The Chicago Bears made a significant move by trading away the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, yielding an unexpectedly favorable return. Now, just a year later, General Manager Ryan Poles finds himself facing a similar opportunity.
Although it seems unlikely that Chicago will trade the top pick again in 2024, acquired from the Carolina Panthers in a high-profile draft deal last offseason, the team is strongly considering selecting highly touted quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick. This decision follows the recent trade of three-year starter Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a conditional sixth-round pick. While the Bears are likely to prioritize Williams at No. 1, they also possess the 9th pick in a deep draft class that is expected to feature multiple quarterbacks taken in the top five selections.
This scenario sets the stage for a surplus of talent available in various premium positions later in the top 10, providing the Bears with another opportunity to acquire valuable assets. Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report anticipates that the franchise will trade out of the 9th spot to capitalize on this situation.
With the ninth pick, the Bears could potentially have access to Rome Odunze and top-tier offensive tackles beyond Joe Alt, as well as standout defensive prospects. However, the recent addition of Keenan Allen to the receiving corps eases the pressure to target another wideout in the top 10, and solid performance from Braxton Jones at left tackle offers flexibility. Additionally, with only four total picks for the entire draft, the Bears may seek to maximize their value through strategic trades.
