The upcoming 2024 NFL Draft promises to be an exciting event, with the Chicago Bears primed to make a significant impact. With the No. 1 overall pick secured from the Carolina Panthers and the possibility of another top-10 pick, the franchise finds themselves in a unique and enviable position. This setup could transform their fortunes, invigorating their line-up and thrusting them further into contention.
As we wait for the final standings following Week 18, exploring potential prospects and strategies the Bears could employ to capitalize on this golden opportunity is worth exploring.
Strategies and Prospects
Strategy 1: Scouting Quarterback Talent
The top question going into the NFL Draft is whether the Bears will seek a new quarterback. With the availability of top-tier prospects like Caleb Williams from USC and Drake Maye from North Carolina, the Bears could consider a strategic move to secure one of these talents. If they do make this move, they are more than likely to trade quarterback Justin Fields away for yet another potential first-round pick, meaning the Bears could potentially land three No. 1s.
One team that could be interested in making that deal is the Atlanta Falcons, a team looking for a new signal-caller. This would also bring Fields to his home state of Georgia, a move he would be on board with. However, if the Bears decide to keep Fields, they could still trade away the No. 1 overall pick, move back a couple of spots, and land additional picks from a team that desperately wants to take Williams or Maye No. 1 overall.
Strategy 2: Building a Defensive Wall
The Bears also have the option to fortify their defense. This measure could see them focus on securing top defensive players from the draft, thereby ensuring a formidable defensive lineup that can stymie even the most potent offenses in the league.
The Bears were able to acquire Commanders’ end Montez Sweat earlier this year and it has dramatically improved their defense. They could continue to strengthen their line and find an Edge rusher, potentially taking UCLA’s Laiatu Latu or Alabama’s Dallas Turner. Adding a pass-rushing weapon could significantly impact the Bears’ FanDuel NFL Lines in 2024.
Strategy 3: Grab a Top Wide Receiver
The feeling is that with either the No. 1 pick or the potential No. 10 pick, the Bears will go with a receiving threat. The most likely selection here would be Ohio State star Marvin Harrison Jr., projected to be the top receiver in the draft. If Harrison goes before they pick, they could also take Malik Nabers of LSU or Rome Odunze of Washington. All three wide receivers are projected to go within the first half of the opening round.
Giving the Bears another stud wide receiver to go along with D.J. Moore and either Fields or another star quarterback will make the Bears’ offense dynamic and scary. There’s also the likelihood they could add even more weapons on offense in free agency, potentially going after Saquan Barkley or Austin Ekeler at running back, another position the Bears are looking to upgrade at.
Most Likely Move for the Bears
With the 2024 NFL Draft looming, the Chicago Bears are at a crossroads. They have the No. 1 overall pick, and their decision could significantly shape the franchise’s future. If they stay with Fields as their quarterback, they could trade back and acquire a treasure trove of picks. They could entertain offers from the teams right behind them, New England and Washington, and take the best deal. This would move them back a pick or two, enable them to select a star wide receiver star like Harrison Jr., and net another No. 1 pick next year, and potentially a couple of second-round picks.
While the prospect of a fresh start with a new quarterback is enticing, which could land them three No. 1s if they can successfully trade away Fields, the thinking is this is the less likely of the two options. Fields has played well enough to keep his job, and with the opportunity to move back and get more picks while also getting a star wide receiver and Edge rusher early, the Bears could continue to build for the future.
