The 2024 NFL Draft is almost here, but not before one more look at how it could all shake out, especially for the Chicago Bears, who own two of the first nine selections. The Bears also own the 75th overall pick in the third round, and with this being a three-round mock, it should provide the opportunity to become a little more familiar with some of the names that could be on the board in that range.
This mock also features trades, which are likely to happen in real life, although impossible to predict in advance. Still, all trades were calculated via Jimmy Johnson's pick value chart, so none are too unrealistic in terms of value. With that in mind, the Chicago Bears are officially on the clock:
First Round | Picks 1-8
No. 1) CHI (via CAR) selects Caleb Williams - QB, Southern California
No surprise here to start the draft as the Bears have had Williams penciled in as the selection since trading away Justin Fields in mid-March. Williams is gifted both as a passer and an athlete, and if the Bears can continue to surround him with talent, the sky is the limit for the Heisman winner in Chicago.
No. 2) WAS selects Jayden Daniels - QB, Louisiana State
Another Heisman winner flies off the board as the Commanders select Daniels to be their new franchise quarterback. A dynamic athlete and accurate thrower, Daniels fits the mold of a modern quarterback, but he must be a notch smarter with his own safety to have a long and fruitful career.
No. 3) NE selects Drake Maye - QB, North Carolina
The Patriots will certainly field trade offers for this selection, but picking up Maye makes a lot of sense for an offense that needs a kick in the pants. In a division with Josh Allen, Aaron Rodgers, and Tua Tagavailoa, betting on Maye's upside could bring New England back to relevancy within the AFC East.
No. 4) MIN (via ARI) selects J.J. McCarthy - QB, Michigan
*Projected Trade: MIN receives #4, #71 (3rd) | ARI receivers #11, #23, #157 (5th)
The Cardinals ultimately fall in love with the "Godfather offer" and decide to trade back with the Vikings, who are eager to move up for a new quarterback. Minnesota has everything in place for a young quarterback to succeed, and McCarthy could slide right into the starting offense and act as the point guard, distributing the ball to more talented offensive playmakers.
No. 5) LAC selects Joe Alt - OT, Notre Dame
Coach Harbaugh immediately puts his stamp on the Chargers by adding the class's number one tackle prospect in Alt. Either Alt or incumbent left tackle Rashawn Slater would have to slide over to the right side, but Alt's upside may be too much to ignore despite having somewhat of a need at receiver.
No. 6) NYG selects Marvin Harrison Jr - WR, Ohio State
In this scenario, the Giants would waste no time in turning in the draft card for Harrison Jr. The 1A receiver prospect in this class, Harrison Jr possesses the frame, speed, hands, and body control to become a number one receiver at the next level, and he would be a welcomed weapon for whoever starts at quarterback next year for Big Blue.
No. 7) TEN selects Dallas Turner - EDGE, Alabama
The Titans pick up Turner to form a formidable pass-rushing duo alongside Jeffrey Simmons, who needs more help across the defensive line. With talented and athletic quarterbacks in the division, being able to rush the passer is a must, and Turner would increase the defense's ability to generate pressure tremendously.
No. 8) NYJ (via ATL) selects Malik Nabers - WR, Louisiana State
*Projected trade: NYJ receives #8 | ATL receives #10, 2025 3rd
Here the Jets trade up two spots to select Nabers, who would form a nightmarish receiver duo across Garrett Wilson. Rodgers will not be around forever, so getting a top-end playmaker to work with the future Hall of Famer would not only help the offense but could appease the passer who rarely received first-round offensive weapons in Green Bay.
Months remain until NFL games are played again, but you can spend the offseason building your bankroll with a guaranteed bonus to get you started at FanDuel! Just sign up, deposit $10 or more and then bet $5 or more on any wager this week. You'll get $150 in bonus bets, win or lose! Click this link to claim your guaranteed bonus from FanDuel today!