Grading Dane Brugler’s picks for the Chicago Bears in his 7-round 2024 NFL mock draft

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler just published a seven-round mock draft. Brugler is one of the most experienced and plugged-in analysts in the NFL draft universe. We went through every selection Brugler made for the Chicago Bears, assigning a letter grade to each pick with thorough analysis.

My 7-Round Mock Draft. All 257 picks.

You’re going to love/hate it.https://t.co/zHER83YVtN

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) April 17, 2024

FIRST ROUND (NO. 1 OVERALL) | CALEB WILLIAMS | QB | USC

Brugler didn’t stray from the inevitable. The Chicago Bears will soon make Caleb Williams their franchise quarterback. The sky’s the limit for Williams in Chicago.

GRADE: A+

FIRST ROUND (NO. 9 OVERALL) | ROME ODUNZE | WR | WASHINGTON

Brugler mentions that the Bears may be enticed by trade-back opportunities considering they possess just four total selections. Instead, Ryan Poles stays pat and drafts an elite receiver prospect in Washington’s Rome Odunze. Odunze could help succeed Keenan Allen, who Brugler says may be a one-year rental.

GRADE: A+

THIRD ROUND (NO. 75 OVERALL) | CHRIS BRASWELL | EDGE | ALABAMA

The Bears are searching for a running mate to pair with Montez Sweat. After ranking 31st in sacks throughout 2023, it’s imperative the Bears find a long-term partner opposite Sweat. Chris Braswell is an athletic pass rusher with explosive first-step quickness.

GRADE: B+

FOURTH ROUND (NO. 122 OVERALL) | JAVON FOSTER | OT | MISSOURI

Javon Foster is an athletic tackle prospect that pairs with length with good technical abilities. Foster projects as a tackle that’s capable of eventually pushing for a starting gig. He’d be an ideal mid-round draftee to contend with Braxton Jones at left tackle.

GRADE: B

CONCLUSION:

This is an outstanding four-player class Brugler has drafted for the Bears. Williams and Odunze are long-term foundational pieces on offense. Braswell would quickly capture legitimate playing time at defensive end opposite Sweat, and Foster has starting-caliber potential at tackle.

OVERALL GRADE: A