NFL Draft: 4 Players the Bears Should Target at No. 9 Overall

The heavy expectation is that the Chicago Bears will select USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. It’s honestly a foregone conclusion now that Justin Fields has been traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The bigger question is who general manager Ryan Poles will draft with the No. 9 overall selection. The Bears still possess sizable needs at EDGE opposite Montez Sweat, offensive tackle, and wide receiver still qualifies as a long-term need despite acquiring Keenan Allen. With the first wave of free agency officially done and dusted, we’ve identified four potential targets with the No. 9 overall pick.

ROME ODUNZE, WR, WASHINGTON

The blockbuster trade for Allen signals that Poles is serious about building around Williams as a franchise quarterback. While Allen will provide the Bears a second elite option in the passing game, his long-term outlook remains in question. Allen will turn 31 in April and is scheduled to enter a fate-deciding contract campaign.

Rome Odunze is a dominant X-receiver with elite downfield speed and hands. Allen primarily operates from the slot, meaning there’s a scenario where Odunze, D.J. Moore, and Allen could take the field together in three-receiver sets.

JC LATHAM, OT, ALABAMA

JC Latham is a dominant right tackle. His vice-like grip and outstanding strength makes him equal parts effective in pass protection and as a run blocker. The issue with Latham is that he projects as a right tackle, where Darnell Wright currently starts. Poles shouldn’t overcomplicate the situation, though. One of Poles or Wright could play left tackle if necessary. Wright particularly has left tackle experience under his belt from his time at Tennessee.

DALLAS TURNER, EDGE

With quarterbacks and receivers expected to dominate the top 10, eight offensive players could make up the first eight selections, giving Poles the option to draft the first defensive player. Alabama EDGE Dallas Turner is the hands-on favorite to be the first defender drafted. Turner would slot in flawlessly opposite Sweat, where the Bears possess a need for another dynamic quarterback hunter.

Turner ran a blazing-fast 4.46 at the NFL Combine. The Crimson Tide standout also leaped a 40.5 inch vertical and 10-foot-7 broad. Turner would pair with Sweat to form a fearful pass-rushing duo.

MALIK NABERS, WR, LSU

Malik Nabers is the other receiver the Bears should consider at No. 9 if he’s miraculously available. Nabers pairs downfield explosiveness and elite acceleration with nuanced, savvy route running. Williams would appreciate an opportunity to build long-term chemistry with Nabers.