In anticipation of the upcoming NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears find themselves in a fascinating situation.
While they only have four picks in the entire draft, they do own the #1 and #9 overall selections in the first round.
It feels great going into the Draft knowing the Bears are coming out of it with Caleb Williams.
Adding in the #9 is just over the top good. This could be a transformative year for the Bears. pic.twitter.com/3A6w8iUJCl
— Irish Bears Network (@IrishBearsShow) April 11, 2024
It’s considered a foregone conclusion that they’ll draft USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick.
However, it’s the #9 pick where things could get truly interesting for Chicago.
According to reports, the Bears have been “taking calls” from teams interested in potentially trading up to the ninth pick.
𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧:
The #Bears have been taking calls from teams interested in potentially trading up to #9 to “lay the groundwork” for a potential deal that could come on draft day.The Bears only have 4 picks in this years draft and would like to replenish if “their guy”… pic.twitter.com/sMbqUxyda3
— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) April 9, 2024
While Williams will most likely be their first pick, the Bears are thought to be keeping a close eye on a few players in particular for #9.
Malik Nabers is a blue chip prospect that the #Bears should run to the podium to if he by the grace of god falls to 9
https://t.co/zbEME1o8mJ https://t.co/0HXIMcZb0b pic.twitter.com/ZUyoUh03Ff— As a Former NFL Agent (@TommyK_NFLDraft) April 4, 2024
Rome is visiting with the #Bears pic.twitter.com/c7DhIQVDkC https://t.co/nFQRn9cIT1
— As a Former NFL Agent (@TommyK_NFLDraft) April 3, 2024
Some analysts speculate that Chicago is potentially interested in Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner.
They are also keeping a close eye on offensive lineman.
Many analysts believe that Chicago’s dream scenario is to have one of the top wide receivers fall to them at nine.
The #Bears should most definitely stay (or trade-up) at #9.
If Rome Odunze or Dallas Turner fall to #9, DRAFT THEM.
This will be probably the final time in multiple years we pick this early. Ryan Poles should take advantage of Caleb Williams rookie deal.
FUCK THEM PICKS. pic.twitter.com/OJ0DFkgxai
— 🗽Sam (@PolesIsHim) April 11, 2024
While it’s hard to imagine Marvin Harrison Jr. and/or Malik Nabers falling that far, anything is possible.
Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft has the Bears grabbing Washington’s Rome Odunze who would seemingly be a great fit.
Chicago #Bears draft odds per FanDuel.
1. Caleb Williams (-10000)
9. Rome Odunze (+250)— Ben Devine (@Chicago_NFL) April 10, 2024
“This would be a dream scenario for the Bears, right? They would be adding an elite wideout on a rookie contract to play with Keenan Allen and DJ Moore, and they wouldn’t have to move up from No. 9 to do it,” Kiper said of Odunze.
“Remember that Allen is a free agent in 2025, so wide receiver is a bigger need for Chicago than it might seem. The 6-3 Odunze was a nightmare for defenses to deal with in college. He had 92 catches last season, 23 of which came on vertical routes, the most in the FBS, according to ESPN Stats & Information.”
I can’t believe it’s two weeks until the Bears draft Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze 🔥 pic.twitter.com/HDGOEd7dHx
— Pete (@Pete_Martuneac) April 11, 2024
“If the Bears pass on a wideout, look for them to target an edge rusher. Laiatu Latu (UCLA) and Jared Verse (Florida State) are next up in my rankings,” Kiper added.
Odds for who the No. 9 pick will be, whether it’s the #Bears or someone else, per ESPN’s Draft Predictor:
• Rome Odunze – 24%
• Dallas Turner – 21%
• Brock Bowers – 17%
• J.J. McCarthy – 15%
• Joe Alt – 8%
• Jared Verse – 4%Odds for the No. 75 pick:
• Adisa Isaac,…
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 11, 2024
What should the Bears do at #9?
Who should be their top target(s)? … Does Kiper have a point that it would make the most sense to pair Williams with a top-flight wide receiver right off the bat?
Yes the 2024 NFL draft is a Puni 2 weeks away! 😝
🐻⬇️ Chicago Bears! pic.twitter.com/PJ7moRhGFF— Spirit_of_the_Cosmos (@Cosmos_Spirit13) April 11, 2024
General manager Ryan Poles is wise to be working the phones.
As is always the case, there figures to be multiple teams who will be anxious to trade into the top ten, especially if elite players begin to drop (which usually always happens).
NFC scout per ESPN:
“I'd be shocked if they make that pick at 9, Poles loves to move around and build through the draft, and that roster still needs help."
The Bears could trade back and take best Edge available. Laiatu Latu/Jared Verse are options. Thoughts? #Bears #DaBears
— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) April 11, 2024
Looking at the big picture, are you a true believer in Williams?
Will he end up being the best quarterback to come from this draft?
Or do you think one of the other top QB’s will end up being even better???
If all it costs the Bears to leave the draft with the top 2 talents in the draft is the CAR R2 next year (which means it’s free), why are there people against it???
That would be the second greatest fleece of this century… right after the Panthers one😭😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/sIEG4CTork
— Bartholomew Willijax (@B_Willijax) April 9, 2024