The Chicago Bears are a team that everyone is keeping an eye on during the 2024 NFL offseason. They have the capability of changing the landscape of the league with the draft capital that they have amassed.
Chicago made a blockbuster trade with the Carolina Panthers last offseason, trading the No. 1 pick in the draft for a haul. Part of the package that came back to Chicago was the Panthers’ first-round pick in 2024, which is also No. 1 overall.
NFL News & Rumors: Dallas Turner, 2024 NFL Draft, Chicago Bears Updates
What the Bears will do with that selection is anyone’s guess. If they opt to trade it, they will receive a treasure trove of assets in return that will help them push their rebuild forward. They would have the kind of assets to pull off a blockbuster trade of their own down the road or add several high-upside players to their roster via the draft.
If they opt to keep the pick and select a quarterback for themselves, Justin Fields would hit the trade market. Even if they received only a Day 2 pick in return, that is still solid value for the Bears moving forward.
While all of the focus has been on the No. 1 pick, Chicago does have their own selection, which ended up at No. 9. Who could the Bears target with that pick? Based on the Mock Draft simulator over at PFF, the team’s biggest weakness is an edge rusher. That could lead to them targeting Dallas Turner out of Alabama.
“Turner entered 2023 as one of the class’ best speed-rushing 3-4 outside linebackers. But this year, he looks like he has bulked up a bit to add new strength to his game and solidify his first-round status,” as written by PFF’s Big Board analysis.
Getting after the quarterback had been a struggle for the Bears in recent seasons. That was until they acquired Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders ahead of the 2023 trade deadline.
NFL News & Rumors: Dallas Turner, 2024 NFL Draft, Chicago Bears Updates
Sweat helped transform what was a downtrodden unit into one of the best in the NFL. He led the Bears with 6.5 sacks and gave them a foundational piece to build around in the front seven. Now, PFF believes they will find him a bookend with Turner, bolstering their pass rush.
Predicting what the Bears will do with their own selection is tough until a clearer picture emerges about what will happen with the No. 1 pick. But, an edge rusher will certainly be under consideration as Chicago is in a great spot with two top-10 picks.
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