The NFL Combine is always a prime time for teams to get a better look at the best college prospects and this year was no exception. With the Chicago Bears holding the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, they are in prime position to either select a quarterback or trade down and acquire more draft picks. On Tuesday, Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll put his team in the mix as a potential suitor for the No. 1 pick.
Carroll stated that the Seahawks, who currently own the No. 5 pick, are “deeply involved” with the quarterbacks coming out of this draft class. Seattle is coming off a season in which Geno Smith threw for 4,282 yards and 30 touchdowns, earning him the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. Carroll is optimistic that a deal can be worked out to bring Smith back, but the Seahawks could still potentially be in the market for a quarterback at the top of the draft.
The Las Vegas Raiders are another team to keep an eye on for the No. 1 overall pick. With Tom Brady retiring, the Raiders have just two quarterbacks on their roster and could be in the market for a long-term option at the position. Head coach Josh McDaniels also stated that they are looking to have somebody they can develop over the long-term.
The Bears are in a position to make a wise decision with their No. 1 pick. General manager Ryan Poles has reiterated that Justin Fields will be the team’s starting quarterback in 2023 unless they are “blown away” by a quarterback in the draft process. If that doesn’t happen, then the best move for the franchise would be to trade the No. 1 pick and accumulate valuable draft capital.
With the Texans, Colts, Panthers, Seahawks, and Raiders all in the mix as potential suitors, the Bears should have no shortage of offers for the No. 1 overall pick. It will be interesting to see how the draft plays out, and if the Carroll’s comments put the Seahawks in the driver’s seat for the top pick.
