Mel Kiper May Have Just Dropped A Hint At Bears’ Draft Plans

The Chicago Bears have gone radio silent with the NFL draft barely over two weeks from now. GM Ryan Poles has finished most of his top 30 private visits and has likely put the finishing touches on his board. People might argue he is still figuring out what he will do. In reality, Poles probably already knows what he will do. It comes down to what the other teams in front of him do first. This is one of those drafts that are difficult to predict because of the lacking star power. There are plenty of good players, but not as many can’t-miss names compared to some of the previous drafts. Mel Kiper of ESPN has seen this many times.

That makes predicting what the Bears do difficult. Still, the longtime draft expert forged ahead with his latest mock draft and, in doing so, may have dropped a noteworthy hint at what Chicago is thinking. Here’s the thing about Kiper. He’s far more connected than people think. It’s why his mock drafts tend to be accurate each year, at least in the early 1st round. His choice for the Bears at #9 underwent a significant shift this time around, featuring a player that fans have begun to hear a lot.

Darnell Wright of Tennessee.

“Chicago dropped eight spots in Round 1 but picked up a massive haul in its trade with Carolina, allowing it to keep premium picks in this draft and add future capital as well. And if it wants to add an instant starter at No. 9, offensive tackle is the position to target. I like Wright’s opportunity with the Bears if we’re strictly looking at right tackles, since Braxton Jones held his own on the left side last season. Wright started 27 games at right tackle in college; his tape against Will Anderson Jr. and Alabama was phenomenal. He’s the best right tackle in this class. My pal Louis Riddick is a huge fan too. This is a selection to keep quarterback Justin Fields clean.”

Mel Kiper may know something others don’t.

Let’s start with the recent rumor that popped up via David Kaplan. Apparently, the Bears are doing “big time” homework on Wright, which would indicate heavy interest. Then there is Kiper’s recent history involving the team. In 2021, he had Chicago taking Oklahoma State right tackle Teven Jenkins at 20th overall. Now the Bears instead traded up for Justin Fields at #11, but they circled back in the 2nd round to grab Jenkins. Then in 2018, he had them taking either guard Quenton Nelson or linebacker Roquan Smith depending on which was available. The Bears took Smith 8th overall after Nelson went to Indianapolis at #6.

This sudden switch to Wright might’ve been on a whim, or it’s possible Mel Kiper heard some whispers from people he knows and decided to run with it. The added information from Kaplan makes it seem like way too big of a coincidence to ignore. Now will the Bears take Wright at #9? That feels unlikely. Most project his value closer to the mid-to-late 1st round range. That would further confirm rumors of the Bears wishing to trade down again. Little by little, the picture might be coming into focus.