Bears Mock Draft: Chicago builds trenches around Montez Sweat

The NFL's trade deadline saw the Chicago Bears buy rather than sell, in a surprising turn of events.

Chicago went out and dealt for Washington Commanders edge rusher Montez Sweat, in a trade that most certainly means the Bears are going to extend him on a long-term deal. Sweat is in the final year of his current contract, but the Bears sent a second rounder to Washington, which would lead us to believe he is going to get himself a new contract.

Looking ahead a bit to the 2024 NFL Draft, the Bears now have one major position solidified, but still have much work to do to build around Sweat. Assuming they're able to extend Jaylon Johnson as well, this mock would wind up putting the Bears in a good position.

The Chicago Bears begin this 2024 NFL mock draft with a big trade

With the Cardinals drafting Marvin Harrison Jr. at no. 1 in this mock, they opt to trade right back up to pick no. 2, similarly to what the Houston Texans did a year ago. This trade is, of course, to get quarterback Caleb Williams out of USC.

With their first pick in the draft, the Bears then go straight to pairing Sweat with arguably the best pass rusher in the class, Florida State's Jared Verse.

Verse might have been a first-round pick had he declared last year, but now that he's got another season under his belt, he is a no-doubter. Verse has been one of the most consistent pass rushers in college football over the past three seasons and comes into the NFL as ready as he can be.

At 6-foot-4 and 249 pounds, Verse possesses good size and has the speed and athleticism to explode off the line. His package of athletic moves makes him a menace to deal with up front. Pairing Verse with Sweat now gives the Bears a dynamic rushing duo, something they have not had in a good while.