Chicago Bears Trade Scenarios for the 2014 NFL Draft
By Erik Lambert
Nov 30, 2013; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels tight end Eric Ebron (85) is knocked out of bounds by Duke Blue Devils cornerback Bryon Fields (14) in the third quarter. The Duke Blue Devils defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels 27-25 at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Phil Emery didn’t waste much time dropping hints about the potential the Chicago Bears 14th pick in the 2014 NFL draft has. If a trade is his desire, here are some options.
Offer Eric Ebron or Marqise Lee to New York Jets for 3rd round pick
At present the New York Jets seem like the most logical trade partner. Their defense is stacked but they are seriously starved for playmakers on offense. Looking a the current spread the chances of landing a really good one at #18 are questionable what with Pittsburgh and Baltimore selecting ahead of them who also need playmakers on offense. The Bears are ahead of both of those teams and it would likely take no more than a 3rd round pick to make the jump for New York, at which point they would have their choice of options such as tight end Eric Ebron or wide receiver Marqise Lee.
Offer Ha’Sean Clinton-Dix or Anthony Barr to Green Bay Packers for 3rd and 4th
Trading with divisional rivals is awfully rare in any case but the fact of the matter is the Bears should be open to all offers, even if one comes from the Green Bay Packers. They are in the midst of rebuilding the defense as well but they have far fewer holes to fill. Getting a standout safety like Ha’Sean Clinton-Dix or maybe even that long elusive second pass rusher like Anthony Barr could bring it all together for them. In return they can offer up a 3rd and 4th round selections with maybe a 7th for good measure.
Offer C.J. Mosley to Cleveland Browns for two 3rd round picks
D’Qwell Jackson has been a stalwart for the Cleveland Browns for years but his contract is becoming a problem and many view his fit in the new scheme under Mike Pettine as limited at best. That could put them in the market for a new inside linebacker, and C.J. Mosley out of Alabama would be ideal given his speed, athleticism and leadership qualities. They have the 26th pick courtesy of a trade with Indianapolis along with two 3rd round choices. Offering up both of them to the Bears should be enough to entice a deal for them to get Mosley.
Offer Mike Evans or Justin Gilbert to San Francisco 49ers for late 2nd and 3rd
If the Chicago Bears brass were thinking really aggressively, then one of their phone calls would have to go to the San Francisco 49ers. They are slated to have multiple second, third and fourth round picks come May and given the strength of their roster have no reason to use them all. If enticed with the right players they have more than enough to make the move up. The question will be for whom and whether the Bears are willing to drop to the 30th pick. Based on early projections the 49ers are in need of help at wide receiver and cornerback. Adding some size for Colin Kaepernick on offense would lend a huge hand, and Mike Evans out of Texas A&M has that 6’5″ frame and explosive leaping ability to provide it. On the other side there is OklahomaState corner Justin Gilbert who is a terrific athlete with the required length, instincts and toughness to match receivers one-on-one. In return it will likely take their late 2nd round pick, one of their 3rd rounder and maybe a 6th or 7th as a chaser to swing the deal. Not that they can’t afford it of course.