NEWSLETTER
The winds of change are howling through Halas Hall. After years (decades) of searching, the Chicago Bears appear set to finally land their franchise quarterback, Caleb Williams, with the top overall pick. This signals a new era for the Bears, but the journey doesn’t end there. The 2024 NFL Draft presents a golden opportunity to build a complete team around their young superstar. They don’t have a lot of capital in this year’s draft, but with two top-ten selections, the chance to land multiple blue-chip caliber football players in one night is rare.
Here’s a breakdown of my Chicago Bears 3-round Mock Draft using the PFF Mock Draft simulator:
2024 NFL Mock Draft: Chicago Bears 3-Round Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 1: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
The decision is practically preordained. Caleb Williams is the consensus top pick, and for good reason. His electrifying playmaking ability and sky-high potential make him the perfect fit to lead the Bears out of the doldrums.
Williams possesses a rare blend of physical talent and mental acumen. He boasts a cannon for an arm, capable of launching deep throws with pinpoint accuracy. His athleticism allows him to extend plays and escape pressure, creating magic outside the pocket.
More importantly, Williams displays impressive poise and maturity for his age. He reads defenses quickly and makes intelligent decisions with the football. His understanding of the game is well beyond his years, suggesting a precocious talent with the potential to develop into an elite NFL quarterback.
Of course, Williams isn’t a finished product. He needs refinement in his mechanics and decision-making, but with the right coaching and a strong supporting cast, there’s no limit to his potential. There’s a lot of hero ball on his tape, but the supporting cast at USC required it at times last season.
The Bears have finally found their quarterback of the future. Selecting Williams signifies a shift in organizational philosophy, a commitment to building a sustainable winner around a young and talented leader. I know you don’t know what to do with your hands right now, Chicago, but it’s okay. Be excited, optimistic, and hopeful. This is a new era of football.
Round 1, Pick 9: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Adding another elite pass-catching weapon remains a priority, but I don’t believe that the Bears will be able to land one of the “Big 3” wideouts in this class without moving up. If Washington’s Rome Odunze is on the board, I believe he’ll be the selection. In this scenario, he’s gone, so the Bears are forced to pivot.
According to sources, Jared Verse sits atop the Bears’ edge rusher rankings in this class, ahead of Dallas Turner and Laiatu Latu. Verse possesses a devastating combination of speed and power, allowing him to bulldoze through tackles or use his agility to exploit their weaknesses. His explosiveness off the snap allows him to get into the backfield quickly, disrupting plays and collapsing the pocket.
Verse’s relentless motor ensures he’s a constant threat throughout the game. He doesn’t take plays off and displays a tireless work ethic, setting the tone for the entire defense.
Pairing Verse with Montez Sweat creates a fearsome edge-rushing duo that opposing quarterbacks will be forced to account for on every play. This dominant presence will generate consistent pressure, taking the heat off the secondary and forcing turnovers.
The Bears’ defense was a pleasant surprise down the stretch, but it lacked a consistent pass rush, and it can’t all fall on Sweat. Selecting Verse addresses this need in a significant way, transforming their defense into a dominant unit that can stifle even the most potent offenses.
Round 3, Pick 75: Johnny Wilson, WR, Florida State
After missing out on the top wide receiver tier at pick no. 9, the Bears will still look at viable options later in the draft. Johnny Wilson, a dynamic wide receiver from Florida State, fits the bill perfectly in the third round.
Wilson is an exceptional athlete for his size—6’6″ and 231 pounds—but his 10-yard split fits someone with a much smaller build, making him difficult to press at the line of scrimmage. He excels at winning jump balls downfield, showcasing impressive body control and a knack for making contested catches. His speed allows him to stretch the field vertically and create separation on deep routes.
While a deep threat is valuable, Wilson offers more than straight-line speed. He has good route-running ability and strong hands, making him a reliable target on shorter throws. Wilson rounds out the Bears wide receiver room and complements DJ Moore and Keenan Allen by offering a different skill set along the boundary. His presence allows the offense to create explosive plays downfield and keeps defenses honest, opening up opportunities for the rest of the receiving corps.
Overall, this draft strategy lays the foundation for a bright future in Chicago. With Caleb Williams under center and a potentially dominant defense after the addition of Jared Verse, the Bears have the core pieces in place to compete for years to come. Johnny Wilson adds depth and size to the receiving corps, ensuring Williams has a strong supporting cast to work with from the jump. The 2024 NFL Draft marks the beginning of a new era for the Chicago Bears, filled with hope and the promise of a return to glory.
