The Chicago Bears are expected to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft — but that won’t be the only selection general manager Ryan Poles makes in Round 1.
Chicago also owns the No. 9 pick in the first round and could consider adding another receiver to a depth chart that already includes DJ Moore and offseason trade acquisition Keenan Allen.
The ninth choice won’t be enough to land Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., however, who joined the club on a Monday pre-draft visit. Could the Bears trade up to land the top prospect in the draft, and how much would it cost?
Can the Chicago Bears Move Up for Marvin Harrison Jr. in the 2024 NFL Draft?
While Chicago could theoretically move up the Round 1 draft board to land Harrison, any trade will be expensive — which could be a problem for the Bears.
Poles and the rest of the club’s front office only have four draft picks in 2024: their two first-rounders plus additional selections in the third (No. 75) and fourth (No. 122) rounds. Chicago could offer to trade its entire 2024 pick haul and still not field a competitive offer for a selection in the top five.
Instead, the Bears might be more willing to move a pick in 2025, when they’ll boast an extra second-round choice courtesy of the Carolina Panthers.
At a bare minimum, Chicago would need to be willing to trade No. 9 this year and a first-round pick in 2025 to move up to pick Nos. 4 or 5, currently owned by the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Chargers, respectively.
By the traditional, Jimmy Johnson-devised NFL Draft trade chart, that would be an even deal for the Cards and the Bears. Other trade value charts give Arizona a slight edge, according to Joseph Hefner’s draft trade tool.
The only problem? Teams searching for first-round quarterbacks will offer far more than the Bears might be able to.
The Minnesota Vikings already own pick Nos. 11 and 23 in 2024 and will likely be willing to send another first in 2025 (if not more) to move into the top five.
Other QB-needy teams like the Denver Broncos (No. 12) and Las Vegas Raiders (No. 13) may also feel pressure to trade up for a rookie signal-caller and be open to dealing three first-round choices in a swap.
Sending that sort of package doesn’t make sense for Chicago, especially given the depth of this year’s wide receiver class. The Bears can cross their fingers and hope LSU’s Malik Nabers or Washington’s Rome Odunze fall to No. 9, or they could make a smaller trade to No. 7 or so to specifically target one of those elite pass-catching prospects.
While Chicago doesn’t own a 2024 second-round pick, it could find a viable WR in Rounds 3 or 4. With Moore and Allen fronting their depth chart, the Bears don’t necessarily have to use their Round 1 pick on another receiver.
KEEP READING: NFL Draft Rumors — Giants Targeting Drake Maye in a Potential Trade Up
The idea of pairing Williams and Harrison is beyond fun and could make Chicago one of the NFL‘s most exciting teams for the foreseeable future.
But is it realistic? Probably not.
Miss football? The 2024 NFL Draft is almost here, boss. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 10 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s all-new Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls — lone wolf or with your friends!