The Chicago Bears have two first-round picks in the 2024 draft next year. That’s courtesy of his blockbuster trade with the Carolina Panthers, giving them the No. 1 seed next year, plus two other picks and wide receiver DJ Moore. It will be the first time since 2003 that the Bears have had two first-rounders in the same draft. That obviously didn’t go well, as they ended up with Michael Haynes and Rex Grossman. GM Ryan Poles is no doubt hoping for better luck when his chance comes.
The obvious unknown is how tall those picks will end up being. This won’t be determined for a few months until the regular season concludes next January. Once the Bears’ and Panthers’ regular-season records are determined, an official spot will be set for those picks. Hopes are high among the fans that Carolina will have a tough year. More losses mean a higher pick. ESPN ran screenings to see if they will get their wish. According to his data, Chicago will end up with a fairly favorable situation.
10. Chicago Bears, via Carolina Panthers
Chance in pick No. 1: 4.2%
Chance in the top 10: 45.1%
As with the Texans, a rookie quarterback throwing to a weak receiving group is a hard sell and certainly presents a serious disadvantage. But this is far from a sterile list, and the defense features serious talent like cornerback Jaycee Horn, running back Brian Burns, defensive tackle Derrick Brown and linebacker Frankie Luvu. The Bears (who are projected to have their own selection at No. 11) would be happy with this result.
The Chicago Bears will achieve a rarity in the NFL if this is true.
Before Houston selected CJ Stroud and Will Anderson with the No. 2 and No. 3 overall picks in the 2023 draft, the last time a team used back-to-back first-round picks was in 2003, when Arizona chose Bryant Johnson and Calvin Pace in 17th and 18th places overall. These projections suggest the Bears will have an even bigger opportunity next year with picks 10 and 11. Remember that those announcements have produced names like DeMarcus Ware, JJ Watt, Micah Parsons, Terrell Suggs, Patrick Mahomes, Dwight Freeney, Stephon Gilmore and Minkah Fitzpatrick.
It would be a golden opportunity for the Chicago Bears to add not one, but two legitimate difference-makers to their roster. Much of it comes down to what your needs will be. A safe assumption is that a pass-rusher will be one of them. The Poles could not tackle the position much this year. An unfortunate side effect of having so many needs. Will the quarterback be on the table? Justin Fields will determine that. Maybe they can find the technique of three or a long-term solution in the center. So many options will be possible if this scenario unfolds.
