NEWSLETTER
The NFL Draft is still a few months out, but it’s never too early to have these conversations. There’s been debate over what the Chicago Bears should do with the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft at every turn, and there will continue to be until they either trade the pick or make their selection on April 25 in Detroit.
But we’re not going to debate that today. Instead, we will focus on what the Bears should do with their other pick, the ninth overall selection in the first round of the NFL Draft.
There are a few ways the Bears could handle the ninth pick in the draft. They could select an offensive weapon. They could build in the tranches. They could even trade back from No. 9 if they’re not in love with who’s left on the board inside the top 10.
Potential Offensive Weapons for the Bears at No. 9
With a new franchise QB in tow, the Bears could continue to add offensive firepower with the ninth pick in the NFL Draft. Here are a few options that would fit Shane Waldron’s offense and the current personnel.
There’s a good chance that the big three wide receivers in this class (Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze) are off the board at No. 9. Dane Brugler’s Mock Draft 2.0 at The Athletic last week saw all three selected in the first six picks of night one in Detroit.
WR Rome Odunze, Washington
Depending on where you look, MHJ and Malik Nabers are long gone by No. 9. Some mocks have Rome Odunze there at No. 9, and if that were the case, Odzunze would be an excellent X receiver who could fit into Shane Waldron’s offense and be a big contributor from day one.
Odunze’s size, speed, and ability to play through contact position him as a receiver who is friendly to quarterbacks. With the potential to become a legitimate No. 1 option, Odunze could bring a valuable dynamic to the Bears’ receiving corps.
TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
Brock Bowers is a versatile dual-threat tight end with size, speed, athleticism, and IQ. Bowers has excellent route-running, elite ball skills, and reliability at catch points. He’s also involved in plays with sweeps, reverses, or screens, consistently delivering explosive plays. Bowers would be a heck of an addition to a Shane Waldron offense that will feature a healthy dose of 12 personnel.
More names to watch …
2024 NFL MOCK DRAFT: Bears take Caleb Williams and a top wide receiver
Potential Tackles for the Bears at No. 9
In all likelihood, the Bears would have the one who is left out of Joe Alt and Olu Fashanu at No. 9 rather than their pick of the two.
OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
Alt is a towering and explosive athlete with exceptional length, foot speed, agility, flexibility, and bend. He is a disciplined and instinctive player with remarkable skill in footwork, hand usage, and run blocking. In 2023, he made significant strides in improving his technique and strength and now has the potential to become a blue-chip OT prospect and a franchise left tackle with All-Pro potential.
OT Olu Fashanu, Penn State
Fashanu is a top prospect in the 2024 NFL draft and a strong candidate for the left tackle position. He has impressive physical attributes, technical skills, and excellent footwork and hand usage. Although there are some areas for improvement, he has the talent to be an impact player in the NFL.
I prefer Alt to Fashanu, but I’m not alone in that feeling, so it’s more likely that Fashanu, not Alt, it there for the Bears at No. 9. Still, Fashanu would be a fine selection in this spot.
More names to watch …
Potential Edge Rushers for the Bears at No. 9
For me, it’s Dallas Turner or bust at No. 9 regarding edge rushers for the Bears. Turner is the only one of the bunch worthy of the value of a top 10 selection. But Jared Verse and Laiatu Latu will get plenty of run through the mock draft rumor mill in the next few months.
EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama
Even with the in-season trade for Montez Sweat, Chicago will be in the market for another impact pass rusher. Described as a “freak athlete,” Turner is highlighted for his ability to excel in rushing the passer and stopping the run. The expectation is that he will continue to improve and become an impact player for the Bears.
EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State
Verse is known for his elite athleticism, size, and speed. With impressive stats, he’s poised for a high draft spot, possibly in the top half of the first round. I personally don’t see him as a top-10 pick, but if the Bears are sold on him, he’ll be there at No. 9.
EDGE Laiatu Latu
Laiatu Latu has emerged as a dominant pass rusher in college football this season. His robust skill set and ability to get to the quarterback make him a disruptive force on the defensive line. While concerns remain about his medical history and physical attributes, his instincts and motor compensate for his shortcomings. As an odd-front edge rusher, Latu can transform a team’s pass rush and increase his three-down value with better run defense.
More names to watch …
They could always trade back …
Chances are, there’s going to be a player at No. 9 that the Bears will have high on their draft board. Of course, if not, they could always trade back. The Bears traded back from No. 9 to No. 10 last April, selected Darnell Wright, and picked up another draft pick (a fourth-rounder in 2024) from the Philadelphia Eagles.
