ESPN Report gives glimpse into the Chicago Bears' No. 1 pick strategy

For the second time in two years, the Chicago Bears have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and yet, it doesn't feel like the Bears were in this spot a year ago.

It probably helps that the Bears' first-overall pick this year is from the Carolina Panthers from last years' trade-down,

And while Justin Fields is a clear favorite among fans, do the ones calling the shots have as much love for Fields?

ESPN reports the Chicago Bears could take a QB with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has heard things, and they aren't necessarily pro-Justin Fields.

Now, it's January, so what's true and what's not true is still up in the air. This time of year is notorious for smoke screens from every angle possible.

But, maybe there is some truth behind Fowler's report.

"I have talked to some people in and around the program who believe they will eventually land on a Caleb Williams or quarterback at No. 1," said Fowler. "But it still needs to be sorted out."

There's a lot to unpack with this, but something major is the "... land on a Caleb Williams or quarterback at No.1." Do the Chicago Bears have a possible No. 1 grade on Drake Maye? Personally, I'm a fan of Maye. A big fan, actually. I'm not 100% sure which quarterback I'd rather have on the Bears, but I wouldn't consider Drake Maye out of the question, just as I wouldn't consider Caleb Williams out.

And while that's what Fowler reportedly has been hearing, he also mentioned the Chicago Bears were still unsure about Justin Fields and whether they want to move on from him.

“I’m told [Justin Fields] made the decision very difficult by the way he’s played, particularly down the stretch.”

In Justin Fields' last handful of games in the 2023 season, he was looking much better than he had prior to that. With Justin Fields, though, it's been an up-and-down roller coaster ride pretty much since he was drafted.

Some games, he's locked-in and firing. Others, it's head-scratching as to what's happening on the field.

Now, Fields doesn't wear all the blame, but he's not free of blame either. Luke Getsy was taken care of, so maybe the Bears run it back with Fields one last time to see if he's a guy they can rock with to the Super Bowl.

Considering the time of year, this report came out, who knows how legit it is. That said, it's a very real possibility that the Chicago Bears select a quarterback with that No. 1 pick. Whether it's Caleb Williams or Drake Maye, only time will tell.