Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The 2023 NFL season is officially over. It is draft season! The Chicago Bears came off another losing season, though this one had some promise. There were many young players who showed promise for the future. With two picks in the top ten, the Bears are poised for a breakout year. Here is the Chicago Bears 2024 NFL Draft Guide.
Chicago Bears 2024 NFL Draft Picks
The Chicago Bears have only six picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.
- Round 1: No. 1 overall (from Carolina)
- Round 1: No. 9 overall
- Round 3: No. 75 overall
- Round 4: No. 110 overall
- Round 4: No. 122 overall (from Philadelphia)
- Round 5: No. 142 overall
Chicago decided to use much of their 2024 draft capital in trades. Their second-round selection helped them acquire Montez Sweat from the Commanders. In the preseason, they sent their 2024 sixth-round pick to the Miami Dolphins for Dan Feeney. Their seventh-round pick got them N’Keal Harry. None of that matters because the Panthers gifted them the first overall pick.
Chicago Bears NFL Draft Needs
The Chicago Bears need the following positions: QB, OL, DL, EDGE, WR
Quarterback is the obvious need, but having the first overall pick means this will not be a hard need to fill. The Chicago Bears need to focus on protecting their new franchise quarterback. Darnell Wright was a great pickup last year, but they need help in the interior line. They also need to shore up their receivers. D.J. Moore was excellent, but he needs another receiver to help take the pressure off.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Chicago Bears need pass-rushers. Sweat was an excellent pickup, but he can’t do it alone. Reportedly, the team is interested in Minnesota Vikings lineman Danielle Hunter, but getting a couple of young prospects in the draft wouldn’t hurt.
Mock Draft
Mock drafts are done on NFL Mock Draft Database. No trades were executed. Obviously, teams tend to wheel and deal, but this is meant to give a look at what the team can do with the draft capital they currently have.
Chicago Bears Mock Draft
- Round 1: No. 1 overall: Caleb Williams QB, USC
- Round 1: No. 9 overall: Jared Verse EDGE, Florida State
- Round 3: No. 75 overall: Roman Wilson WR, Michigan
- Round 4: No. 110 overall: Braden Fiske DL, Florida State
- Round 4: No. 122 overall: Dominick Puni IOL, Kansas
- Round 5: No. 142 overall: Will Shipley RB, Clemson
Mock Draft Analysis
I have to say, I’m pretty happy with this draft. The Chicago Bears take Caleb Williams. I’ve heard the arguments for keeping Justin Fields. I don’t agree with them. At ninth overall, I think the Bears have to go defense. The gap between pick number nine and pick 75 is massive. If they don’t get a top-tier defensive talent in the top ten, the other side of the ball will suffer. This draft gives them two solid pieces moving forward.
The other reason for doing this is the value is there in the later rounds. Senior Bowl standout wide receiver Roman Wilson is a great pickup in the third round and would complement Moore well. I like Fiske on the defensive line as well. The narrative around Florida State is they were sore losers from not getting into the College Football Playoff. What is lost is how dominant their defense was over the course of the season. Shipley provides some upside at the running back position.
The Chicago Bears hope this draft can help get them over the hump in the NFC. This team has been dying for a quarterback for the past 40 years. While 2023 was disappointing in terms of record, they have lots of young talent who can help the Bears finally become relevant again.
