Bears predicted to land 2,601-yard rusher in stunning draft day trade with Jaguars

Thursday could be a major turning point in the Chicago Bears' winning trajectory.

It wasn't a good 2024 season for the Bears, who were counting on taking a step forward under rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. But Williams showed just enough promise to be hopeful for a year two leap under new head coach and play-caller Ben Johnson.

To maximize their offense's capability, however, the Bears may be after more firepower in the draft's first round. It seems clear that they'll jump at the chance to draft Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty if he falls to them with the 10th pick, but that's not all that likely.

Instead, one NFL writer sees the Bears taking matters into their own hands.

On Thursday, Kyle Stackpole of CBS Sports predicted that the Bears would trade up to the fifth pick with the Jacksonville Jaguars, giving up their first, second, and fifth-round picks for the chance to land Jeanty. 

"Let's get crazy. New Bears head coach Ben Johnson was part of a Lions team that selected star Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall in 2023, so he gets aggressive in getting one of the best running back prospects in recent memory," Stackpole wrote.

Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp

"Chicago gives up pick Nos. 10, 39 and 148 to move up five spots to take Ashton Jeanty."

Jeanty, 21, ran for an astonishing 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns for the Broncos in 2024. It's too early to throw the "generational talent" label on him, but there's hope that he could be a transformational piece for some team's offense in 2025.

Will the Bears be that offense? We'll find out sometime shortly after 8 p.m. EST on Thursday night.

More NFL: Cowboys could pull off blockbuster trade for 7-time Pro Bowler, NFL writer claims