EXCLUSIVE: Ex-Falcons HC Mike Smith believes Bears have a lock at #1 pick with “by far the best” prospect

Former Atlanta Falcons head coach believes there's one prospect the Chicago Bears should be looking at. While many believe they may trade the pick to a team that need a quarterback, Smith says there's one can't-miss prospect that they must look at.

In an exclusive interview, Smith discussed the upcoming draft and a few of the prospects.

He believes Jalen Carter is the best prospect in the entire class:

"Jalen Carter from UGA, big, big man that is in your face all night long. Whether it's playing in the SEC, whether it's playing in the NFL, doesn't matter he's going to step right in, be a day one starter and be a dominant player. So it just depends on do the Bears trade back or do they stay and go for need and definitely their need is in the defensive line."

The Bears had a porous defense last season, so shoring it up would be a wise decision. For Smith, it's worth keeping the first pick to ensure no one else gets Carter.

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Despite strong quarterback class, Mike Smith says Bears need to stay put for Jalen Carter

Behind Chicago , there are a ton of teams that need a quarterback, including the Houston Texans:

"In my opinion, the Texans, they may need a quarterback.... They also don't have a very strong roster from top to bottom. So I don't know where they go. Arizona I think the third pick, they gotta go defensive front. That's probably their biggest need."

Smith thinks the Bears need to stay because if they trade down, there's almost no chance the Georgia lineman falls past Arizona, who doesn't really need a quarterback.

Continuing down the draft order, there are quite a few teams that need a quarterback and may want Chicago's pick:

"Indianapolis has got to go quarterback and offensive line, and Seattle also needs to go quarterback. It's gonna be some guys looking to take quarterbacks and there's probably two that stand out: Bryce Young from Alabama and CJ [Stroud] from Ohio State."

Jalen Carter to Chicago? Mike Smith thinks so

Despite all that, Carter is still top dog to Smith:

"Maybe the kid from Kentucky. I've heard some good things about the Levis kid in Kentucky. Those are probably the top three quarterbacks in this year's draft. But Jalen Carter is by far the best interior lineman."

The national champion defensive lineman could be good enough to turn down what would likely be a massive trade package.