Chicago Bears Pre-Free Agency 3-Round Mock Draft: Keeping Focus on Key Needs
The Chicago Bears are entering the 2024 NFL offseason with a sense of urgency and a roster that still needs several key upgrades. As general manager Ryan Poles prepares to navigate free agency, the 2024 NFL Draft remains the primary avenue for securing long-term talent. With multiple high-value picks, including the No. 1 overall selection, Chicago has a golden opportunity to solidify key positions. This three-round mock draft focuses on bolstering the Bears’ most pressing needs while maintaining a balanced roster approach.
Round 1, Pick 1: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
The Bears’ offseason revolves around one pivotal question: What will they do with Justin Fields? If the front office decides to move on from Fields, selecting Caleb Williams with the first overall pick is the logical choice. Williams is widely regarded as the most talented quarterback prospect since Trevor Lawrence and has all the tools to be a franchise quarterback.
Williams possesses elite arm talent, poise under pressure, and impressive mobility, making him a perfect fit for an offense looking to evolve into a more dynamic passing attack. His ability to make off-script plays while maintaining accuracy at all levels of the field gives the Bears the best shot at long-term success. Drafting Williams would signify a new era for Chicago and provide the team with a quarterback capable of elevating the entire roster.
Round 1, Pick 9: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
With Williams locked in as the new face of the franchise, the Bears must ensure they protect their investment. Joe Alt, the standout left tackle from Notre Dame, is an ideal choice with their second first-round pick. Standing at 6’8” and 315 pounds, Alt has the size, technique, and athleticism to become a cornerstone left tackle in the NFL.
The Bears’ offensive line has shown improvement, but there is still work to be done. Braxton Jones has been serviceable at left tackle, but upgrading the position with a premium talent like Alt would allow the Bears to shift Jones inside or provide critical depth. Alt’s ability to neutralize elite pass rushers and create running lanes would immediately enhance Chicago’s offensive efficiency, giving Williams the time he needs to develop.
Round 2, Pick 40: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
The Bears’ defensive line remains a concern, particularly in generating interior pressure. Enter Jer’Zhan Newton, the disruptive defensive tackle from Illinois. Newton has been one of the most consistent and dominant interior linemen in college football, showcasing a rare blend of quickness, power, and hand technique.
Adding Newton to the defensive front would provide a significant boost to Chicago’s pass rush, which has struggled to collapse the pocket from the inside. His ability to penetrate gaps and disrupt plays in the backfield would take pressure off the edge rushers and linebackers, creating a more balanced and formidable defensive unit. Pairing Newton with a veteran presence in free agency could solidify the defensive line for years to come.
Round 3, Pick 75: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
The Bears made significant strides in improving their receiving corps by acquiring DJ Moore, but they still need additional weapons to support Williams (or Fields, if the team sticks with him). Ladd McConkey, the reliable and explosive receiver from Georgia, would be a perfect addition in the third round.
McConkey is a polished route runner with excellent hands and underrated speed. He has the versatility to play both inside and outside, giving the Bears another dependable target to stretch the field. His ability to create separation and make tough catches in critical situations would complement Moore and provide Chicago with a more complete receiving unit.
Draft Strategy and Final Thoughts
The Bears’ pre-free agency approach to this draft prioritizes key positional needs: quarterback, offensive tackle, defensive line, and wide receiver. If Chicago moves on from Justin Fields, drafting Caleb Williams would be a franchise-altering decision. Pairing him with an elite left tackle in Joe Alt ensures he has the necessary protection to succeed from Day 1. Addressing the defensive line with Jer’Zhan Newton adds much-needed disruption to the trenches, while securing a reliable playmaker in Ladd McConkey bolsters the receiving corps.
This draft class aligns with the Bears’ long-term vision of building through the trenches while ensuring offensive stability. As free agency unfolds, Chicago may adjust its draft strategy, but this three-round mock draft presents a balanced and forward-thinking approach to maximizing their early-round selections. If executed correctly, these picks could be the foundation for a true turnaround in the Windy City.
