The Chicago Bears are sticking with the top overall pick, and after trading away quarterback Justin Fields to the Steelers, it’s clear who the Bears will target. USC’s Caleb Williams will be Chicago’s next starter as the Bears look to enter a new era. With a healthy Fields, the Bears ended up putting together a solid finish to the 2023 season that provided fans with higher hopes for 2024, but they failed to make the playoffs yet again and also earned the ninth overall pick of the draft with their 7-10 record.
2024 Mock Draft: Chicago Bears
The Bears’ primary need is a starting quarterback, a hole they will quickly fill with the first selection of the draft. After that, they need help on the defensive line, particularly in edge rushers, and will also be looking to beef up their offensive line and add a wide receiver in this draft.
Key Offseason Additions
This offseason, the Bears signed running back D’Andre Swift from the Eagles to bolster their RB room. Quarterback Brett Rypien arrived from the Broncos to serve as the backup for the soon-to-be-drafted Williams, and offensive tackles Matt Pryor and Jake Curhan were added to the roster on a one-year contract. The Bears signed tight end Gerald Everett and traded for wide receiver Keenan Allen, both from the Chargers. Defensive backs Jonathan Owens and Tarvarius Moore were also added to the roster this offseason.
Key Offseason Losses
The biggest offseason loss was the Bears’ choice to trade starting quarterback Justin Fields to the Steelers and signal their commitment to Williams in his rookie year. They also lost running back D’Onta Foreman, wide receiver Darnell Mooney, and defensive tackle Justin Jones to free agency in the 2024 offseason.
Bears’ First Three Picks
The Bears’ primary need after trading away Fields is, of course, a starting quarterback. Chicago is expected to select Caleb Williams out of USC with the top overall pick. Their second selection — also a top 10 pick — could go one of two ways, grabbing an elite wide receiver or an explosive edge rusher.
Round 1, Pick #1 — Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Williams is the clear No. 1 overall pick here. The Bears have all but come out and said that they’ll be going with the incoming rookie as their starter for the 2024 season. In 2023, Williams finished the season with over 3,600 passing yards, 30 passing touchdowns, and five interceptions. The Bears stuck with Fields as their starter since drafting him in 2021.
Round 1, Pick #9 — Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
This could go one of two ways — if a wide receiver like Rome Odunze or Malik Nabers is still on the board, the Bears could opt for a target to add to their new offensive arsenal led by Williams. However, we’re projecting the Bears to grab Verse out of Florida State. UCLA’s Laiatu Latu would be another option as an early first-round option here. Chicago ranked second-to-last in the NFL in sacks last season and will need to improve on their backfield penetration in 2024.
Round 3, Pick #75 — Brenden Rice, WR, USC
The Bears won’t have the same elite WR options that were available in the first round, but they added veteran receiving talent in Gerald Everett and Keenan Allen during the 2024 offseason. Here, they land with Williams’ former USC teammate — a receiver who has already developed chemistry and reliability alongside Williams, and who grabbed 12 receiving touchdowns for the Trojans in 2023.