Chicago Bears mock draft: Best and worst-case scenarios for Matt Eberflus in 2024 NFL Draft
The Chicago Bears are almost certain to have a new quarterback by the end of the 2024 NFL draft after trading Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Caleb Williams has emerged as a great hope on the horizon for Matt Eberflus, who has been given another year to try and turn things around in the Windy City.
Currently, the Bears only have four picks in this draft, but two of them are within the top 10 of the first round. It is highly likely that Williams will be their chosen player, as they would not have let go of Fields if he wasn’t. However, there are some concerns about the talented USC player.
Despite the unimportant fact that he wore pink nail polish during a press conference, there are doubts about Williams’ suitability for the NFL.
Many have closely examined the influence that his father holds over his son’s career, and some analysts have even removed him from their consideration due to worries about his temperament and adaptability to a team that may face losses in 2024.
Despite some comparisons being drawn between Williams and Ryan Leaf 2.0, it may be too soon and overly critical to label him as such. However, if the Bears want to have a successful 2024 season, Williams will need to make an immediate impact.
The Bears also need to address their concerns about surrounding their new franchise quarterback with a strong supporting cast. Their 2023 passing yards ranking of 27th is a key area that requires improvement. Interestingly, they were the second-best team in terms of rushing yards per game.
The addition of D’Andre Swift, a free agent from Philadelphia, is expected to greatly enhance the Bears’ running game. With his exceptional skills as a running back, he will alleviate the pressure on the team’s new quarterback.
The Bears further expanded their choices in the receiving department by signing tight end Gerald Everett, who will team up with Cole Kmet. Kmet had a standout season in Chicago last year.
In order for the Chicago Bears to have a successful 2024 NFL draft, it is crucial that they find the appropriate teammates for Williams. It is imperative that he is given the necessary support and resources to thrive and have a strong rookie season. While the Bears’ defense is solid, significant improvements are needed on the offensive side.
Predicting the Chicago Bears’ 2024 NFL Draft Picks
Bears’ Dream Draft: Perfect Picks for Chicago’s Future Success
Eberflus is set to acquire Caleb Williams as his new quarterback, which will allow him to also bring on a talented receiver to work alongside him.
Williams is not only joining an offense that boasts D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen, but he will also have the added benefit of teaming up with Rome Odunze at Soldier Field. Despite being a top prospect, the Washington receiver surprisingly fell to the #9 spot in the first round.
At the NFL combine, Odunze displayed his impressive physical abilities, particularly in the vertical jump. His exceptional leaping skills make him a formidable opponent for any defender, as he has the ability to snatch balls out of the air. This will greatly benefit Williams, who occasionally struggles with accuracy and throwing too far.
This partnership has the potential to span generations for the Bears, as it has already shown immediate productivity and the promise of long-term success is undoubtedly exciting for fans.
Despite the fact that the primary defensive concern in Chicago lies on the edge, the team has recruited Ruke Orhorhoro from Clemson, who possesses the ability to burst off the defensive line and reach the quarterback, despite his position as a defensive tackle.
Despite not having the ideal physique for a position on the edge, he has the potential to greatly improve Chicago’s pass rush. Considering their limited draft resources, this is an incredible steal.
The Bears have added a familiar face to their offense by giving Williams the opportunity to work with Brenden Rice in order to complete a fantastic draft. While Rice may not have the potential to be a top tier wide receiver in the NFL, he can still contribute as a slot receiver and provide depth for the team. His previous experience with Williams at USC will also aid in building team chemistry and facilitating the transition to the new offensive playbook and scheme.
In this scenario, the draft class played out in its entirety as follows:
- · Caleb Williams, QB, USC
- · Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
- · Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson
- · Brenden Rice, WR, USC
Bears mock draft: Nightmare scenario
These selections are prefaced by the worst-case scenario for the Bears, taking into consideration their needs and the expectations of their fans. This is not a reflection of the quality of the players they have acquired.
In this situation, the Washington Commanders capitalize on the last-minute uneasiness surrounding Williams in Chicago and present the franchise with an irresistible offer.
Despite dropping to the #2 spot, Chicago still chooses the top wide receiver in the draft, Marvin Harrison Jr. Although he possesses amazing talent, having elite receivers is meaningless if there is no one to pass them the ball.
Despite the Bears’ desire to draft a top-tier quarterback at #9, all options have already been taken. As a result, they are forced to shift their focus towards improving their defense. Fortunately, they are able to acquire the talents of Chop Robinson, a highly skilled edge rusher from Penn State. However, it’s important to note that having elite players on defense will not be as effective without a strong and capable quarterback to lead the team. It’s almost like owning a luxurious Ferrari without a steering wheel.
Despite fans’ initial panic, Chicago is able to secure their Justin Fields replacement in the second round by selecting Michael Penix Jr. from Washington. While Penix Jr. may not stand out as much as Caleb Williams, he possesses qualities that have caught the attention of NFL scouts.
The remainder of the draft unfolds with a focus on improving the offense, specifically with the addition of Tanor Bortolini at the crucial center position. However, it is impossible to ignore the underwhelming nature of this group of picks.
Despite acquiring Marvin Harrison Jr and Chop Robinson, this draft would still be viewed as a missed opportunity for Chicago, with potential implications for future generations.
In the worst-case scenario, here is the complete list:
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