2024 Mock Draft: Bears improve pass rush, pass protection in first round

There are 16 games to go in the 2023 NFL season. We’re a long way from the 2024 NFL draft, but after such a disappointing Week 1 for the Chicago Bears, we can’t help but sneak a peak at what the first round of next April’s draft could look like.

The 2024 NFL draft will be especially exciting for the Bears, who have two first-round picks: their own and the Carolina Panthers’.

If Week 1 was any indication of how the 2023 season will go, both picks could be very high in the first round. Bears fans can hold onto optimism for this season and still get excited about owning a high first-round pick, the Panthers looked like one of the worst teams in the NFL in Week 1 and could challenge the Arizona Cardinals for the first choice.

For now, we’re left to review mock drafts based on the current 2024 NFL Draft order. CBS Sports published a new first-round mock draft with the Bears picking at No. 8 (Panthers) and No. 13 (their selection.)

Bears land Florida State edge rusher Jared Verse with first selection

One of the most frustrating aspects of this Bears team is the lack of pass rush that’s been on the field since the start of the 2022 season. At some point, fans must question whether it’s a defect in the scheme. But before jumping to that conclusion, adding some elite edge-rushing talent would be wise.

Florida State’s Jared Verse is that guy.

Verse would’ve been a first-round pick if he declared for the 2023 NFL Draft. Now, he’s trending as a top-10 selection and has a chance to be the first defender off the board if he finishes the 2023 college season strong.

“The Bears picked three defensive tackles in the 2023 NFL Draft,” CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso wrote, “and prioritizing the interior of their defensive line was a necessity. It’s time to focus on the edge. Verse is an explosive and flexible rusher with a nonstop motor.”

Bears select Georgia OL Sedrick Van Pran with second first-rounder

It was almost as frustrating watching the failures of the Chicago Bears’ interior offensive line as it was the pass rush’s ineffectiveness.

Adding Georgia interior lineman Sedrick Van Pran is a smart choice at No. 13 because of his positional versatility and plug-and-play profile. The Bears have guard Nate Davis under contract for the next three seasons, and Teven Jenkins has one year remaining on his rookie contract. Adding Van Pran to take over as the Bears’ long-term center would make a ton of sense.

“Bears GM Ryan Poles was in Kansas City when the club picked Creed Humphrey,” Trapasso wrote, “and Van Pran will enter the 2024 NFL Draft with comparable experience and production against top-level competition.”

Grading this Chicago Bears 2024 mock draft

The Chicago Bears need talent at edge rusher and center. In fact, they’re two positions that will likely rank as No. 1 and 2 atop their offseason needs list. So, any mock draft that addresses both spots with high-level instant starters earns an “A” in my book.

Verse is especially exciting. The Bears must get back to fielding a defense that strikes fear in opposing quarterbacks. They haven’t had that since Khalil Mack was traded, and it’ll take an early first-round investment in an edge rusher like Jared Verse to get there.