Bears land studs on offense and defense in latest ESPN 2024 mock draft

The Chicago Bears are in a great position for the 2024 NFL Draft. They’re armed with two first-round picks, their own and the Carolina Panthers’. Not only will two picks provide GM Ryan Poles with the flexibility to move up or down the draft order, but it also gives Bears fans a reason to cheer for a winning season while keeping a hopeful eye on the Panthers’ likely misfortunes.

Carolina’s first-rounder could be a top-10 pick. If the 2023 preseason is any indication, rookie quarterback Bryce Young will have a hard time making plays behind the Panthers’ offensive line.

And if we’re being realistic, there’s a chance the Bears’ first-round pick will be around or just outside the top 10, too. While that may be frustrating for fans to read, Chicago is one season removed from owning the worst record in the NFL. If they improve to seven or eight wins, 2023 will be a massive success while still resulting in a high draft pick. The Tennessee Titans won seven games in 2022 and picked 11th in the 2023 NFL draft.

What could a 2024 NFL Draft haul look like for the Chicago Bears? ESPN published a new first-round mock draft Thursday, and the results should have Bears fans fired up.

Where do the Bears pick in ESPN’s mock draft?

In ESPN’s new 2024 mock draft, the Chicago Bears select 10th (the Panthers’ original pick) and 11th. Whether the Bears keep both selections next April is anyone’s guess. I’d bet on Poles trading down from one of those spots or packaging both of them to move up for a can’t-miss prospect.

Who do the Bears pick with their first selection in ESPN’s 2024 mock draft?

With the No. 10 pick overall, the Chicago Bears select Ohio State edge rusher JT Tuimoloau. It’s a logical selection at this point in the football calendar, but edge rusher could drop down the Bears’ list of needs by the time the 2024 NFL draft rolls around.

The addition of Yannick Ngakoue could provide Chicago with a long-term pass-rushing solution. He’s only 28 years old, and if he has double-digit sacks this year, the Bears could decide to sign him to a multi-year extension.

“This selection is part of the package the Panthers Zacch Pickens in April but still need help on the outside. They had only 20 sacks last season, last in the NFL.”