Regardless of how the 2023 regular season plays out, the Chicago Bears are in a great position. They are getting closer and closer to being locked into the No. 1 spot in the 2024 NFL Draft, courtesy of the Carolina Panthers.
The Bears own their first-round pick from a trade completed ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft in which the Panthers acquired the first pick to select Bryce Young. That trade has been franchise-altering for both teams. For Carolina, it has been a disaster, but for Chicago, it could catapult them into contention sooner than later.
Just like in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Bears have a big decision to make. Do they want to continue building their offense around quarterback Justin Fields, or will they trade him, collect even more draft capital, and use a pick on a quarterback?
NFL News & Rumors: Caleb Williams, Laiatu Latu, 2024 NFL Draft, Chicago Bears Updates
In a recent NFL Mock Draft done by Trevor Sikkema of PFF, Fields will be on the move. With the first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Sikkema has mocked USC quarterback Caleb Williams to the Bears.
“The Bears can reset their quarterback contract window here, and they should do so. Williams has recorded elite offensive grades in each of his three seasons of college football. This season is his lowest (90.3) due to the highest turnover-worthy play rate of his career (3.5%). He is capable of magical high-end plays, but there is no doubt he has to play more on schedule and in structure, on top of improving his ball security, to be able to showcase those out-of-structure plays in the NFL,” wrote Sikkema.
Resetting the quarterback contract window is very attractive for the Bears. Armed with a ton of cap space, they would be able to add more impact players to the roster knowing they have a quarterback on a rookie deal for at least four more seasons.
Has Fields done enough to prove he should be the guy moving forward? He certainly should be a starter in the NFL, but it likely won’t be in Chicago. Eligible for an extension during the 2024 offseason, it would not be surprising to see him on the move.
Who will be joining Williams in the Windy City? Chicago still has their own first-round pick, and Sikkema believes they will add a cornerstone piece defensively. At No. 5, the Bears go with Laiatu Latu, an edge rusher out of UCLA.
NFL News & Rumors: Caleb Williams, Laiatu Latu, 2024 NFL Draft, Chicago Bears Updates
“The Bears have done a nice job accumulating talent in the offensive trenches, and they need to do the same on defense. They currently have the lowest team pass-rushing grade and are tied for the fewest sacks.
Latu has been the most productive edge rusher in the FBS over the past two seasons. He has the highest pass-rush grade (93.9), the second-most pressures (128) and the fourth-best pass-rush win rate (21.6%). His consistent production puts him at the top of the class,” wrote Sikkema.
Latu would provide Chicago with a strong foundation upfront along with Montez Sweat, who was acquired from the Washington Commanders ahead of the trade deadline. What has been an anemic pass rush would get a shot in the arm, giving the Bears a very strong defensive front to work with.
Coming away from the 2024 NFL Draft with a foundational piece on both sides of the ball would be a home run for the Bears. It can be the finishing touches on a big offseason which should include some more big-time signings in free agency.
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