NFL.com 4-Round Mock Draft Blends Value with Need for Bears

At this point in the 2024 NFL Draft calendar, it’s become pretty obvious that the Chicago Bears will select USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick. And while that in and of itself is exciting enough, the fact that the Bears have a second first-round pick, No. 9 overall, makes the next month or so even more thrilling.

Mock Drafts are still very relevant for Bears fans, even without any mystery surrounding the first pick. Chicago can go in several different directions with the ninth pick. General manager Ryan Poles essentially said at the 2024 NFL owners meetings that the Bears could target an offensive tackle, defensive end, or wide receiver. Coach Matt Eberflus confirmed the No. 9 selection will be about the quarterback, whether it’s helping him (o-line, wide receiver) or impacting him (pass rusher).

The latest 2024 NFL mock draft from NFL.com accomplishes those goals with every Chicago Bears pick, not just the first and ninth overall. The mock’s author, Chad Reuter, did a nice job blending value with need, and even though the Bears only have four selections, a draft class like this one would be a resounding success:

Pick 1.01: Caleb Williams, QB, USC

Need we say more? The best quarterback in this draft, and the last several drafts, will be a Chicago Bear. Pop the champagne bottles. A new era has arrived.

Pick 1.09: Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

Do I love this pick? No. Will I be excited if the Chicago Bears add a freakish athlete to complement Montez Sweat? Sure. I just think Turner is a year or two away from being a consistent NFL pass rusher. I prefer a guy like UCLA’s Laiatu Latu, who I believe is a 10-sack guy immediately.

Pick 3.75: Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan

Wilson would be a fantastic WR3 to complement the play styles of DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. A slot-only receiver, Wilson has a slippery route-running style that will make him a consistently open target or Caleb Williams on third downs.

Pick 4.122: Christian Haynes, iOL, UConn

The Chicago Bears won’t leave the 2024 NFL Draft without an interior offensive lineman with positional versatility. Haynes can be a swing interior lineman behind Teven Jenkins, Nate Davis, and whoever starts at center. Not a bad get in Round 4.