NFC North Mock Draft Part One: Chicago Bears
Photo Credit: Jason Parkhurst/USA TODAY Sports
DETROIT (PSF) — Just 16 days away from the 2024 NFL Draft and the mock drafts have been going on for awhile. With that in mind, we got NFC North mock drafts underway, starting with the Chicago Bears. No trades will be made for this mock draft.
First Overall Pick — Caleb Williams
First off the board is the grand prize, University of Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams.
The Bears recently traded former QB Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers, so the obvious move is to get a new signal-caller of the future.
The Bears have a vastly improved offense compared to previous years. Two thousand-yard receivers in wide receiver D.J. Moore and former Los Angeles Chargers WR Keenan Allen. The team also has tight end Cole Kmet, one of the best at his position. With recent acquisitions in running back D’Andre Swift and safety Kevin Byard, the team has very few holes left in their roster.
This is one of the best situations for a rookie QB to be in, and the Bears get their guy for the foreseeable future.
Ninth Overall Pick — Dallas Turner
The Bears haven’t addressed their defensive line to a major extent during the offseason. This pick likely comes about due to three receivers in Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Louisiana State WR Malik Nabers and University of Washington WR Rome Odunze being taken by the Chargers, New York Giants, and Arizona Cardinals before the Bears can get a grab at either of them.
The Atlanta Falcons also need more cornerback depth and there’s a plethora of options in the first round at that position.
The Bears get one of the most decorated pass rushers in this class with Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner, who’s coming off of a 10 sack season. This gives the team an immediate upgrade for their defensive line.
75th Overall Pick — Malachi Corley
Due to the trade for star defensive end Montez Sweat, the Bears are without a second-round pick. Their next pick comes in the early third round and the team still needs to get a young slot receiver.
Western Kentucky Hilltopper WR Malachi Corley is projected to go in the early third-round. Over the past three seasons, Corley has had the second most yards-after-catch in the FBS and is an explosive receiver after the catch.
The past two seasons, Corley has become a star receiver for the Hilltoppers. In 2022, he had 1,295 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. This past season, he had another amazing year with 984 receiving yards and repeated with 11 touchdowns. The past two seasons, he has been named to First-team All-Conference USA
Scouts such as Lance Zierlein have compared him to the likes of San Francisco 49ers WR Deebo Samuel.
Despite his short height at 5 feet 11 inches, Corely has been described as a physical, tough, receiver by scouts, the Bears find their slot wide receiver that can create even more problems for opposing defenses.
122 overall pick — Mason McCormick
Photo Credit: Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Bears only have four picks in this draft so their final one needs to go to a group that is in need of depth, the offensive line.
Injuries have constantly plagued the Bears on their offensive line this past year. Left guard Tevin Jenkins is one who seems to be finding himself on the trainer’s table constantly the past couple seasons.
Enter South Dakota State LG Mason McCormick. A player who’s stock rose tremendously in scouts' eyes during the Shrine Bowl, showcasing his skills against some of the best prospects in the country. He started four years straight for the Jackrabbits. For the last two years, McCormick had been selected to the AP FCS All-American first-team.
One big key for the Bears, his durability. McCormick started in 57 consecutive games for the last four seasons, something the Bears lack across the board on their offensive line.
Despite limited draft capital, in this scenario, General Manager Ryan Poles comes away with three players who can make an immediate impact, and a key depth piece that came be an effective piece to the offensive line.
