The Chicago Bears have a franchise-altering decision to make at the quarterback position entering the 2024 NFL Draft.
They hold the first overall pick for a second consecutive season, which puts them in a position to either build around Justin Fields or select Caleb Williams as the future of their franchise signal-caller.
Chicago currently holds five picks in the upcoming draft, which allows us to make the crucial decision for the Bears’ future under center using the PFN Mock Draft Simulator, which we will be utilizing for this projection based on their current draft capital.
Chicago Bears 2024 NFL Draft Picks
Many reports suggest that Chicago will attempt to trade Fields to the highest bidder in an attempt to clear the way to select Williams with the No. 1 overall pick.
Yet, Fields is still currently a member of the Bears roster, which means the scenario below would attempt to build the roster around their current quarterback by surrounding him with an elite receiver prospect.
- Round 1, Pick 1 (from CAR): Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
- Round 1, Pick 9: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
- Round 3, Pick 75: Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE, Western Michigan
- Round 4, Pick 111: Tanor Bortolini, OC, Wisconsin
- Round 4, Pick 123 (from PHI): Malik Mustapha, S, Wake Forest
Chicago Bears 7-Round 2024 NFL Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 1: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
There is a strong argument to be made that WR Marvin Harrison Jr. is the best overall player in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Bears don’t have much pass-catching talent outside of DJ Moore and Cole Kmet on the current roster, which means Harrison could give this passing offense a significant shot of adrenaline in 2024.
Harrison possesses elite physical tools, advanced knowledge of beating press coverage, route stem intelligence, and spatial awareness, making him an absolute nightmare for any defensive back to handle.
He can win on all three levels of the football field and attacks the ball at the catch point better than any WR I’ve ever graded coming into the league. Moore is a great receiver, but Harrison is special. This would instantly give the Bears — and Fields — one of the best WR duos in the NFL.
Round 1, Pick 9: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Speaking of giving Fields more help, the offensive line still had its fair share of issues last year despite the additions of Darnell Wright and Nate Davis.
Penn State’s Olumuyiwa Fashanu could become an instant upgrade to Braxton Jones at left tackle with his pass protection package entering the league.
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His ideal combination of physical measurements — length, height, weight — and performances against NFL-caliber edge rushers certainly suggest he can be an instant starter at the professional level.
Round 3, Pick 75: Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE, Western Michigan
Chicago addressed its pass-rushing woes last year at the deadline by acquiring Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders for a second-round pick in this year’s draft.
The deal paid off in the short term with the defense improving drastically over the last two months of the season, but the team could still use some depth at the position.
Marshawn Kneeland’s athleticism, powerful first punch, and high-running motor on a 6’3” 267-pound frame can develop into an impact player opposite of Sweat.
Round 4, Pick 111: Tanor Bortolini, OC, Wisconsin
The Bears continue to fortify the line in front of Fields by addressing the center position by drafting Tanor Bortolini out of Wisconsin in the fourth round. Depending on Ryan Bates’ fate, he could even start sooner than anticipated.
His career at Wisconsin included a move from guard to center after the 2022 season. His versatility, athleticism, and tenaciousness at the point of attack could provide a valuable depth piece along the offensive line unit, which needs another contributor to work alongside Teven Jenkins and Nate Davis.
Round 4, Pick 123: Calen Bullock, S, USC
Jaquon Brisker needs a permanent running mate along the back end of this defensive unit. USC’s Calen Bullock possesses the type of ball skills and top-end spend to range from sideline-to-sideline from single-high safety looks while Brisker patrols near the line of scrimmage.
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His shortcomings as a run defender could be masked a bit if he is mostly assigned to the deep center of the football field. He isn’t a complete safety prospect entering the league, but his athleticism and nose for the ball as a pass defender could certainly make an impact with a specific role in the Chicago secondary.
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