Are you tired of mock drafts yet? I get it, but I’ve put together my ONE and ONLY mock draft. This draft combines research from around the league and various media members. Of course, I’m also trusting my instincts based on what I’ve learned. So, here’s my first and final mock draft.
Round 1, Pick 1 (via Carolina): Caleb Williams, QB | USC
The Bears get their superstar quarterback. Hopefully, they won’t take too long to make their first pick. They really should submit the card as soon as the clock starts but we will see how long GM Ryan Poles makes everyone wait.
Round 1, Pick 4 (via trade with Arizona): Marvin Harrison Jr. WR| Ohio State
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Trade details: Chicago gets the 4th overall pick in the 2024 draft. In exchange, Arizona receives the 9th overall pick in 2024, Carolina’s 2nd-round pick in 2025, along with a 4th and a 5th-round pick in 2025.
I believe Marvin Harrison Jr. is a better prospect compared to Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze. He’s arguably the best prospect in this year’s NFL draft. Given his talent, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Arizona Cardinals select him with the 4th pick. But there are reports that the Cardinals are open to trading their 4th pick, which could be an opportunity for the Chicago Bears. Harrison Jr. only visited two teams: the Bears and the Cardinals, which adds an interesting twist to the situation.
To secure a trade with the Cardinals, the Bears might need to offer a future first-round pick. However, considering the Carolina Panthers might have a high pick next year, offering their second-round pick along with a 4th and 5th rounder could get a deal done. If the Bears include their first-round pick, it would likely be in the 20s due to Harrison Jr.’s potential impact. Meanwhile, the Panthers’ pick could range from an early second-round selection to a late first-round pick in the 2025 draft, depending on the NFL’s decision against the Atlanta Falcons for tampering with Kirk Cousins.
Regardless, Bears’ GM Ryan Poles seems ready to make a big time move to acquire another weapon for his new quarterback, Caleb Williams.
Round 3, Pick 75: Sedrick Van Pran C | Georgia
Sedrick Van Pran was a key player in Georgia’s back to back title runs. He is a pro ready and would push to be the starter day one. If he is available, I think the Bears would benefit greatly and perhaps solve the center position for years to come.
Round 4, Pick 122: Mekhi Wingo DI | LSU
In my evaluation, Mekhi Wingo is likely a 3rd or 4th round pick. However, there’s a chance he might be available at pick 122 for Chicago. If he is, I believe selecting him would offer great value while also filling a need. He’s quick off the ball and has the potential to start as a three-technique or at least add depth in year one. While I’m not certain if he fits Ryan Poles’ criteria for an ideal prospect, I think he would provide valuable depth and consistency at this position.
Once again, my plausible preferences at #9: (1) LT Alt (2) WR Odunze; trade down: (3) LT Fashanu (4) TE Bowers (5) Murphy
(6) DE Verse.
@Dr. Sallie, @Tred: The Bears are not competing with Minnesota. If Minnesota outbids them for the #4 pick, so be it; they can trade up and use the pick to take their QB, and then Ryan Poles can get on the phone with Joe Hortiz, the Chargers GM, and work on a trade for #5. Frankly, for me, right now, the top 3 WR are MHJ, Odunze, Nabers, and Odunze is very close to MHJ. MHJ is one inch taller, and three pounds lighter than Odunze, and they both run a 4.45 40 (estimated for MHJ). If Poles can’t get… Read more »
Perhaps Harrison revealed his preference to play with the Bears/Caleb when visiting AZ and Chicago. But the Bears would have to give #9, #75, 2025 1st & 2nd picks, if Minnesota offers both 1st rounders this year and something more in 2025.
I wouldn’t be mad at all with this draft. I wouldn’t be mad if they were to trade up to 6 or 7 for Nabers either. Quality is the name of the game this year.
You’re essentially offering the equivalent of a 3rd, 5th, and 6th as compensation to move up 5 places in the top 10 this year. It’s not an unreasonable price if you can get it, but with at least 3 QBs still on the board that teams are very interested in, I don’t see this deal happening.