The 2024 Draft

[dave99]

I don't see them trusting their prize rookie QB's blindside to an untested LT, when they already have a guy that is solid, if unspectacular.
Even if one of the top WR's is available at nine they may go DE. This is a pretty deep WR draft and getting a later round DE is going to be tougher.
If they go DE, I think Verse is the best fit, but if they want to roll the dice until day 2, Austin Booker may be around or at least reachable.

If Bowers is there at 9, it could be a true test of the best player available strategy.

[Atkins&Rebel]

If Nabers falls to 9, it's a no brainer.
Otherwise, I'm hoping the Eagles will give me 22, 50 ,53 for 9 and 122

[HurricaneBear]

Making the case for a first round WR:

1. The defense proved it can be very effective with personnel currently on the roster. Losing Justin Jones and is not going to sink the unit. There will be 3rd wave vets like Yannick Ngakuoe available if needed.
2. The offense has never proved anything. Really ever
3. There will NOT be starting quality WR vets available in the 3rd wave.
4. Our WR2 is old and while I'm not putting "injury prone" on him, I'm not comfortable with potential for Tyler Scott and Ja'Lynn Polk battling for WR2 reps while everyone triple teams DJ Moore.
5. Per the note above, we don't have a proven WR3 so in my opinion the Bears should be drafting two WRs in the top 3 rounds to be sure there is adequate talent in that room. WR3 matters on 3rd downs and when the team is behind

There are definitely still some WR2/3 types available in FA right now.

Yes, they should draft one, but Moore/Allen/Kmet/Everett/Swift are going to be getting 99.99% of the targets. And even if Allen is out for a handful of games, those targets are just going to move to the TEs.

You absolutely draft one because you should be developing them for the future. They should probably draft 2. With Caleb Williams the Bears need to shift their focus to the offense and keep it there for the first time in franchise history. Wide receivers take time to develop and grow with a QB. There should always be more in the pipeline.

[Z Bear]

Right now I would say the odds are 90% trade back and 10% staying put at 9. Poles does a pretty good job of filling all the holes with bodies in free agency, then builds comp[etition and depth in the draft. Right now the team has bodies at every position (except QB), but need competition brought in at C, DE, and DT. Then they also need depth at WR and TE. That is 6 picks and they only have 4. I see #9 turning into a very late 1st, 2nd, and a 4th. I think they are targeting Jackson Powers-Johnson with their 2nd pick to take over from Shelton or Bates next year. Then BPA at those other positons the rest of the way out.

[STLINI]

I really wish this was a better draft for DL. I have a real hard time getting too excited about the DE's. I like Newton and Murphy better than the DE's as impactful NFL players. I still can't understand us not signing a DE in free agency. I'd take either or Nabors or Odunze at #9. After those 2, I'm probably listening to see what offers I get.

[dplank]

I really wish this was a better draft for DL. I have a real hard time getting too excited about the DE's. I like Newton and Murphy better than the DE's as impactful NFL players. I still can't understand us not signing a DE in free agency. I'd take either or Nabors or Odunze at #9. After those 2, I'm probably listening to see what offers I get.

See Hassan Reddick post below

[Z Bear]

I can't see Poles giving up one of our 4 remaining picks for a one year rental when you already have Sweat and Demarcus Walker at DE.

[Grizzled]

If Alt, Nabers, or Odunze is available, grab him. Otherwise look for a trade which will hopefully provide a 2nd or at least another high 3rd and still give them a shot at shot at Verse, Latu, Jackson-Powers in the 1st, another WR in the 2nd/3rd.

[The Cooler King]

I can't see Poles giving up one of our 4 remaining picks for a one year rental when you already have Sweat and Demarcus Walker at DE.

Yea, while I'm glad to know Poles isn't a pick perv and can be selectively aggressive with trading picks, 4 is definitely at the low end already. I can't remember a team in recent history with a 3 player draft. Maybe New Orleans when they traded up for Ricky Williams?

[wab]

There are definitely still some WR2/3 types available in FA right now.

Yes, they should draft one, but Moore/Allen/Kmet/Everett/Swift are going to be getting 99.99% of the targets. And even if Allen is out for a handful of games, those targets are just going to move to the TEs.

You absolutely draft one because you should be developing them for the future. They should probably draft 2. With Caleb Williams the Bears need to shift their focus to the offense and keep it there for the first time in franchise history. Wide receivers take time to develop and grow with a QB. There should always be more in the pipeline.

I don't think they are quitting on Scott. Seems too early for that. But yes, they do need to draft one.

[HurricaneBear]

You absolutely draft one because you should be developing them for the future. They should probably draft 2. With Caleb Williams the Bears need to shift their focus to the offense and keep it there for the first time in franchise history. Wide receivers take time to develop and grow with a QB. There should always be more in the pipeline.

I don't think they are quitting on Scott. Seems too early for that. But yes, they do need to draft one.

I agree I dont think they are either. I still like Scott, he just didn't show enough imo to pencil him as any better than #4. Id like to see it be
#1 Moore
#2 Allen
#3 rookie with the 1st rounderk(i'm assuming Williams is a Bear)
#4/#5/#6 Scott/FA/ESB/rookie in whatever order camp shakes them out

I think the room needs a true speed guy and a return man. I hope VJJ and Pettis don't make the final roster.

One of the big 3 WR's sitting there at 9 would make this so very easy. The Super Duper Offense dream is alive and well!

[The Cooler King]

I don't think they are quitting on Scott. Seems too early for that. But yes, they do need to draft one.

I agree I dont think they are either. I still like Scott, he just didn't show enough imo to pencil him as any better than #4. Id like to see it be
#1 Moore
#2 Allen
#3 rookie with the 1st rounderk(i'm assuming Williams is a Bear)
#4/#5/#6 Scott/FA/ESB/rookie in whatever order camp shakes them out

I think the room needs a true speed guy and a return man. I hope VJJ and Pettis don't make the final roster.

One of the big 3 WR's sitting there at 9 would make this so very easy. The Super Duper Offense dream is alive and well!

Oh man the returner aspect is a critical one, especially PR which seems harder to fill. Are there any good WR return specialist in this year's draft?

[Bearfacts]

I agree this is a tough on to call. That's why I'd love to be a fly on the wall in that the room where it's being discussed. All of what I say here is based on Dane Bruglers rankings in The Atletic.

Poles has commented on a few things that might give us some insight but not much. He's said that he's pleased with Braxton Jones and I'd think pleased enough that he won't draft a strict OT but because of Jenkins injury history he might take on whose seen more as an OG or at least also an OG. But I'd have to put OL below DL and WR in this list.

The only DE who seems to rank anywhere near #9 is Dallas Turner. The rest and DT Byron Murphy rank from the mid teens to the low 20s at least on Bruglers top 100. But.....that could change a bit once pro days and interviews are over. DT or a 3tech I would thing rank either1 or1a for Poles and probably for Flus as well.

I don't believe Odunze will drop as far as #9 either. SD lost two top WR so they have to thinking WR and MHJr has to be in the mix in the top five as well. If he or Nabers do drop to #9 that's probably his BPA pick. Brian Thomas would be another he might get trading down or if he goes with a DL in round 1 then who are the WR in round 2 he might take?

[spudbear]

Many here say "I want X player but if the Bears don't get it then trade down", but who is willing to dance with Poles and pay what Poles demands? The #9 pick needs to be a playmaker, and as the Bears drop down the board then their chances decrease in finding a good playmaker. Minny is two down at #11 but I doubt the Bears want to help them. Denver and Vegas are at 12 and 13, but would they be willing to give up a second (or maybe a third) rounder to move up? One of them may get a chubby for McCarthy and decide to pull the trigger.

If Poles does find someone to pay a premium for the #9 pick I hope he does not accept a pick for next season, as he still has a 2nd round 2025 pick from Carolina waiting.

[Boris13c]

we're going to have a rookie QB with a lot of talented skill players ... only way that works is if the QB is upright

spend the 9 to bolster the protection either by drafting a top O-Lineman or trading down to maybe get 2 functional additions

[German Bear]

If we fall in love with either DT, I'd hit this one. Give Flus what he always wanted. Together with Dexter we will be well positioned for the coming years.

[dave99]

we're going to have a rookie QB with a lot of talented skill players ... only way that works is if the QB is upright

spend the 9 to bolster the protection either by drafting a top O-Lineman or trading down to maybe get 2 functional additions

I don't want to risk our QB to a rookie LT. I don't care how highly regarded, lots of "plug and play" offensive linemen fail or struggle for a year or two.
Jones is serviceable and Poles has done a decent job filling holes and adding depth.
We have other needs and if one of the top three WR's falls to nine, I don't see Poles passing on him.

[dplank]

we're going to have a rookie QB with a lot of talented skill players ... only way that works is if the QB is upright

spend the 9 to bolster the protection either by drafting a top O-Lineman or trading down to maybe get 2 functional additions

I don't want to risk our QB to a rookie LT. I don't care how highly regarded, lots of "plug and play" offensive linemen fail or struggle for a year or two.
Jones is serviceable and Poles has done a decent job filling holes and adding depth.
We have other needs and if one of the top three WR's falls to nine, I don't see Poles passing on him.

Why would we be risking our QB to a rookie LT? Even if we draft one, the only way he plays LT is if he beats out Jones. Jones is a solid pro, so the floor is set here and not a risk IMO.

[crueltyabc]

I agree I dont think they are either. I still like Scott, he just didn't show enough imo to pencil him as any better than #4. Id like to see it be
#1 Moore
#2 Allen
#3 rookie with the 1st rounderk(i'm assuming Williams is a Bear)
#4/#5/#6 Scott/FA/ESB/rookie in whatever order camp shakes them out

I think the room needs a true speed guy and a return man. I hope VJJ and Pettis don't make the final roster.

One of the big 3 WR's sitting there at 9 would make this so very easy. The Super Duper Offense dream is alive and well!

Oh man the returner aspect is a critical one, especially PR which seems harder to fill. Are there any good WR return specialist in this year's draft?

Interesting returners:
Xavier Worthy (WR) - fastest in the history of the combine but he's teenie tiny. has some legit WR skills
Keon Coleman (WR) - more prototypical size, explosive in a straight line but not a great route runner or separator
Cooper DeJean (CB) - can play CB but has the size and tackling to play FS for us. fastest white DB since...ever?

These guys will likely be drafted between 9 and 75.

Also it's wild that Velus can't do it. He was very good at PR in college and it's either the variety of kicks or a total mental thing that he can't catch punts in the NFL. Ridiculous

[thunderspirit]

There are some Day 3 guys who have returned punts too. The best-known is probably Texas A&M's Ainias Smith, but Anthony Gould (Oregon St), Tayvion Robinson (Kentucky), Xay Weaver (Colorado), and Jalen Calhoun (Duke) all have plenty of experience returning punts and some decent production at receiver too.

[dave99]

I don't want to risk our QB to a rookie LT. I don't care how highly regarded, lots of "plug and play" offensive linemen fail or struggle for a year or two.
Jones is serviceable and Poles has done a decent job filling holes and adding depth.
We have other needs and if one of the top three WR's falls to nine, I don't see Poles passing on him.

Why would we be risking our QB to a rookie LT? Even if we draft one, the only way he plays LT is if he beats out Jones. Jones is a solid pro, so the floor is set here and not a risk IMO.

Because if we draft a guy at 9 ( or thereabouts), I want him on the field making an impact like a WR or the best edge they can get or even a 3T if that's how the cards fall.

[wab]

we're going to have a rookie QB with a lot of talented skill players ... only way that works is if the QB is upright

spend the 9 to bolster the protection either by drafting a top O-Lineman or trading down to maybe get 2 functional additions

The Bears have a pretty good young, and cheap (for now) OL. I don't know why this keeps being a narrative. They need to hedge their bets inside, but I think they did that with Bates and will draft someone in the middle rounds.

[wab]

There are some Day 3 guys who have returned punts too. The best-known is probably Texas A&M's Ainias Smith, but Anthony Gould (Oregon St), Tayvion Robinson (Kentucky), Xay Weaver (Colorado), and Jalen Calhoun (Duke) all have plenty of experience returning punts and some decent production at receiver too.

I feel like Ainias Smith has been in college forever.

Nsimba Webster has return skills, but offers almost nothing as a WR. I think not that the WR room has some skins on the wall, he could get a chance to stick on the roster as competition for VJJ.

[Bears Whiskey Nut]

I think maybe there are 1-2 players that if they were still on the board at #9, would compel Poles to keep the pick. Outside of that I think he's looking to trade down and take an EDGE, C, or WR.

[wab]

I think maybe there are 1-2 players that if they were still on the board at #9, would compel Poles to keep the pick. Outside of that I think he's looking to trade down and take an EDGE, C, or WR.

I think if Turner or Nabers are there, he'd keep the pick. As much as I like Odunze, I think Poles would still trade out of the pick.

Two of the top OTs should still be there, maybe Odunze, and maybe McCarthy.

[Arkansasbear]

Adam Schefter hinting they might go OT. Makes some since, but only if they think Braxton Jones has peaked. I do worry about a rookie OT having the QB's blind side. Pretty sure we haven't had to OT drafted in the top 10 since Colvert and Van Horne. Heck, I don't know if we've had two OT that were both drafted in the first round since then. But then again the OTs we have drafted in the first since them have pretty much all stuck:
'83 Jimbo Colver at 6
'91 Stan Thomas at 22 - awful
'02 Marc Columbo at 29 - hurt his whole time her but did okay later (good job to go 11 years without drafting a OL very high (I think 2 in second and 2 in the third round)
'08 Chris Williams at 14 - soft and hurt all the time
'11 Gabe Carimi at 29 - Was thinking he would end the curse, but nope in the MASH unit as well
'13 Kyle Long at 20 but was a OG
'23 Darnell Wright at 10

So we went through 40 drafts and spent 5 first round picks on the OL. If you throw in the 2nd and 3rd round picks during that time it looks like you add another 13 players - and most of them sucked as well. No wonder we have been awful for so long. Don't think I realized how little we invested in the OL since the Super Bowl.


https://www.youtube.com/clip/UgkxyEcl5l ... bwkavUXeds

[G08]

Damnit TMP, just when I was out... you pulled me back in... I had a small tear in my eye when I saw you mention Caleb without anger... LOL.

Agreed, we need a DL with a top pick (9-17) range and this would give us an outstanding chance for a top top Defense which is every teams best friend... especially one with a rookie QB, who is going to have rookie moments. I'd love to trade down a few picks, grab DL (Turner/Verse are my favs - Latu injury history concerns me). Then with the next pick (C/WR - BPA). Flip it in the next round

I heard that Caleb likes to hold onto his balls for a long time.

We’re kindred spirits in that regard.

I’m good. Almost bought the USC jersey this weekend but thought better of it until its official.

Now I just need G08 to proclaim that he is Drew Brees.

You doing okay?

[dave99]

I think maybe there are 1-2 players that if they were still on the board at #9, would compel Poles to keep the pick. Outside of that I think he's looking to trade down and take an EDGE, C, or WR.

I think if Turner or Nabers are there, he'd keep the pick. As much as I like Odunze, I think Poles would still trade out of the pick.

Two of the top OTs should still be there, maybe Odunze, and maybe McCarthy.

I think they can trade down a couple spots and get Verse. He looks like a great fit.
[video][/video]

[G08]

Echo that stuff on Tyler Scott. Not ready to give up on him. He really impressed during the preseason. Hoping he takes a big step up year two.

Has similar measurables to Tyler Lockett.

Lockett // Scott

5097 // 5097
182 // 177
1.55-2.59-4.40 // 1.50-2.56-4.44
35.5" vert // 39.5" vert
10'01" broad // 11'01" broad
4.07 shuttle // 4.25 shuttle
6.89 cone // 6.99 cone

He's fine as WR3 in this offense, IMO. Hope he progresses in the off-season.

[G08]

I think if Turner or Nabers are there, he'd keep the pick. As much as I like Odunze, I think Poles would still trade out of the pick.

Two of the top OTs should still be there, maybe Odunze, and maybe McCarthy.

I think they can trade down a couple spots and get Verse. He looks like a great fit.
[video][/video]

Dude has some heavy fucking hands, I wish he wasn't turning 24 this year.