There isn’t a team in as good of a position for the 2024 NFL Draft as the Chicago Bears. Regardless of how their 2023 season finishes, they are going to be in a position to have the No. 1 overall pick courtesy of their trade ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft with the Carolina Panthers.
As part of the deal to acquire the No. 1 pick to select quarterback Bryce Young, the Panthers included their 2024 first-round selection. At 1-11, they are moving closer and closer to securing the first pick, which would convey over to Chicago.
The Bears may be selecting twice in the top 10, depending on where their selection lies. That makes Bowl Season in college football one that Chicago decision-makers will pay close attention to.
Who could the team be keeping a close look on as they start evaluating prospects? In the opinion of Joe Tansey of Bleacher Report, the Bears are going to have major interest in players taking part in the College Football Playoff.
NFL News & Rumors: Rome Odunze, Adonai Mitchell, Xavier Worthy, Dallas Turner, Chicago Bears Updates
One player to keep an eye on is Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze. If the Bears opt to pass on Marvin Harrison Jr. with the top pick in the draft, they could use their selection on the explosive Odunze.
Most draft analysts have him as the No. 2 player at the position behind the Ohio State star and he will have a chance to solidify that standing in the playoff with the Huskies. Odunze has produced four straight 100-yard games and has totaled 81 receptions for 1,428 yards and 13 touchdowns on the season.
Two more wide receivers Chicago could be keeping tabs on are the Texas Longhorns duo, Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Worthy. Both have first-round potential and big games in the playoffs would help cement their standing there.
NFL News & Rumors: Rome Odunze, Adonai Mitchell, Xavier Worthy, Dallas Turner, Chicago Bears Updates
Mitchell and Worthy are both explosive, each recording 50+ receptions and 800+ yards. We sway Quentin Johnston out of TCU to push his way into the first-round conversation with his performance in the playoff last season and the Texas duo could do the same this year.
Last but not least, the Bears could be looking to bolster their defense, specifically in the pass-rushing area. They made a splash ahead of the deadline by acquiring Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders, but he could certainly use more long-term help.
Alabama EDGE defender Dallas Turner could be the ideal fit. Chicago made a concerted effort in the offseason to improve their abysmal defense, signing linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards. Turner would provide them with another building block on that side of the ball.
Projected to be right around the 10th pick, Turner will be in play with the Bears’ own selection in the first round. A strong showing against Michigan will put him in the mix to move up the draft board.
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