The 2024 NFL Draft is here... almost. After months of speculation, the first round officially kicks off Thursday night, with the Chicago Bears holding the first overall pick for the first time since 1947. But before we get there, let's roll with one more Bears mock draft.
Recently, there's been a lot of chatter about the Bears and whether they'll look to trade back from 9th overall to make up for their lacking draft arsenal (they only have four picks), but I've never thought that was a concern for GM Ryan Poles. Sure, he made a lot of trades in the last two NFL drafts, but that was because he was tearing down and rebuilding a basement-level roster.
Now, he's in a position to start adding blue-chip players, cornerstones for sustained success. You don't typically find those guys on Day 3 of the draft; you get them in the Top 10.
This mock draft will not feature any trades because I don't believe Poles will make any. Maybe he'll trade up if someone like Marvin Harrison Jr. begins to slip down the board, but trading back doesn't seem likely. Poles himself even said he's satisfied with his number of selections.
Ryan Poles said he does not feel a need to add more picks.
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) April 23, 2024
Let's get to the Bears mock draft.
1.1 (via CAR) Caleb Williams - Quarterback, USC
We all know this is the pick and a good one. Next!
1.9 Rome Odunze - Receiver, Washington
This is a tough project, but I wonder if Caleb Williams tipped Chicago's hand on social media yesterday. On X, Williams announced he was on a flight with Rome Odunze and called himself a 'big fan.' This comes after months of multiple sources and draft analysts mocking Odunze to the Bears at 9th overall and after Poles implied that he is happy to stay at 9th overall.
Coincidence? Probably. But it's fun to imagine Williams throwing dimes to Odunze.
Oh shit yall I just saw Rome Odunze on my flight to Detroit!! Big fan! 😂
— Caleb Williams (@CALEBcsw) April 23, 2024
3.75 Braden Fiske - Defensive Tackle, Florida State
Fiske was not well known after the 2023 CFB season ended. That changed quickly during the Senior Bowl, where he showcased tremendous athleticism and a motor that never stops. The only real concern with Fiske is arm length, which at just 31" is considerably shorter than desired. This has typically been a deal-breaker for Poles, but maybe getting a close look at him during the Senior Bowl will encourage Poles to make an exception to his rule.
4.122 Cedric Johnson - Defensive End, Mississippi
Johnson easily passes the eyeball test, checking in at 6-foot-3 and 260 pounds at the NFL Combine, with good arm length and hand size, too. He also posted a 9.28 RAS score (out of a possible 10.) What drags his draft profile down is the on-field production. The traits are all there, but they never came together in college. Poles would have to trust his coaches and veteran leaders like Montez Sweat to get the best out of him.
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