We are less than two months away from the 2024 NFL Draft. We just witnessed two teams built two different ways in the Super Bowl. One team has arguably the best quarterback we have seen since Tom Brady. The other had Mr. Irrelevant. The Chicago Bears need to find a way to build the team's roster in such a way that the franchise finds sustained success and not just single-season success followed by years of mediocrity or worse.
Ryan Poles told fans at the beginning of his tenure that he plans to build through the draft and talked about how it will take time and they need to be patient. We are now heading into Year 3 and I think the 2024 season will be the springboard that tells us if Poles and the Bears are on the right path or not. Winning only three games in the first year of Poles' tenure makes sense based on how he tore the roster down to the studs. The team followed that up with seven wins, despite losing a few they shouldn't have and missing the playoffs. Poles likes what he saw from the continuity Matt Eberflus brings and the two of them are looking to build on the 2023 success.
The clear way to help build this team up is to continue to build through the draft. If I were on Ryan Poles' staff, I'd be advocating for these players to be selected in the first round. These are not necessarily the top 20 prospects in the draft, but these are the top 20 prospects that make sense for the Chicago Bears in 2024. Remember, they own the first-overall pick and the ninth-overall pick.
1. Marvin Harrison, Jr., WR - Ohio State
What do you want me to say about easily the best prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft? I keep seeing some people saying Malik Nabors deserves to be the WR1 in this draft class. I'm sorry, but the response to that is absolutely not. I love Nabors as a prospect. He is going to end up on this list. However, he is not the top receiver prospect in this draft class and he has no chance of taking over that spot from Harrison, unless Harrison is convicted of some serious crime.
When we hear the word generational, it is not too often that we think about the receiver position. In fact, plenty of very good receivers have come out of the draft over the last few years. None have gotten me as excited as Harrison.
Harrison is the ideal wide receiver in the NFL. He has amazing hands, can control his body during contested catches, has great size and speed, has some serious hops when high-pointing the ball, and his route-running abilities are absolutely amazing. Honestly, I expect him to have a better career than his father as long as he lands with a relatively competent quarterback.
I have Marvin Harrison, Jr in his own tier above even quarterbacks Drake Maye and Caleb Williams.
2. Caleb Williams, QB - USC
Despite Marvin Harrison, Jr. being in a tier by himself in my rankings, it doesn't take long for Caleb Williams to show up. I am a fan of Justin Fields, but there are things that Williams does that set him apart as a prospect from Fields. Williams has a faster release and better movement within the pocket. He also has better anticipation. This is shown by the number of games in college that Williams threw for over 300 yards compared to Justin Fields.
In 22 games, Fields had seven games with over 300 passing yards. Williams on the other hand has thrown for over 300 yards 15 times in 32 games — including four games of over 400. Furthermore, if we lower the threshold to 275+ yards, Williams hit that mark 20 times in 32 games. Fields only did this nine times in 22 games. We are obviously only looking at passing yards here, but that's because that is the area Fields has struggled with to this point in his NFL career. Looking at passing touchdowns, Justin Fields finished with 3+ TDs in 12 of 22 games, while Caleb Williams finished with 20 in 32 games. Another nod to Williams.
The lazy comp for Caleb Williams is Patrick Mahomes. To be honest, I see more of Kyler Murray than Mahomes. However, I think Williams has the ability to put his own stamp on things and truly succeed. He has a very high ceiling and should have a solid enough floor. If all goes well, people will be comparing him to no one other than himself. He has the potential to be "that" good. My only true fears are his size and the way he runs with the football — tuck that thing!
3. Joe Alt, LT - Notre Dame
What can I say? I think it's known that I have a bit of a bias when it comes to Notre Dame prospects. That said, I don't think Alt being in this spot should be surprising. Well, maybe because these are Chicago Bears rankings and not general rankings. However, I do find the idea of upgrading left tackle exciting. This isn't to say that Braxton Jones isn't more than capable to be a starting left tackle in the league, but Alt looks the part of a perennial All Pro.
Alt is easily the best LT prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. I have him in the same tier as Caleb Williams. Alt stands 6'8" and weighs in at 315 pounds. He is already stronger than Braxton Jones and is able to hold his own due to a great anchor. He is lean at 315 pounds while standing as tall as he is. This gives him the ability to move quickly — even laterally.
Joe Alt has great explosiveness off the line. His hand-fighting techniques are top of the line. His ability to mirror defenders is something Braxton Jones will never be able to match. Alt is a balanced pass-blocker and run-blocker. He brings a mauler mentality and is exactly what Ryan Poles looks for in a prospect.
4. Drake Maye, QB - UNC
Spoiler alert — Drake Maye and Caleb Williams are the only quarterbacks in my top 20. If you are hoping to see the names Michael Penix, Jr., Bo Nix or Jayden Daniels, you will be highly disappointed. None of them are good enough prospects to make me want to move on from Justin Fields. I can get behind the decision of doing this when Maye and Williams are involved, but none of the other 2024 QB draft class.
I am lower on Caleb Williams and higher on Drake Maye than most. I have both in the same tier. Marvin Harrison, Jr. is in a tier by himself, followed by a tier that consists of Caleb Williams, Joe Alt and Drake Maye.
Maye and Williams are very different types of quarterbacks. Maye is more of an in-the-pocket type of passer. He does a good job extending plays by moving within the pocket rather than trying to escape. Don't think he can't escape and make plays with his legs or arm when plays become unscripted because he has some sneaky maneuverability to him. Maye has a big arm and can make throws at every level, although inconsistent at times when throwing beyond the 20. Maye will sometimes turn the ball over or make risky throws when under pressure — slow to make decisions at times too.
None of these quarterbacks are perfect prospects, but both Maye and Williams have high floors with exceptionally high ceilings. Would you feel comfortable with the Bears trading back one spot with the Commanders, netting more draft capital, and selecting Drake Maye — another UNC QB?
5. Malik Nabers, WR - LSU
The second-best wide receiver in the 2024 NFL Draft is Malik Nabers. I have recently seen many stating that Nabers is the true WR1 in this draft class and I still push back on that narrative. That said, I'd feel very comfortable with Nabers should the Chicago Bears move down from one to somewhere outside of the top three. I almost guarantee if Marvin Harrison, Jr. is available at four, the Cardinals are going to take him.
One issue with Nabers in Chicago is that he is a little too similar to DJ Moore. That said, I think both could easily coexist. In fact, with the right offensive coordinator, both could probably flourish. Like Moore, Nabers is a YAC receiver. He can play pretty much anywhere (slot, outside, etc.). He brings similar size and speed as Moore too.
Other notes I have on Nabers include his ability to win contested balls is better than many give him credit for. He is highly athletic. His route-running ability is superb. He has good hands and catches the ball away from his body most of the time. He won't consistently blow doors off defenders since his explosiveness doesn't equate to as good of deep-ball speed. That said, he's plenty fast and should be just fine at the NFL level.
If the Chicago Bears move out of the top five or move up from nine, here is the next group of prospects that should be on Ryan Poles' draft board.
6. Rome Odunze, WR - Washington
As of right now, I have Rome Odunze as my WR3. That said, the more I look into Odunze, he is the one that I have the most doubts about. He is going to struggle to separate at the NFL level. He's going to have to rely on his ability to use his body to create separation. Expect him to catch plenty of contested balls. He reminds me a little of Allen Robinson. His contested catch ability is superb though and it is why I still have him as my WR3 in this draft class.
7. Brock Bowers, TE - Georgia
Easily the top tight end prospect in this draft class, but we need to be wary about these types of prospects. Kyle Pitts has yet to live up to the hype and if the Chicago Bears look to pair Brock Bowers up with Cole Kmet, he may not return the type of value needed to justify taking him at this point in the draft. That said, Bowers is a legit receiving threat and would complement Kmet nicely as the true move tight end.
8. Olu Fashanu, LT - Penn State
I had Olu Fashanu graded as a first-round prospect last year. I was hoping to see him take a jump in 2023. instead, he struggled more than he did in 2022. This is why he dropped below Joe Alt for me. Alt, a little younger, looks stronger and more polished than Fashanu. I'd still consider Fashanu a big upgrade over Braxton Jones despite Jones' success in his first two seasons. Left tackle isn't a need, but if you can upgrade one of the most important positions on offense you do it.
9. Taliese Newton, OL - Oregon State
Taliese Newton is a true OL in this draft class. He won't succeed as an LT in the NFL, but he can be one of the better right tackles if given that opportunity. For the Bears, that wouldn't make sense since they just selected Darnell Wright last season. Wright looked elite at times and I expect to see a jump in his second season. Newton should still be a target for the Chicago Bears though if they move back since he has the potential to be the best interior offensive lineman in the draft. With shorter arms, Newton could bounce inside and play guard — a position the Bears need depth and future prospects.
10. Johnny (Jer'Zhan) Newton, DT - Illinois
We recently found out that Jer'Zhan Newton prefers to be called Johnny. Johnny Newton should be a player that Matt Eberflus falls in love with during the draft process. He has a high motor and a bit of a nasty streak. His burst off the ball is better than Gervon Dexter's (although I think Dexter did and can continue to improve). I love Newton's moves in the middle. He has violent hands and uses both the rip and swim moves to force himself inside. I don't think Zacch Pickens is the answer at the 3T, but Newton could definitely be that guy.
If Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears move down from the ninth pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, then these are the prospects to consider as long as they don't move down too far.
11. Troy Franklin, WR - Oregon
I absolutely love Troy Franklin. If the Bears miss out on Marvin Harrison, Jr., Malik Nabers, or Rome Odunze, I would not be upset if they landed Franklin instead. My biggest concern is his light frame, but we have seen many lighter-framed receivers succeed without injury lately. Franklin brings serious YAC ability. His hip movement allows him to make nice cuts in and out of his routes — making him one of the better route runners in the draft. He also has elite deep speed. Sign me up.
12. Brian Thomas, WR - LSU
When I look at Brian Thomas, I see a guy whom teams would take based on his potential. That scares me a bit for a rebuilding team like the Bears who need to hit on their top picks if they plan to turn this organization around quickly. That said, I'd take a shot on Thomas if desperate. He has a limited route tree and looks raw. Like Rome Odunze, separation can become a problem when facing press coverage. I see him as a larger Ted Ginn — someone who can run vertical routes and make big plays but lacks the ability to make an impact in the short and intermediate routes.
13. Jared Verse, EDGE - Florida State
Jared Verse is easily my favorite EDGE rusher for the Chicago Bears. He truly fits what Matt Eberflus does with his defensive ends. His explosiveness off the ball looks elite on film and he can get into the backfield very quickly. Verse does a great job sealing the edge and defending the run too. He will need to learn more counter moves to become a true great at the NFL level, but I have faith that learning from a guy like Montez Sweat could help him transition rather quickly.
14. Laiatu Latu, EDGE - UCLA
I love Laiatu Latu's hand-fighting ability — they are nasty. He has a strong burst off the ball too, but I have concerns about his consistency when playing with his hand in the dirt or standing upright. I find him to be a better fit as an OLB in a 3-4 base defense, but he proved he can be an edge rusher with his hand on the ground at the Senior Bowl. Latu has some serious medical concerns (neck) but I have him ranked here based on his last two years of play and assume he will be cleared. If he isn't, he will drop drastically.
15. Dallas Turner, EDGE - Alabama
Look at that. Three EDGE rushers in a row here in my rankings. This has to do with EDGE being a pretty big need for the Chicago Bears. Remember, these are ranking for the Bears and not in general. I haven't even listed a cornerback at this point and I have two in my top 15 otherwise. More on that later.
Dallas Turner is similar to Jared Verse. He is a versatile DE prospect who can move back into coverage — something that some defenses are doing more of lately — but also get after the quarterback. He has the size, strength, and speed you want from a first-round defensive end prospect. His burst off the ball isn't as good as Latu's or Verse's, but he is two years younger than Verse.
If for some reason Ryan Poles can land a haul from one of the teams outside of the top 15, then trading down to the 16 through 20 range could be a real possibility. I hope he doesn't go down any further though.
16. Byron Murphy, II - DT - Texas
The next-best defensive tackle in the 2024 NFL Draft class is Byron Murphy, II. In fact, some have Murphy ahead of Newton in their rankings. I do not. Murphy brings a little more versatility than Newton, but he is also better suited as a 3T than a true 1T or nose tackle. Murphy has a elite explosiveness off the line and has a relentless motor. He finished with five sacks in 2023 but his potential to get to the QB at the NFL level is even greater.
17. Cooper DeJean, CB - Iowa
Finally a cornerback. This is because I assume that the Chicago Bears are going to re-sign or at least franchise tag Jaylon Johnson. With Johnson on the roster, cornerback drops down the need list drastically. If he's allowed to walk then corner shoots up the board. Cooper DeJean is my 11th-ranked prospect overall, but 17th for the Bears. At 6'1" and over 200 pounds, DeJean brings some serious size to the field. Certain routes can impact his hip flexibility, causing him to struggle to mirror receivers, but he has elite tracking skills and is a true technician. I expect him to be a great corner.
Some think he can transition to safety if needed too. Maybe.
18. Tyler Nubin, S - Minnesota
Speaking of the safety position, the Chicago Bears need to address the free safety spot now that Eddie Jackson was given his pink slip. Enter Tyler Nubin. Nubin is my top safety in the draft class. He is actually out of St. Charles, IL — we know how Ryan Poles loves adding local guys. Nubin has good size and speed. He isn't afraid to make hits, something fans complained about when it came to Jackson's game. He has a high football IQ and looks like he could develop into a strong leader. This is extremely important for the safety position. He has above-average ball skills and puts himself in a good position to make some big plays.
19. Nate Wiggins, CB - Clemson
Another tall corner is Nate Wiggins. Wiggins is listed as 6'2" but doesn't have the same build as Cooper DeJean. He is lighter at around 185 pounds. Wiggins has a better ability to mirror receivers due to having better movement and agility than DeJean. I'd love for either of these corners to be on the Bears roster though if things don't work out with Jaylon Johnson.
20. Calen Bullock, S - USC
Finally, the last player to make my Chicago Bears top-20 draft prospects list is Calen Bullock. Bullock is another safety prospect who I think could make an immediate impact on this roster now that Eddie Jackson is gone. The only problem with both Nubin and Bullock is neither are in my top 20 overall. Both have first-round grades though and if Ryan Poles wants to lock in a top safety early, then he'd have to somewhat reach for one.
Bullock is a true center fielder at the safety position. He has great ball skills and natural instincts. He doesn't tackle as well as Nubin but I don't think it will become a true liability. In fact, I think he ends up being similar in that regard to Jackson — although I found the tackling issues fans screamed about to be over the top regarding Jackson. No matter if the Bears go Nubin or Bullock, they need a veteran presence through free agency too.
Who do you have on your Chicago Bears big board?