The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine rolls on Saturday with quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers taking the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium for on-field drills. Many players will not be participating in full force, but for the Chicago Bears, the day provides an excellent opportunity to find players who can bring new life to a revamped offense.
Much of the focus surrounding both the day and the Chicago Bears will be the quarterback position and, more specifically, assumed first-overall pick Caleb Williams. The Bears will decide what to do in due time, but they should also spend time scouting deeper quarterback prospects in the hope of finding a more dependable backup moving forward. Additionally, the team will likely consider drafting one of the draft's top receivers, while also looking for rotational offensive playmakers across the board. That said, here are seven prospects from Saturday's combine sessions that could help the Chicago Bears moving forward:
2 Quarterbacks the Chicago Bears should be watching on Saturday
Caleb Williams - USC
There is nothing to say about Williams that hasn't already been said - the 2022 Heisman winner totaled 93 touchdowns to just 10 interceptions over the past two seasons and is in prime position to be the first overall selection come late April. The only question is whether or not the Bears will keep the pick, but it seems more and more likely by the day.
The Bears will certainly advance their scouting on Williams at the combine, despite the quarterback opting out of the on-field drills and medical exam portions of the weekend. The team can still learn more about the quarterback based on their interview and how Williams handles the event and the press in general but rest assured Ryan Poles and company are keeping a close eye on the former Trojan this weekend.
Sam Hartman - Notre Dame
Hartman brings a lot to the table as a potential backup at the NFL level. A three-year starter, Hartman totaled an impressive 134 touchdowns and over 15,000 passing yards between his time at Wake Forest and, more recently, Notre Dame. In his final two seasons, Hartman held a 3:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio or better, an impressive feat of efficiency and accuracy.
Hartman's experience as a collegiate starter is a coveted trait nowadays, just look at Brock Purdy. Whether or not the Bears add a quarterback at the top of the draft, Hartman could be a fun player to bring in as a backup. Ideally, an NFL backup can keep your team at or above .500 during his time as a starter, and Hartman's college resume indicates that he could succeed in spot starts.