Despite the fact that I wouldn't make the same decision, Pro Football Focus has published a recent mock draft that I believe predicts exactly what the Chicago Bears will do in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft -- although with a slight variance.
This mock draft was not specific to the Chicago Bears, but instead, four guys from Pro Football Focus (PFF) did a full, first-round mock draft -- selecting a player for each pick. They did not do any trading. That is the main reason why I don't believe this will end up exactly the same way, but I do think they end up with these two players if it works out that both are available when the Bears are making their picks.
One of those players is a guarantee.
The Chicago Bears select Caleb Williams first overall
Brad Spielberger of PFF made the pick for the Chicago Bears. He is a Bears fan, and he believes Ryan Poles will select Caleb Williams unless something drastic happens between now and April. The only concern with that is the Bears will need to trade Justin Fields before then to get the most value and what happens if something comes out about Williams after Fields has been traded? Yikes, but I guess that is the risk you have to take.
Before we get to the Chicago Bears next pick at nine, let's do a quick rundown of who went in picks two through eight.
1.02: Drake Maye, QB - UNC
1.03: Jayden Daniels, QB - LSU
1.04: Marvin Harrison, Jr., WR - Ohio State
1.05: Malik Nabers, WR - LSU
1.06: Joe Alt, LT - Notre Dame
1.07: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, LT - Penn State
1.08: Rome Odunze, WR - Washington
The Chicago Bears select Jared Verse with the ninth pick in the draft
With Malik Nabors and Rome Odunze off the board, Ryan Poles must look at the wide receiver market on Day 2. This left Poles with one thing in mind -- a defensive end who could pair up nicely opposite Montez Sweat. Many fans will say this should have been Brock Bowers. Although I love Bowers, adding Jared Verse to the defensive front would be fantastic. The only issue I have with it is I believe he should still be available in the teens and I'd have to imagine Poles is going to look at trading back from nine if he doesn't trade down from one.
Verse is a perfect fit for Matt Eberflus' defense though. He's strong against the run, but has an explosive first step off the ball and can be a strong rotational piece his rookie year. Caleb Williams and Jared Verse are exactly who I could envision the Bears taking in the first round this yea
For a full breakdown of their picks, check the full podcast.