(670 The Score) With the NFL’s owners, general managers and coaches descending upon south Florida for the annual league meetings this week, it’s possible that the framework of a deal is reached for a trade in the first round of the NFL Draft, which will begin April 24.
But as of Monday, there hasn't been a single trade of a first-round pick in this draft. This marks the closest point to the draft in more than three decades that every NFL team owns its original first-round pick.
Part of why there hasn’t been a premium pick dealt is the fact that this draft class lacks superstar-caliber prospects and promising quarterbacks. It isn't as strong as draft classes of years past.
Teams that are seeking quarterbacks are often the ones that make aggressive trades into the top five, but Miami quarterback Cam Ward, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart haven't given anyone a reason yet to make a bold move up.
Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter is considered the top player in this class, but he’s recovering from shoulder surgery, which has caused some pre-draft concern. Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter has scouts debating whether he should play wide receiver, cornerback or both in the NFL.
Sitting with the 10th overall pick are the Bears, who have internally discussed the merits of trading up amid their usual due diligence.
Holding the No. 4 overall selection, the Patriots could be a team looking to trade down given they have confidence in second-year quarterback Drake Maye. New England is the first team in the current draft order without a clear quarterback need.
The cost of the Bears moving up from No. 10 to No. 4 overall would be one of their two second-round picks (No. 39 and No. 41 overall) if the sides were to follow the guidelines of the NFL Draft trade value chart. In that hypothetical scenario, the Bears could be in the driver’s seat to select the top non-quarterback in this class.
But given that this draft class is viewed as weaker than those of recent years, the Bears could perhaps move up in the top 10 by attaching their third-round pick (No. 72 overall) to their No. 10 overall selection. The cost of doing business may indeed be less this year, and general manager Ryan Poles could be drawn to that possibility.
A trade up two spots to the No. 8 overall pick, currently held by the Panthers, would cost the Bears their third-round pick and net Carolina's fifth-round selection, according to the trade chart. That type of move could prove to be valuable as well.
Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham might be the player whom the Bears covet in a trade up. He has arguably the highest floor of any player in this class and would represent a significant upgrade on Chicago’s defensive line.
The fascinating possibility of the Bears selecting Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty also looms. He could fall to the Bears at No. 10, but if Poles and the Bears want him, trading up would be the path to ensuring they land him.
During the 2024 NFL Draft, the Bears selected quarterback Caleb Williams at No. 1 overall and had receiver Rome Odunze on their mind as they also held the No. 9 overall pick. Poles was tempted to trade up from No. 9, but he didn't.
Poles pointed to assistant general manager Ian Cunningham for calming his nerves and reiterating the need for the Bears to trust their in-house calculations. Sure enough, Odunze dropped to No. 9 as the Bears hoped and thought would be the case.
So what will happen this time around? Could this be the draft in which the Bears make a bold trade up for a blue-chip prospect? The dynamics in play could make it a more favorable scenario for the Bears this time around.
No team has traded a first-round pick in this draft yet, but the Bears are worth monitoring on that front.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.