Chicago Bears Could Trade No. 1 Pick in 2024 NFL Draft to Select Top Quarterback
In a surprising twist, the Chicago Bears may be open to trading the top pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. While many experts believe that Caleb Williams of USC will be the projected No. 1 selection, there is speculation that the Bears could be interested in other top quarterback prospects such as Drake Maye of North Carolina or Jayden Daniels of LSU. By trading down just one spot with the Washington Commanders, the Bears could potentially secure significant draft capital while still getting their QB of choice.
According to Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus, the Bears could expect to receive valuable assets if they are willing to trade down to the second overall pick. Spielberger stated, “What I’ve heard: By no means has Caleb definitively said he doesn’t want to go to Chicago. [Shane] Waldron is a good hire, and he works with the QB Collective where Caleb is now training. Caleb & Co. do trust Kliff [Kingsbury]. Chicago would probably be able to get ~ 2, 40, 2025 1st for [pick No.] 1.”
It is worth noting that the Washington Commanders recently hired Kliff Kingsbury, who had a close relationship with Caleb Williams during his time at USC. This connection could potentially play a role in the Bears’ decision to trade down.
While there have been reports suggesting that the Bears are leaning towards keeping the top pick and selecting Caleb Williams, nothing has been set in stone. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that the team was holding onto the pick and would likely choose Williams. However, Adam Schefter of ESPN stated on the “Pat McAfee Show” that the “widespread consensus around the league” is that the Bears will trade quarterback Justin Fields and select Williams with the first overall pick.
Ultimately, the Bears will carefully consider all their options and evaluate the potential of each quarterback prospect. If either Maye or Daniels impresses the team during the NFL Combine and subsequent meetings, the Bears could have the opportunity to accumulate valuable assets while still securing a potentially game-changing quarterback.
In a shocking turn of events, quarterback Drake Maye of the North Carolina Tar Heels is making waves in the upcoming draft. According to Mel Kiper of ESPN, Maye is predicted to be the third overall pick and join the New England Patriots. Kiper praised Maye’s deep-ball throwing skills and his ability to take care of the football. Standing at an impressive 6-foot-4, Maye is seen as a promising prospect with dual-threat abilities. While the Bears may struggle with their decision to move on from their first-round quarterback from the 2021 draft, the Patriots are expected to have an easier time with Maye.
Kiper also predicted that another dual-threat playmaker, Daniels, will be the second pick and join the Commanders. Daniels, similar to Fields, has shown explosive playmaking abilities and improved greatly in 2023. Throughout the season, he threw an impressive 40 touchdown passes with only four interceptions, even when facing tough competition in the SEC. Kiper believes that Daniels would be a great fit for the Washington roster, which already has some talented young playmakers on offense. Despite Maye’s inconsistency towards the end of the season, Kiper ranks Daniels at the second spot on his board.
Max Dible, a sports reporter, covers various teams including the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, and Golden State Warriors.