The Chicago Bears acquired defensive end Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, giving Chicago the pass rusher it desperately needed.
The Bears sent a 2024 second-round pick to the Commanders for Sweat, as general manager Ryan Poles is looking to the future with the move. With Sweat in the final year of his deal, the next step is locking him down to a long-term extension.
Edge rusher was a huge need for this roster, and the 2024 free agent class doesn’t sport any big names. So while it cost a premium draft pick for Sweat, it’s hard to be too critical considering Poles invested in a top position of need to help the defense moving forward.
But how does the move impact the Bears’ draft picks?
After dealing their second-rounder to Washington, Chicago now has six draft selections in the 2024 NFL draft, including two first-round picks.
Here’s an updated look at the Bears’ 2024 draft picks, per Tankathon (exact picks TBD):
- First-round pick (from Panthers)
- First-round pick
- Third-round pick
- Fourth-round pick
- Fourth-round pick (from Eagles)
- Fifth-round pick
Where things currently stand ahead of Week 9, those two first-round selections are top-three picks — with Carolina’s being No. 2 and Chicago’s No. 3.
While things could certainly change down the line, it’s looking like the Bears could have a pair of top-five — or, at worst top-10 — selections in the draft. That would give general manager Ryan Poles plenty to work with, whether it’s landing impact players and/or trading back in the process. If we’ve learned anything with Poles, it’s he’s always looking to acquire more draft capital.