The Chicago Bears are in a strong position heading into the 2024 NFL draft, with two first-round picks in the top ten, including the first overall pick for the second consecutive year.
At this point, there’s little likelihood the Bears will do anything other than choose USC quarterback Caleb Williams first overall and trade veteran Justin Fields. The greater question is what Chicago plans to do with the ninth overall pick.
The Bears will most likely have to address one of three positions: wide receiver, edge rusher, or offensive lineman. And, with more quarterback trades expected, Chicago might be in a good position to grab a top wide receiver like LSU’s Malik Nabers or Washington’s Rome Odunze.
We’ve compiled the most recent 2024 NFL mock drafts, and most experts anticipate the Bears will pair Williams with a top playmaker like Nabers or Odunze, depending on where the board falls.
Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN predicts that the Bears will choose a quarterback and combine him with a playmaking wide receiver in the top ten.
Round 1: Pick 1 (from CAR) – quarterback Caleb Williams, USC
As we approach the one-year anniversary of the Bears surrendering the No. 1 overall pick to Carolina, I predict they will maintain the pick and move on from Justin Fields. It’s about restarting the quarterback clock and acquiring one of the top all-around prospects in the last decade. Williams possesses a unique skill set in terms of arm power, accuracy, decision-making, and agility. Chicago will need to continue to assist him: the team may acquire a playmaker with the No. 9 pick, and it also has cap space to make moves in free agency.
Round 1, Pick 9: WR Malik Nabers, LSU
We’re back to the Bears, and I ranked quarterback Caleb Williams first. I considered offensive line, but Troy Fautanu (Washington), the top guard in the class, may be too young. I also considered cornerback, but Chicago might franchise tag or sign free agent Jaylon Johnson to a long-term contract, filling that void. And, given this is an unusual year for edge rushers — Laiatu Latu (UCLA) has medical problems that should be answered at the combine, and I don’t have a top-15 grade on Jared Verse (Florida State) — let’s instead choose a spectacular player to make Williams’ life easier.
Last season, Nabers recorded 89 receptions for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns, with 1,009 yards and 12 scores coming from the slot. That adaptability would be ideal for new coordinator Shane Waldron’s offence. I have four wideouts in the top 11 of my rankings, and all four would probably be top-10 locks in any other selection.
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