2023 NFL Draft: Bears add fuel to Bijan Robinson in speculation

The Chicago Bears are one of the teams in the first 10 picks of the 2023 NFL Draft that analysts believe could buck the system and take Texas RB, Bijan Robinson.

Generally speaking, Bears fans don’t like the idea. Instead, they’d prefer GM Ryan Poles addressing needs at offensive tackle or edge rusher at No. 9.

Indeed, pre-draft speculation is often nothing more than time-filling fodder. It’s hard to imagine the Chicago Bears, with so many needs, would take a luxury pick in the first round. But maybe it’s time to really consider it as a possibility.

Assistant general manager Ian Cunningham met with the media Tuesday and confirmed he’d have no objection to selecting a running back with a top-10 pick.

Asked for his personal belief on drafting running backs in the top 10 of the draft, Cunningham said “Yeah, I think it’s worth it.”

— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) April 25, 2023

Perhaps Cunningham is trying to create trade interest for the Chicago Bears’ pick. Teams selecting later in the first round who believe they’re a player like Bijan Robinson away from a Super Bowl run could decide to trade up rather than risk losing the do-it-all bell cow.

If the Bears don’t trade down, there’s a good chance Robinson will be the highest-graded player available when they’re on the clock. And if that happens, we know Cunningham won’t fight Poles if he wants the former Texas Longhorn.

Robinson finished the 2022 season with 1,580 yards and 18 rushing touchdowns. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry and added 314 yards and two scores as a receiver.

Bijan Robinson would offer the Chicago Bears offense an element unlike anything the team’s had in years. Matt Forte is the closest, but even he falls way short of Robinson’s maximum upside.

Justin Fields handing and throwing the ball to Bijan Robinson? Bears fans would get used to that quickly, even if they initially object to the pick.