Chicago Bears 7-Round NFL Mock Draft: Recent trade sets up major ripple effects

Following the NFL Combine, the Chicago Bears continue to be the talk of the league.

At this point, based on reports from several insiders and experts, we can assume the Bears' plans with the no. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. But, beyond that selection, there are still many unknowns.

Ryan Poles even surprised us Monday night when it was announced the Bears had traded for interior offensive lineman Ryan Bates via the Buffalo Bills. In that deal, Chicago gave up a 2024 fifth-round pick, which now leaves the team without a selection on Day 3 this year.

After the Bates trade, we can assume a few things are true about the upcoming draft. And, in our latest mock, we tackle those topics.

At no. 1 overall, the Chicago Bears will select USC quarterback Caleb Williams.

If you are still of the opinion that the Bears are keeping Justin Fields, you are sadly mistaken. The general consensus from those who attended the Combine this year was that Chicago is ready to take Williams with the number one pick.

That also led many to believe Fields is as good as gone. The only question is, now, when and where will he be traded?

The Bears have an opportunity to right over 100 years worth of wrong, here. They aren't going to pass up the chance to draft what some call a "generational talent" in Williams. We can talk all day long about the skills Williams brings to the NFL level, whether it's his ability to make throws from all sorts of angles or how he's able to elevate his teammates.

But, by now, most of us know just how special Williams has the potential to be. He's going to Chicago, whether some fans want to admit it or not. Now, on to some of the ripple effects of the Bates trade.