The focus for the Chicago Bears in the 2024 NFL Draft may have shifted from the No. 1 overall selection to what they will do with the No. 9 selection.
Of course, the selection at No. 1 is the most important pick that Ryan Poles will have made in his three seasons as the Bears general manager but there is no intrigue surrounding that selection. The Bears are going to take Caleb Williams with the first pick in the draft.
While speaking at the NFL Annual Meetings earlier this week, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus seemed to indicate that the team will be looking for a player that will either help their starting quarterback or affect the opposing quarterback.
One player who would fit that criteria is University of Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu. Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda reported on Friday that the Bears are among the team that have expressed an interest in Fautanu.
The Chicago Bears may be eyeing an offensive line upgrade with their second first-round pick.
The belief is that Fautanu will begin his NFL career as a left tackle but could be pushed inside depending on the need that a team may have. While the Bears have maintained confidence in Braxton Jones as the starting left tackle, Fautanu would represent an upgrade for the team's offensive line.
Of course, if the Bears are locked on Fautanu, that would likely indicate the team trading back in the first round. Given the run of quarterbacks that are expected at the start of the draft, Fautanu will likely be available in the middle teens.
It's also worth noting that Fautanu's college teammate, wide receiver Rome Odunze, also revealed that he will be making a visit to Halas Hall this weekend. If Odunze is available when the Bears are on the clock at No. 9, it would be an easy selection for the team to make.