It’s official! The Chicago Bears now have control of the top overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. This comes by way of a trade with the Carolina Panthers last year as they moved up with the Bears to select Alabama QB Bryce Young with the top overall pick. That trade also sent WR DJ Moore to the Bears.
With the Bears officially in control of the top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, we’ll now begin our months long speculation as to what they’ll do with it. Let’s break down some of the most likely options for the Bears.
Drafting A Quarterback To Replace Justin Fields
In my opinion, the most likely option for the Chicago Bears is to find a replacement for QB Justin Fields. Through three seasons in Chicago, Fields has 9 career wins. With reports out now that Chicago is set to bring back HC Matt Eberflus, there’s no doubt that his seat is red hot. While a new quarterback might not save his job entirely, it could give him a little more time at the helm to right the ship. Caleb Williams or Drake Maye are the most likely options here, although Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels could be the pick here if he has an outstanding pre-draft process.
If this is the route that the Bears take, I think the next step would be to move Justin Fields by way of a trade. If that’s the case, they could obtain some additional draft capital in return.
Bears Take Marvin Harrison Jr With The Top Pick In The 2024 NFL Draft
If the Chicago Bears are still content with Justin Fields at quarterback, then they need to surround him with as many options as possible. By selecting Marvin Harrison Jr with the top pick, they’ll be able to pair up DJ Moore and Harrison Jr, essentially building one of the best starting WR groups in the NFL.
While the Chicago Bears have one of the best rushing yards average in the NFL, it should go without saying that their passing offense is the complete opposite. This move is about giving QB Justin Fields as many weapons on offense as possible. Currently, the Bears also hold the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, so they can go all in on a wide receiver here while also addressing another position of need shortly afterwards.
Trade The First Overall Pick And Obtain 2025 NFL Draft Capital
Once again, if the Chicago Bears are still content with Justin Fields at quarterback, then what value can they get with the top pick in 2024? By trading away the top pick, they would likely get plenty in return. With the Commanders, Patriots, Giants, and Falcons all with a level of need at quarterback, the Bears should get enough in return to take significant swings at rebuilding their franchise over the next three years.
While head coach Matt Eberflus might not be the long-term answer, or Justin Fields for that matter, this move is about giving them the ammunition to make a move down the road, as well as the flexibility to make a trade for an established veteran, if needed.