The Chicago Bears seem set on who will be selected with the first overall pick in 2024. They now focus on their direction with the ninth overall pick.
General manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus are excited about the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. They sit comfortably with the first overall pick, but the direction of the ninth overall pick still leaves them with a significant decision.
The Great Debate at 9th Overall
Poles commented on their approach for their second pick, ninth overall, on April 25th.
According to the Chicago Bears team website:
“I like the numbers in terms of the talented players that can get to nine,” Poles said. “We’re going to do some cool things when we get back, kind of break into teams. One team is going to talk about [why] the tackle position is the best to go after, [why] the receiver’s the best, [why] the defensive end’s the best and use factual information to spit that out—and we’ll have a debate in terms of what’s more impactful for our football team, short-term and long-term.”
Photo credit: Chicago Tribune
Indeed, some NFL teams have used this method in the past, but it has yet to be widely known. This new method of approach should welcome conversation and keep the decision of the pick open for many people to have a say.
Eberflus added, “We’re going to look at, ‘Hey, who’s the best tackle? Who’s the best receiver? Who’s the best rusher? Who’s the best this or that?'” Eberflus added. “It’s going to be good to break into that and see guys’ opinions. In order to have good communication, it’s got to be authentic and it’s got to be true, and you have to be able to speak your opinion.”
Ultimately, Poles will make the decision, but his style might lead others to try a “debate” format on draft picks moving forward.
Options for the Chicago Bears at 9
Poles and Eberflus highlighted the positions of most concern. The Chicago Bears will examine three main areas to find the best opportunity for success.
Some of the debate will revolve around whether or not these players will even be an option. With the Bears most likely taking USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick and the presumed run of quarterbacks after, a very talented player will likely be available at nine.
Wide Receiver
Three main targets at wide receiver will be considered:
Marvin Harrison Jr. was once the consensus-first non-quarterback draft pick, and Harrison Jr. started seeing his draft stock slide. Harrison Jr. is a day-one starter in the NFL, but his “ceiling” doesn’t seem as high as the other two names listed.
Malik Nabers is a phenomenal athlete and route runner. He wowed everyone at the LSU Pro Day last week. The Bears would have difficulty passing on Nabers if he fell to ninth.
Rome Odunze helped the Washington Huskies on an all-time run to the National Championship. His ability to get in and out of breaks on routes is unmatched. He also has a remarkable ability to track the ball and not lead defenders to it. He is one of the more likely options for the Bears.
Defensive End
There are two top-tier targets for the Bears for the defensive end position.
Dallas Turner is a longer athlete with raw ability. He became a much better run defender during the 2023 season and helped the Alabama defense to the College Football Playoffs. His career-high ten sacks last season helped his elite status for this draft.
Jared Verse is a home-run hitter freak athlete at the end position. It would be a great piece, opposite to the current Bears’ defensive end, Montez Sweat.
Offensive Tackle
Joe Alt is the consensus top offensive lineman in the 2024 draft. Tall, athletic, strong, and from Notre Dame. His long frame has had some questioning his technique, but that may just be nitpicking the best tackle prospect in the draft.
Olumuyiwa “Olu” Fashanu is a 6’6, 317 lbs. tackle and has been noted as a “plug and play” prospect for most offensive lines. He would be an immediate starter for the Bears and a welcome addition to their shaky offensive line.
The Bears’ clock is ticking for a decision. The debate will hopefully allow for a decision, but landing any one of these prospects, along with Caleb Williams, puts the Bears in a good spot for 2024.
My Prediction: They will avoid taking either or any tackle with the pick. I don’t think if Alt is even available they would take him at nine.
Top priority is wide receiver. Even with the addition of Keenan Allen, adding a young playmaker is necessary to surround the presumed rookie quarterback. Wide receiver is widely predicated on “if” anyone trades up for a quarterback (i.e. the Vikings or Broncos). I think Marvin and Malik are gone and Rome would team up nicely with D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen.
If for some reason all three wide receivers are gone, they take Jared Verse. His play style would pair nicely with Sweat.
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