All eyes are on the Chicago Bears and their looming decision at quarterback — stick with Justin Fields or draft a rookie (most likely Caleb Williams) at No. 1.
In an interview with WGN’s Jarrett Payton, Warren discussed a variety of topics, including the team’s big draft haul last year, when they traded the top pick to the Carolina Panthers for what became DJ Moore, Darnell Wright, Tyrique Stevenson, the No. 1 pick this year and a 2025 second-rounder still to come.
Warren discussed replicating last year’s success again in this draft and how that could help make the Bears contenders.
“You think of the draft Ryan made last year to get DJ Moore and turn that pick into drafting Darnell Wright and then Stevenson,” Warren said, via WGN. “To get those young guys a chance to play and then trading for Montez Sweat. Not only trade for him, but then extend him. If we can replicate back-to-back years, to really be smart about how we handle our draft capital this year, it could be a really special time for the Chicago Bears.
“You look at the ’85 Bears – how many individuals in one draft came out of that draft – all those starters. So, I’m very cognizant and conscientious that I need to be there to work hand in hand with Ryan. Be supportive. Challenge a thought process. But, make sure that we come out of this draft and this free agent summer, going into the year a much better football team.”
That’s a strong statement from Warren about Chicago’s current draft situation. It certainly seems he’s leaning in favor of trading the pick — coupled with his comments about being glad Justin Fields is a Bear — but it’s hard to say for certain. Then again, general manager Ryan Poles is the one who will ultimately make the call about what to do with the No. 1 pick. But it sounds like it’s going to be a team effort.
“One thing about Ryan and I’s working relationship is the fact that we’re in this together,” Warren said. “I know he’s spending every single day thinking about, not only that decision, but who to draft at number nine, our current roster, what we’re going to do in free agency, what are we doing from a contract negotiation standpoint. I’m sure he’s already starting to play out the draft in his mind.
“We’ll work together, but I have great trust, obviously, in Ryan, Ian Cunningham and all of our scouts. This is that crucial time and they’ve already been grinding away on it to be able to come together. I look forward to going to the combine later this month and then getting a chance to spend some time together because we’re in a very, very unique space and time in the Bears [history].”
The topic of Fields vs. Williams has already been discussed ad nauseam, and it’s just getting started with the NFL Scouting Combine just around the corner, where it will no doubt heat up once again. But, keep in mind, no one knows what the Bears are going to do. Except the Bears.
