Well, we now have a good idea of what Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles will do with the number one overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Over the weekend, he traded quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers. That means he will use the top pick. Once again, the franchise taps another quarterback to be their franchise leader.
The past week was also the beginning of the NFL's free agency period. The Bears made a few moves that made their draft plans a little bit clearer. Notably, the pickup of wide receiver Keenan Allen likely means that Poles will not select one of the elite wide receiver prospects, Marvin Harrison Jr, Rome Odunze, or Malik Nabers.
After the start of free agency and the Justin Fields trade, Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles has a clearer picture of what he needs to do.
Poles also traded two of the six picks the Chicago Bears had. That means he has to make some trades to recoup some picks. As a result, the ninth pick will need to be traded. Poles has said numerous times that he wants to build through the draft. Because of that, he will make some trades to pick up some of the picks he gave away.
In this mock draft, Poles is able to fill several holes and adds some depth. While he misses out on the elite wide receivers, this class is very deep so he still picks up a very good prospect.
This is an important draft for Poles. He said that Year 3 of the rebuild is important. He expected the team to take a big step forward. We will see what happens now with another new era at quarterback. We all hope that these picks work out or Poles' seat might heat up.
Here is the latest Chicago Bears mock draft:
Round 1, #1 Overall: Caleb Williams, Southern California
Poles just about confirms what everyone expected. He goes with the prospect some view as a "generational" talent, Caleb Williams. Of course, some question that statement. They feel that either North Carolina's Drake Maye or LSU's Jayden Daniels could be more successful. We will see what happens once they start their careers.
Williams thrives when a play breaks down. His escapability is elite and he has the ability to exploit the defense. While he is not a tall quarterback, he is well-built. He has the arm strength to make throws to any part of the field. He can make impactful plays on the go or from the pocket.
When Williams gets out of the pocket he keeps his eyes downfield and his arm ready to throw the ball.
Williams sometimes relies too much on his playmaking ability on off-schedule plays. He will hold onto the ball too long and will not depend on his offensive line. He will look to make the big play. He needs to trust his supporting cast more.
In the past two seasons, Williams has been a killer in the red zone. He has a 46:1 touchdown to interception ratio in those situations. He likely won't be that successful in the NFL, but if he is a fraction as successful the Chicago Bears will be scoring a lot of points with him at the helm.
Once again, the Bears are hoping they found the answer to the elusive franchise quarterback question with Williams.
Round 1, #13 Overall: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Poles makes a trade here. He trades the ninth overall pick to the Las Vegas Raiders for picks number 13 and 44. As mentioned earlier, trading two draft picks earlier necessitates this trade. Having Allen somewhat makes up for not selecting one of the top wide receiver prospects.
With the 13th pick, the Bears fill a much-needed spot. They select edge rusher Jared Verse. Chicago needs to have someone at defensive end who could take some of the pressure off of Montez Sweat. Sweat transformed the defense when he came over in a trade-deadline deal. However, we saw how the Green Bay Packers neutralized him by having him run through a bunch of blockers, slowing him down. The Bears had no one who could make them pay for doing that.
Verse is the player who can help Sweat. He is relentless and has a high motor. He explodes off the snap and puts pressure on tackles right away. He uses his hands effectively. He flashes them to make the tackle go out wide, then he bursts inside on a bull rush.
Verse has good bend and uses effective angles to get away from would-be blockers. He uses his athleticism, quickness, and power to overtake even the larger offensive linemen. He would make a great addition to the defensive line. If teams want to send all their attention to Sweat, Verse will make them pay a steep price.
Round 2, #44 Overall: Malachi Corley, Wide Receiver, Western Kentucky
The trade with the Raiders gives the Bears a second-round pick they did not have. Poles traded that pick to acquire Sweat. Now that he has one, he picks up another wide receiver, Malachi Corley.
While Corley comes from a small school, his talent is undeniable. With DJ Moore and Allen on the outside, Corley can dominate in the slot. Additionally, he adds flexibility since he can also go out wide.
Corley is a magician with the ball. He was known as the "YAC God" in college. In 2023, he averaged 9.6 yards after the catch. Once he makes the catch he can break off huge runs. Yards after the catch was a problem with Chicago Bears receivers. The Bears signed tight end Gerald Everett, who has been good with YAC as well. Corley would fit right in and help that area.
While Corley is 5-foot-10, 200 pounds, he is difficult to get down. He has the elusiveness, contact balance, and toughness to be a defensive back's nightmare. He draws comparisons to Deebo Samuel in his ability to make plays all over the field.
Western Kentucky used him primarily in the slot and mostly on screens but he showed good focus and acceleration to make plays downfield. He will be a great addition to any wide receivers corps. Hopefully, it is in Chicago.
Round 3, #86 Overall: Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, Center, Georgia
The Bears make another trade here. They pick up picks number 86 and 123 from the Houston Texans in return for number 75 and the Bears' 2025 sixth-round pick (since they'll now have two of them as a result of the Fields trade). They go with a center here.
You might wonder why the Bears go with a center here. They already signed two centers via trade and free agency. They acquired Ryan Bates from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a fifth-round pick. Then they signed Coleman Shelton. These two players are not long-term answers, though. They will be bridge players at center and could eventually help add depth at guard.
The 6-foot-4, 298 pound Sedrick Van Pran-Granger out of Georgia will be a good pick here. He adds some toughness to the Chicago Bears offensive line. We've seen the unit get pushed around too many times. He helps change that. At Georgia, the coaches preach toughness and finishing. That mindset will help Van Pran-Granger at the pro level.
Van Pran-Granger has quick, strong hands and good hand placement. Additionally, he has a good sense of positioning. His anticipation allows him to beat the defender laterally. He also does a good job of getting to the second level and make devastating blocks.
Having a rookie quarterback teamed with a rookie center may not be a good move early. However, the Bears have two veterans who can step up for a season and ease Van Pran-Granger into his eventual spot.
Round 4, #122 Overall: Jared Wiley, Tight End, Texas Christian
The Chicago Bears had horrible contributions from the majority of their tight ends. Like the wide receivers, only one tight end made a big contribution. Cole Kmet had 73 catches for 719 yards and 6 touchdowns. Robert Tonyan and Marcedes Lewis had 15 catches for 141 yards and 1 touchdown combined.
The Bears already addressed the issue by acquiring Gerald Everett. They strengthen the unit even more by selecting Jared Wiley. The Bears want to give Williams all the weapons he needs to be successful. With Wiley, he now has three dependable targets. That is critical, since offensive coordinator Shane Waldron uses a lot of two tight end sets in his offense.
At almost 6-foot-7 and weighing 250 pounds, Wiley is one of the biggest tight ends in this draft. He is athletic and has good speed for his frame. What is especially good is that he is a good blocker so he will add that aspect to the offense. His blocking skills are already NFL-good. His long arms and strong hands allow him to keep defenders at bay.
Wiley has the ability to make contested catches and has good hands. He uses his big body to shield defenders from the ball. He could make those big catches that move the chains.
Picking up Wiley strengthens the tight ends unit and gives them three excellent options.
Round 5, #154 Overall: Zak Zinter, Offensive Guard, Michigan
Here Poles makes another trade. He sends pick number 123 to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for picks 154, 155, and 217. Poles has a history of liking mid-to-late-round picks so he picks a couple more here. With the 154th pick he picks up offensive line help with Zak Zinter.
Zinter may be an average athlete, but he uses excellent technique to make plays. He uses proper angles and his toughness is evident. When blocking, he gets in position and his feet are set so he has great balance when blocking. Additionally, he has strong hands and keeps his feet driving at all times. He holds his ground when dealing with bull rushes.
Zinter adds depth to the offensive line. With him on the unit, there is a better mix of age and youth. Zinter can contribute in a reserve role but has the ability to become a starter.
Round 5, #155 Overall: Jordan Jefferson, Defensive Tackle, Louisiana State
Many fans wanted to see Poles and the Bears pick up one of the big name defensive tackle. Starter Justin Jones departed for the Arizona Cardinals so fans want to see a star replacement. However, Gervon Dexter showed a lot of progression as the season went on. He is the future and could start this season.
If that is the case, the Bears then need depth help. Jordan Jefferson out of LSU helps with that. He has first-step quickness and the ability to shoot into the backfield as a run-play disruptor. He launches at the snap and is in the backfield before blockers are able to put their heads up.
Run-blocking was one of the biggest improvements in the Chicago Bears' defense last season. They went from near the bottom in 2022 to leading the league against the run in 2023. Jefferson could help maintain the high level of play against the run.
Jefferson also has good lateral movement to mirror blocks. Additionally, he utilizes the push/pull technique to dismiss blockers. He has good short-area pursuit quickness to go after the ball carrier.
While he needs a little more work with his pass rush, Jefferson's quickness off the snap gives him and advantage and will help him improve as a pass rusher. He will definitely help make the defensive line stronger.
Round 6, #217 Overall: Nathan Thomas, OT, Louisiana
With the final pick for the Chicago Bears in this draft Poles goes after more offensive line help. He added help on the interior line so now he gets some help at the bookend tackle spots. Protection for the shiny new quarterback is essential Nathan Thomas adds flexibility with his ability to play both tackle spots.
Thomas is a solid run blocker who uses his hands and feet to help push defenders where he wants them to go. He is capable of making lateral-moving blocks. He has good initial quickness so he can seal blocks laterally. He works for proper positioning and is balanced when he engages. Also, he has strong hands. He can use them to stun rushers and knock them off balance.
Thomas still has room for improvement but his size and his sound technique give him the tools to do the work and improve. Furthermore, he has the strength to take on bull rushes and neutralize them.
The Bears take a flyer on Thomas late to help the line. They had success with Charles Leno, who was a seventh-round pick. Thomas can be a good contributor and help usher in this new era.