the Titans received for the No. 1 pick, three draft picks for the Bears’ 11th pick would not be a stunner. Other teams could also get into the push for Paxton Lynch if he falls to where the Bears pick. For the right price, a trade can be consummated.

Just because Lynch might wind up available when the Chicago Bears pick at 11, they may stick to their draft board and ignore any trade offer that comes their way.

The Rams trading for the No. 1 pick means that there will be another defensive playmaker available. Running back Ezekiel Elliott could also be on the board.

No one expects Myles Jack to fall to the Bears, but thanks to the Rams trade for the No. 1 pick, Joey Bosa might. So could Jalen Ramsey, DeForrest Buckner, and Shaq Lawson. This could come to fruition especially if a team such as the Cowboys, 49ers, or Eagles panic and select Paxton Lynch.

Paxton Lynch
2016 NFL Scouting Combine: Paxton Lynch is working out for NFL scouts, including the Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers. [Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images]
In the latest NFL mock draft by Bleacher Report, Ramsey and Buckner would go to the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers respectively. They have the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafting Lawson.

Going to the Bears would be cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III.

John Mullin, a Chicago Bears insider who writes for CSN Chicago, sees the Bears drafting A’Shawn Robinson, a defensive lineman out of Alabama. According to Mullin, several pro prospects have visited the Bears’ facilities thus far. Two of the players which were confirmed as having a visit are Shaq Lawson and, surprisingly enough, Paxton Lynch. If Lawson is on the board when the Bears choose, he will be the No. 11th pick. Things will get interesting if Lynch is still there.

Another name that requires a mention is Notre Dame’s Jordan Stanley. Stanley is projected to be a quality 10-year starter at left tackle.

Although the Chicago Bears’ coaches are in love with current left tackle Charles Leno’s potential, Stanley, if still available, would be intriguing.

All of the NFL Draft scenarios for the Chicago Bears are made possible thanks to the the Los Angeles Rams’ trade for the Tennessee Titans’ No. 1 pick. As if the Bears were not sitting pretty before the trade. All of their preferred choices might just be on the board when the Bears choose with the No. 11th pick.

The NFL Draft will be held in Chicago. Now it looks as if the Chicago Bears will have some home field advantage.

[Featured Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images]

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