Whether the Bears trade or stay put after taking Caleb Williams is the great guessing game with the ninth pick in Round 1.
The trade down makes sense from several standpoints.
For one, cost-wise they pay less if they aren’t taking two players in the top 10, but the rookie salary cap makes this far less of a problem than in the old days.
Trading down makes more sense from a need standpoint. They can use a receiver, and no one would deny it’s a fun thought to give Williams as many targets as possible, but the real actual need is pass rusher.
Edge is primary but defensive tackle also is a potential problem. Trading down still alllows them to come up with one of the best edge rushers, if not the best. If they stake a wide receiver by staying put or trading back, they are likely to get either the third-best wide receiver or even fourth best.
Trading up really makes no sense unless they find someone willing to take their extra second-round pick from next year along with the ninth pick. This is a steep price to pay
Trading down makes more sense from a need standpoint. They can use a receiver, and no one would deny it’s a fun thought to give Williams as many targets as possible, but the real actual need is pass rusher.
Edge is primary but defensive tackle also is a potential problem. Trading down still alllows them to come up with one of the best edge rushers, if not the best. If they stake a wide receiver by staying put or trading back, they are likely to get either the third-best wide receiver or even fourth best.
Trading up really makes no sense unless they find someone willing to take their extra second-round pick from next year along with the ninth pick. This is a steep price to pay
