The Bears 2023 season could be considered disappointing, especially considering the large expectations prior to the season. The 2023 season started and ended with losses to the Green Bay Packers, highlighting a need for drastic change. The Packers were supposed to be a rebuilding year, while the Bears looked to be on the rise. A horrendous start was met with a shift in defensive play-calling, and the addition of Montez Sweat led the Bears to finish the season strong, but they still fell short of many predictions.
A new era for the Bears begins with the NFL Draft, and no other team has the opportunity to rewrite their franchise like the Bears. With two first-round picks and, most importantly, the number one overall pick, the Bears look to allow for the new offensive regime built by incoming Shane Waldron to complement their rising defense. There is no better opportunity to make a change in a team’s play than taking a franchise quarterback, and that is what the Bears look to do, hopefully allowing for the draft to become the catalyst for a team with a lack of success in recent years.
NFL Draft Trade
Atlanta Falcons: Justin Fields
Chicago Bears: 2024 Pick 43, 2024 Pick 189
First-Round Pick: 1st Overall
The pick: Caleb Williams, Quarterback, USC
Though Justin Fields has the support of many Bears fans, it is clear that a change is needed for the organization. We haven't seen the growth needed to warrant keeping Fields, especially with a looming contact. Fields will likely demand more with the money paid to Daniel Jones, and he simply has not played well enough to deserve that. It's time to restart at the QB position, and there isn’t a better prospect to choose than Caleb Williams.
During his two-and-a-half seasons in college football, Williams has totaled over 120 Touchdowns. That stat alone speaks numbers to the prospect that Williams is. Williams’s arm talent is generational would rank in the top seven in the league straight out of college. Combine that arm talent with his magical play-making ability, and it creates a prospect that is as unique as a scout has ever seen.
Caleb Williams… are you serious? pic.twitter.com/1e58WWD2Io
That said, Williams is not a perfect prospect, as he often tries to play hero ball, neglecting the open throw near the line of scrimmage to create a larger play, which often does not translate well in the NFL. Williams's lack of in-rhythm throws might also be concerning, but his overall arm talent and potential are good enough to downplay these concerns. Williams projects as a day-one starter with all-pro potential, and hopefully, he can be the franchise quarterback the Bears have been looking for since Jim McMahon.
First-Round Pick: 9th Overall
The pick: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
The Bears defense improved greatly during the 2023 season but still needs a dominant edge rusher to pair alongside the pro bowler Montez Sweat. Though Olu Fashanu was available at the pick, Braxton Jones has played well enough to warrant the Bears looking in another direction. With the back seven of the Bears defense looking solidified for the future, the Bears should look to add another dynamic edge rusher to propel the defense to an elite caliber.
I flirt with all of the top 3 EDGEs in the draft and holy fuck this is just a fun rep by Dallas Turner, like he really is a psychopath. He just says F it at the beginning of the rep and goes long-arm so he can work back inside if he needs to
pic.twitter.com/U4wVjEEwAC
Dallas Turner is generally considered the number one edge in the class; standing at 6’4” 215 lbs. Turner would pair with Montez Sweat to create one of the best edge tandems in the league. Turner doesn’t have the flashiest moves, but just like his former teammate Will Anderson Jr, he can produce no matter where you place him.
Second-Round Pick: 43rd Overall
The pick: Adonai Mitchell, Wide Receiver, Texas
In 2023, the Bears acquired DJ Moore, and what an acquisition it was. Moore led the team with 1,364 yards, however, the Bears are desperate for a complemently WR2. Darnell Mooney is a pending free agent, but it looks like he will depart to another team. The once 1,000-yard receiver has declined, and a change of scenery is needed. Without Mooney, the Bears receiver room is barren, and the selection of Adonai Mitchell would combine give Caleb Williams some much-needed weapons.
I love the way Adonai Mitchell attacks leverages and stalks his prey with a slithery style of movement
This route was cold ?
https://t.co/2oo1rb8Jxa
In the second round, Adonai Mitchell is the best receiver available and one of the best players on the board. Mitchell is an electric playmaker who lives in the endzone. After transferring from Georgia with two national championships, Mitchell showcased his big play ability by scoring 11 touchdowns.
Mitchell has a high ceiling, with great size and speed, which will allow DJ Moore to get more seperation Mitchell has a great frame, phenomenal speed, and a great jump ball ability, making him a much-needed addition to the Bears receiver room.
Third-Round Pick: 75th Overall
The pick: Sedrick Van-Pran, Center, Georgia
There is a large misconception that the Bears offensive line is poor. However, this is far from the case. New additions Nate Davis and Darnell Wright stepped up in 2023, elevating the offensive line. Braxton Jones is a serviceable left tackle, and Teven Jenkins is a mauler in the run game.
With Cody Whitehair projected to be cut, Lucas Patrick and Dan Feeney are not capable enough to be the center of an otherwise promising offensive line. Drafting a center would allow for Ryan Poles to complete his rebuild of the Bears offensive line and give Williams time to make plays.
In the second round, Sedric Van-Pran might be rich, considering the value of other positions, but the gaping hole for the Bears, combined with Van-Pran’s rock-solid play in the SEC is worth it. Van-Pran would allow the Bears to complete the fortification of their offensive line.
2024 Chicago Bears Three Round NFL Mock Draft (1.0)
2024 Simulated 1st Round NFL Mock Draft
