5 first-rounders Bears should consider who won't replace Justin Fields
By Ryan Heckman
For the rest of the season, much of the talk around the Chicago Bears is going to be in regards to quarterback Justin Fields and what the team might end up doing in the 2024 NFL Draft.
As it stands, the Bears own the no. 1 and no. 5 picks in the draft. That could spell the end for Fields, if the Bears chose to trade him and draft a guy like Caleb Williams or Drake Maye.
But, if they held onto Fields, the Bears would have some tantalizing options at the top of the first round. Let's look at arguably the top five options, there.
1. Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
The Bears very well could have their offensive tackles set for next year between Darnell Wright and Braxton Jones. For sure, Wright is a staple. He's not going anywhere. His position is locked down. But, Jones has still shown some moments of weakness. He is far from a finished product and could use competition, if he's not better suited for a backup role.
The best offensive tackle prospect in this draft, Olumuyiwa Fashanu out of Penn State, will likely be a top-five pick in April. He is a no-doubt, sure fire type of talent that the Bears could plug in right away and thus have their offensive tackles locked in for years to come.
Fashanu stands 6-foot-6, 321 pounds and presents a large, strong frame with great length to be able to play the left side. His strength and even-keeled base allow him to stay upright while defenders try to push him backward. Fashanu excels in pass protection, which is great news for Fields. His ability to gain leverage over opposing pass rushers is top-tier. Truly, he has everything you want in an offensive tackle.