2024 NFL Draft Order: Here’s where the Bears pick entering Week 10

The Chicago Bears’ loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 9 dropped their record to 2-7, and coupled with the Carolina Panthers’ loss to the Indianapolis Colts, which dropped their record to 1-7, the first-round order of the 2024 NFL draft is basically the only thing that matters for Bears fans.

The bad news for the Bears is the Arizona Cardinals got absolutely demolished by the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, dropping their record to an NFL-worst 1-8. They maintain hold of the No. 1 pick, which they’d likely use on USC quarterback Caleb Williams.

The Chicago Bears, meanwhile, hold the second and third overall picks, which still keeps them in position to draft a generational wide receiver prospect — Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. — and the next-best quarterback in the 2024 draft if they decide to move on from Justin Fields.

That next-best guy is likely UNC’s Drake Maye, who profiles as a pocket passer with a quick trigger who can make all the throws. But the Bears’ interest in Maye will depend on how Justin Fields plays over the final eight games of the season, assuming he suits up for Week 10’s Thursday night game against the Panthers.

If Fields has a strong finish to the season, the Bears are likelier to focus on Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu.

Speaking of that Week 10 game, the Bears’ are in a no-win situation for their draft position on Thursday night. Sure, if they win, they’ll keep Carolina in the running with the Cardinals for the top pick. But they’ll also level up to three wins of their own, which could push their first-rounder outside the top five.

If they lose, they’ll hold two first-round picks for teams with two wins each, which could knock them out of the No. 2 pick.

There’s still a lot of football left in the 2023 season, and teams can go on unexpected winning or losing streaks. But this year’s haves and have-nots are well-established, and the Bears and Panthers are both in the negative category.

Perhaps, that’ll prove to be a huge positive once the dust settles on the 2024 NFL draft order.