7:04pm: In the event the Browns reach agreement on a trade for the No. 2 pick, they could move further down the order. Russini’s colleague Jeff Howe reports the Bears could see the fifth overall selection as a target to move up for Jeanty. Plenty of moving parts are still in play, but Chicago could become a team to watch soon.
4:25pm: As the countdown to the draft continues, movement near the top of the board remains something to watch for. The Bears could find themselves higher up the order than No. 10 shortly. 
Chicago is among the teams attempting to pull of a trade-up maneuver, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports. The Browns and Giants have fielded calls for the second and third overall selections, but teams such as the Panthers (at No. 8) have made it clear they would be a willing trade partner. To little surprise, Russini adds the Bears’ ongoing efforts are aimed at putting them in range to draft Ashton Jeanty.
On more than one occasion, the Boise State running back has been named as a prospect Chicago is highly interested in. A trade up the board has long been considered necessary given Jeanty’s projected landing spots, though. The Raiders at No. 6 were reported as a logical destination, something general manager John Spytek has done nothing to dispel in the lead-in to the draft. More recently, however, the Jaguars have seen their links to Mason Graham fade in favor of Jeanty connections. As a result, the possibility of the latter being selected fifth overall is one to monitor.
Jeanty finished second in Heisman voting in 2024 off the back of his stellar campaign. The junior posted massive production during his time in college, establishing himself as the top prospect in what is considered a very strong running back class. He is expected to deliver an immediate impact in whichever backfield he finds himself in at the NFL level.
In the case of the Bears, that would consist of splitting time with D’Andre Swift. The 2024 free agent addition has two years remaining on his deal, including guarantees for the coming campaign. Swift’s security for the immediate future has led some to question the idea of Chicago pursuing a running back early in the draft, especially after Swift posted a new career high in scrimmage yards (1,345) in 2024. Other roster holes – such as left tackle, edge rush and defensive line – represent other likely priorities with respect to rookie additions.
Targeting a prospect at one of those spots could of course remain in play in the event the Bears are unable to work out a trade agreement. If teams like the Jags or Raiders are amenable to sliding to the back of the top-10 order, though, Jeanty could very well wind up in the Windy City to begin his pro career.
Pats, take advantage!
Totally agree. Even if they don’t get “full value” for the pick they should be dropping down and collecting draft capital. The Pats can then select whatever they have the best grade on at 10 as opposed to hoping that Will Campbell can play LT when his tape and his measurements do not support it.
This.
Chicago needs to trade up to #4 with New England in order to draft Jeanty. It would probably cost them their 2nd round pick to do so.
And possibly more.
The Bears should try to get the Giants to trade back, then at 10 the Giants might go QB and allow New England to draft Carter…Carter just doesn’t fit in NY….
Jags, trade back and build around Trevor. Clearly he can’t carry an average team. Give him an upgraded team! Collect picks for this draft plus ammo for trades in camps and the trade deadline when you know where the holes exists.
No Bears, no!
Trading up for Jeanty wouldn’t be as bad as the trade up for Trubisky but the Bears need to be smart for a change. Good RBs will be available in later rounds.
Better a RB than a FB like the Jets did.
Google: The NY Jets drafted a fullback, Roger Vick, in the first round of the 1987 NFL Draft.
Hey, don’t ignore the Giants! They used a 1st rd pick on Rocky Thompson in 1971 and he managed 217 career rushing yards.
I would love to see Jeanty in Chicago… but the math just doesn’t make sense.
The fifth overall pick in this draft will get paid $36M over 4 years. That’s $9M a year. Saquon Barkley signed for $12.3M a year in free agency. And he’s likely the top back in the league.
So to get surplus value on that contract you really need to hope that Jeanty becomes the best RB in the league. And even then he only gives you $3M in value over his cap hit. The math works the same for Warren at TE.
If you’re picking in the top 10 you need to take a premium position. QB, OT, DE, CB, WR, maybe DT. An average LT gives you more surplus value than the top RB in the league would. In a salary cap world you need to factor this in. And Swift isn’t exactly a liability.
Take an OT or DE/DT in round 1 if any are left worth that pick. If not, try to trade down. Pick you RB in round 2 or 3.