I don't think the Bears are a lock at all to go T at 9. I can see why people think that way, but Poles isn't afraid to evaluate.
They waited until the 5th to take Braxton last year while knowing damn well they weren't playing Teven at either Tackle spot (right or wrong they never even intended on trying him there).
I could see sign a bargain vet and waiting until one of the three 53-64 picks and taking one there (should they keep those picks of course).
I don't know if he thought he was taking Jones to the be starting LT though. Now that we've got Moore and signed Davis, there's enough to have a top 10 offense if Justin takes the next step. You might say "yea the D-line needs work but I'm going to create an elite unit on offense first" and thus put your premium assets there, which could also be why maybe he's considering Bijan Robinson at #9 (who knows).
That's the way I'd lean actually. Don't skimp offensively just because the defensive line sucks at the moment. If you've got a guy in Johnson or Jones at #9 you think can be your left tackle for the next 10+ years, pull the trigger and let's do this. Spend some later picks upgrading the D-line.
Knowing Poles though, I'm guessing he's got a tackle prospect or two he likes in the late 2nd or early 3rd that can start right away, so i'm still thinking he's eyeing a difference maker on the D-line with the #9 pick.
