The Chicago Bears are in a good position leading into the 2024 NFL Draft. They have $23.260M in cap space, per Spotrac numbers. Likewise, the NFC North squad owns the top overall pick in the draft after trading last year’s No. 1 selection to the Carolina Panthers.
But immense pressure comes with that first pick for General Manager Ryan Poles and the entire Bears think tank. Regardless of what they do with the No. 1 pick, they must build a solid roster around the signal-caller.
While they have some solid players around their roster, they still have some holes to fill. That’s where their strategy could revolve in the latter rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.
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How many picks do Bears have in the 2024 NFL Draft?
The Bears will have six selections in the 2024 NFL Draft. Barring any trades or other transactions, here’s how their picks will unfold:
- Round 1, Pick 1
- Round 1, Pick 9
- Round 3, Pick 75
- Round 4, Pick 111
- Round 4, Pick 123
- Round 5, Pick 143
The Bears have all six picks within the top 150, including two in the top 10. Aside from the first pick, they also own the ninth overall selection due to their 7-10 finish last season. However, they lost their second-round pick when they traded for Montez Sweat.
They earned an extra fourth-round pick as part of their trade with the Philadelphia Eagles last season. The Eagles surrendered their 2024 fourth-rounder and a 2023 first-rounder in exchange for the Bears first-round pick (9th overall) last year.
Chicago doesn’t have a sixth-round selection in the 2024 draft due to the trade that brought them offensive guard Dan Feeney. Finally, they traded their seventh-round pick to the New England Patriots to acquire wide receiver N’Keal Harry.
Meanwhile, here’s how the draft could unfold for the Bears based on Sportskeeda's mock draft simulator.
- Round 1, Pick 1: Caleb Williams, QB, USC Trojans
- Round 1, Pick 9: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington Huskies
- Round 3, Pick 75: Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State Cougars
- Round 4, Pick 111: Cedric Johnson, EDGE, Ole Miss Rebels
- Round 4, Pick 123: Kingsley Eguakun, OC, Florida Gators
- Round 5, Pick 143: Max Melton, CB, Rutgers Scarlet Knights
The Bears could follow the “best talent available” approach with this draft class. Williams is among the top quarterback prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, thanks to his rocket arm and improvisation skills. Odunze is a big target they can pair with DJ Moore, who had an impressive season in his first year with the Bears.
Hicks and Melton fortify their secondary, while Eguakun is a solid blocker who uses his strength to control defenders. Johnson can help Sweat put pressure on the quarterback, giving more tenacity on Chicago’s defensive front.
Chicago Bears team needs in 2024
The Bears will hopefully find an immediate upgrade with Caleb Williams in the 2024 NFL Draft. He might not be as agile as Fields, but the tap signals that he is a better passer than the former Ohio State standout.
The Bears will also need reinforcements in their defensive secondary, especially if they lose Jaylon Johnson to free agency. Pass defense was one of their loopholes last season, giving opponents 237.8 yards per game (eighth-worst).
They badly need an able edge rusher after finishing with the second-fewest sacks in 2023 (30). Finally, adding another center could bring stability to their offensive line, especially with Lucas Patrick converted from guard to center.
