2024 Senior Bowl: 6 players who moved up the Bears' draft board

Much like last year, the Chicago Bears will enter the 2024 NFL Draft in a powerful position. They hold the first overall pick, which at this point seems destined to be USC quarterback Caleb Williams, whether the Bears select him or not. They also have the ninth overall pick, allowing GM Ryan Poles great flexibility in trade scenarios as draft weekend approaches.

The first big event of the 2024 NFL Draft season occurred this week in Mobile, Alabama. The Reese's Senior Bowl is where a prospect's draft stock can skyrocket or plummet. The practices are more important than the game, as evaluators get an up-close look at each player's size, strength, and speed in one-on-one and team scenarios.

The Chicago Bears are big fans of the Senior Bowl; Poles used his first four picks in the 2023 Draft on Senior Bowl players, and one of Chicago's top rookies last season, quarterback Tyson Bagent, was a Senior Bowl guy, too.

As a result, it's really important that Bears fans pay attention to the player narratives that come from this week. Poles, Ian Cunningham, and countless Chicago Bears scouts and coaches are in attendance, and you can be sure the Bears will draft several players from this year's game.

Here are six players who I think improved their standing on the Bears' 2024 NFL Draft Board.

Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA

Latu was borderline unblockable in one-on-ones. After two days of practices, he was the best player on the field, and I'd be surprised if he suited up for the game this weekend. He made enough of a statement.

Latu was one of the most productive edge rushers in the country over the last two seasons. He totaled 23.5 sacks, including 13 in his final season as a Bruin.

Latu's refined pass-rush skill set is fun to watch. He looked like a veteran edge rusher during his practice reps, overwhelming his opponent with incredibly quick hands and counters.

If Latu's medicals come back clean, he'll be a strong candidate for the Chicago Bears at No. 9 overall.

Darius Robinson, Edge, Missouri

Robinson may be the biggest winner from the 2024 Senior Bowl. First, he looks the part; he's a rocked-up 6050 and 286 pounds with nearly 35-inch arms. Even better? He was downright dominant in almost every drill. 

Robinson entered Senior Bowl week as a likely mid-to-late Day-2 pick, but that's all changed. There's a chance he opened enough eyes to warrant first-round consideration, especially if he tests as well as he's expected to at the Scouting Combine.

Robinson appeared in 12 games last season, totaling 43 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks.

If the Chicago Bears want to land Robinson in the 2024 NFL Draft, they'll have to acquire an early second-round pick. There's no chance he'll slide to the third round. 

Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida

Few (if any) receivers at the 2024 Senior Bowl impressed me more than Pearsall, whose incredible twitch and elite route-running created instant and consistent separation in his one-on-ones.

It took a few reps for Pearsall to get rolling on Day 1, but once he did, he was outstanding.

Pearsall isn't the most physically imposing wide receiver (6007, 193 pounds), but he reminds me a lot of New Orleans Saints star Chris Olave.

Circle his name as a Chicago Bears draft target if Poles doesn't spend big money on wide receivers in free agency.

Michael Hall, DL, Ohio State

If the Chicago Bears want to add competition at the all-important three-technique, Hall (and the next player on this list) would be fantastic Day-2 targets.

Hall was one of the most energetic defenders on the practice field during the first two sessions. He began the week as a likely top-75 pick, and his stock may have improved by about 25 spots.

Hall looked the part of past Bears defenders who thrived as a three-tech, namely Tommie Harris and Henry Melton. He's a well-built yet stocky defensive lineman who has the burst off the snap to collapse the pocket instantly. 

Again, Hall is a dude who will likely come off the board in the second round. Poles has some work to do to add a second-rounder to his arsenal.

Braden Fiske, DL, Florida State

One player I wasn't familiar with before Senior Bowl week who immediately jumped off the field as a 'wow' guy was Fiske. He consistently generated hoots and hollers from his teammates for his explosive 'wins' during one-on-one reps.

Fiske ended the 2023 season with 43 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and six sacks.

The only concern I have with Fiske is his length. His arms measured 31 inches. It's not a fatal issue, but his arms are shorter than I'd like.

What Fiske lacks in arm length, he more than makes up with his quick first step and incredible intensity. I have a hunch he'll be a Matt Eberflus guy, and if the Bears miss out on a player like Hall in Round 2, Fiske would be an excellent consolation prize in the third round.

Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon

You've probably heard enough of Powers-Johnson's dominant Senior Bowl performance, so I'll keep it short. Simply put, JPJ was a brick wall with quick feet from his first rep to his last.

Bears fans' dream of Powers-Johnson somehow ending up in Chicago is over. He will be a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Which players do you like from the 2024 Senior Bowl? Sign up for a free user account and share your opinion in the comments! If you'd like an ad-free experience on Bears Talk and gain access to our exclusive content, level up to a premium account for just $3.49/mo or $29.99/yr. Bear Down!