2 realistic scenarios the Bears fans should be happy about the 9th pick

Chicago Bears fans all over the world can finally take a big sigh of relief now that the 2024 NFL Draft is finally here.

General manager Ryan Poles inherited a massive mess created by former general manager Ryan Pace two years ago, and he has managed to dig out of a hole despite some painful personnel mistakes (Chase Claypool and Larry Ogunjobi). The draft will be a moment of truth for him as he gets to draft his franchise quarterback in Caleb Williams and, potentially, another future All-Pro player with their 9th overall pick.

Their 9th pick is now the subject of interest amongst the fans and media. After two picks in the top 10, they will not pick until the 75th pick in the third round. The gap is quite massive and the boredom will likely put many Bears fans to sleep during Day 2 of the draft on Friday night.

That does not seem to matter to Poles as he has stated he is content with only 4 picks in this year's draft. With the draft less than 24 hours away, there will be plenty of rumors about the teams wanting to trade up or down. And the 7 teams' draft ahead of them at 9th could shake up the draft plans for the Bears. Will Poles stand by his words or will he trade out again for the second consecutive year?

Here are two realistic scenarios for the Bears' 9th pick that the fans should be excited about.

Scenario No.1: If Rome Odunze is still available at 9, he will be a Bear.

This is probably the least surprising prediction given so many mock drafts had him going to the Bears throughout this off-season.

And it seems like both Williams and Odunze have developed a strong relationship.

The Bears' luck began last off-season when they traded the 2023 No.1 overall pick to Carolina. The haul has turned into right tackle Darnell Wright, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, wide receiver DJ Moore, their first-round pick in 2024, and second-round pick in 2025. And, thanks to Carolina's disastrous 2023 season, their first-round pick became a No.1 overall pick.

This off-season, they have added running back D'Andre Swift, tight end Gerald Everett, and wide receiver Keenan Allen to give Caleb Williams the weapons he needs in his rookie season. But keep in mind Allen is 32 and has had a history of injuries. Also, his contract expires after this season.

There will never be another opportunity for the Bears to have two picks in the top 10.

Scenario No.2: The Bears will trade down and pick Byron Murphy III

The Bears could definitely use Rome Odunze even though it is not a position of need. But so could other teams. And there will be teams ahead of the Bears who could play spoiler.

Marvin Harrison Jr could be taken by the Arizona Cardinals at 4. Then, the Los Angeles Chargers and New York Giants could take either Malik Nabers or Odunze back-to-back at 5 and 6.

The only hope for the Bears is that the Cardinals will trade down and allow a team that wants a quarterback to move up. If that happens, the Chargers will start the run of the top 3 wide receivers, followed by the New York Giants at 5 and 6.

The two teams ahead of the Bears, the Tennessee Titans at 7 and the Atlanta Falcons at 8 do not need a wide receiver. However, they could entertain offers from teams that desperately need a wide receiver like Buffalo and Jacksonville, and eliminate the Bears from picking whoever is left out of the top receiver.

If all the top receivers are gone by the time the Bears pick at 9, they could be picking the first defensive player. However, if the Falcons stay at 8 and do not trade out, they could be the ones picking a defensive player first.

The interesting thing is, both the Falcons and the Bears could be looking at the same player. That is
Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy III. In fact, one draft expert believes the Bears are willing to take him with their 9th pick.

The Bears' interest in Murphy was strengthened further when Ryan Poles spoke to media abouthis preference for an interior pass rusher than an edge rusher because it is much shorter to get to the quarterbacks.

Murphy III is rumored to be getting a serious consideration from the Falcons at 8 also. But if Murphy is available at 9, Ryan Poles should strongly consider trading down and get at least one Day 2 pick in return. One such team is the New Orleans Saints picking at 14, and have a big need along the offensive line. Their right tackle, Ryan Ramczyk, has been dealing with a cartilage loss in his knee, and his future is in serious doubt.

With a strong crop of offensive tackles like Penn State's Olu Fashanu, Alabama's JC Latham, Oregon State's Taliese Fuaga, and Washington's Tony Fautanu still available by the time Bears pick, the Saints could move up in the top 10 to secure their young tackle in case Ramczyk is forced into retirement before 2024 season.

The Bears could get the Saints' 14th and 45th pick in exchange for the 9th pick and a 4th-round pick(122nd). At 14, Murphy seems like a great value rather than at 9. Plus, the Bears get a second-round pick, and they can use it to draft a wide receiver like Florida's Ricky Pearsall or Georgia's Ladd McConkey.

After trading away picks for players such as Claypool, Montez Sweat, Keenan Allen, and Ryan Bates, the Bears should consider getting picks to increase their odds of adding more talent. Fans should be happy with either scenarios and you can bet so is Ryan Poles.