The 2024 NFL Draft is just a few weeks away and rumors about the 9th overall pick for the Bears are starting to circulate. Based on the current roster, it appears that the Bears will most likely choose a player in one of the following positions: wide receiver, edge, offensive line, or defensive tackle.
Having the 9th overall pick means the Bears are in a prime position to land a top-tier prospect. The Bears could go several routes, one of the routes they could choose to go is taking one of the top receiver prospects in either Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze. Many Bears fans seem to favor this choice as it would likely mean they have a top receiver room in all of football.
The Chicago Bears may also consider going after the top defensive line players in the upcoming draft. Popular mock draft picks include Dallas Turner, Jared Verse, Chop Robinson, and Byron Murphy II. Adding another defensive line player with the 9th pick or through a trade-back could further improve an already talented and young group of players.
The Bears taking a tackle at number 9 seems to be the least discussed option but one that is very possible. The offensive line of the Bears has been shaky in recent years and the best way to address this issue is to select a premier left tackle at number 9. However, the Bears already have a dependable left tackle in Braxton Jones, and they don't seem to be eager to replace him as the starting left tackle for the 2024 season. Nevertheless, the NFL is a business and Ryan Poles has made it clear that he is not hesitant to upgrade from good to potentially great.
Bears fans should hope Joe Alt falls to number 9
Joe Alt is a prime example of what an NFL Left Tackle looks like. According to NFL.com, he stands at a height of 6'9" and weighs 321 pounds. At the combine, he had one of the highest athletic scores among tackles and was the highest-rated in terms of production. This indicates that he possesses the physical attributes and skillset required to be a top-notch tackle in the NFL.
While Alt has the physical attributes to play tackle in the NFL, that does not necessarily guarantee success on the field. However, Alt has proven himself as a highly skilled left tackle during his three years at Notre Dame. According to PFF, he played 2,214 snaps at left tackle during his college career, only allowing four sacks and five quarterback hits. Three of those sacks occurred during his first year as a starter, while in the last two years, he allowed just one sack and four quarterback hits.
Alt was the staple of a very solid Notre Dame offensive line over the last few years, showing to be a great pass-protector. As great as Alt is in pass protection, he is just as good in run-blocking schemes. According to PFF, he scored a run-blocking grade of 90.3, which is second best in the 2024 draft class amongst tackles. Alt was only defeated on 5.3% of his run-blocking assignments in 2023, showing he rarely gets knocked off assignment.
It is unlikely that Alt falls to the Bears at number nine and even more unlikely that they trade up to secure Alt. However, if Alt happens to fall to nine, the Bears could find it very hard to pass on a guy who could be a Premier left tackle for a long time.