The scariest possible outcome for the Chicago Bears 2024 NFL Draft

The Chicago Bears' J.J. McCarthy first-round mock

If the Chicago Bears are keen on drafting J.J. McCarthy, the public perception hasn't caught on. And if that's the case, the Bears could sell the No. 1 pick with other teams thinking they want Drake Maye at No. 2.

If they do that, the return haul would have to be a historic return, as Ryan Poles has made clear.

Though the Chase Claypool trade is a visible stain on the resume of Ryan Poles as a trader, the 2023 No. 1 pick trade gives reason to believe that Poles is capable of making massive returns on his trades.

Considering the fact that the Chicago Bears would need a historic haul to move off No. 1, I'm not even going to attempt to assume what that return would be. What doesn't need to be assumed, however, is the pick-swap from the Commanders.

Pick 1.02: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR - Ohio State

If the Chicago Bears truly want J.J. McCarthy as their quarterback, grabbing one of the best prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft needs to be on the list of priorities. A big reason behind McCarthy's success is the team around him, so if the Bears want him to continue being a winner, adding Marvin Harrison Jr. helps that cause.

The argument that he had NFL players around him while he was playing at Michigan doesn't hold as much weight as some people think it does. In the NFL, quarterbacks have an NFL team surrounding them. So, if they have it in college, that just means they've been practicing with and against it for as long as they're a part of the team. Sure, it might make competition less stiff on gamedays, but playing on a talent-filled roster shouldn't be seen solely as a red flag.

Jim Harbaugh has been on the record multiple times as saying McCarthy is the best quarterback in the draft, and if the Bears agree, Marvin Harrison Jr. will be the No. 2 overall pick.

Marvin Harrison Jr. is one of the best prospects in the draft, let alone among wide receivers. With an NFL comp of A.J. Green, Harrison Jr. could follow in Green's footsteps and shine at the NFL level with above-average quarterback play.

Pick 1.09: J.J. McCarthy, QB - Michigan

When it comes to being a winner— a trait the Chicago Bears made clear they're looking for— McCarthy surpasses the other quarterbacks with flying colors.

But does that mean he should be the next Bears quarterback?

At Michigan, McCarthy wasn't asked to put the team on his back, but maybe the Bears don't care about having a superhero at quarterback. Maybe having a Brock Purdy-esque quarterback surrounded by studs is the approach the Bears want to take.

When it comes to Game Manager vs Super Star, McCarthy would certainly live in the Game Manager realm. And while it's not the route I would personally go, I'm not the one making the big decisions.