Here we are. It’s draft month, and until the draft timer starts, all 32 teams will have a mock released by yours truly. We begin with the Chicago Bears, who are drafting first overall. Of course, we know who they’re drafting with one of their two first-round picks. But, what will they do with the rest of their picks? Let’s get into it.
Any Trades?
Yes. In this mock, there were two trades performed.
- Traded pick 75th overall pick + 2025 fourth-rounder for pick 77 and pick 112 with Raiders
- Traded pick 122 for pick 164, 201, and 205 with Lions
Round 1, Pick 1: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
No argument here. Not even a question. Chicago gets their quarterback of the future. Williams is electric, his arm talent is top-tier, and the ability to make backyard-type plays will be fun to watch. Bears fans have been waiting for this moment to happen for a while now. Of course, you’ll have some say that Justin Fields shouldn’t have been traded. I happen to agree. But, getting a player of this caliber on a rookie contract, plus considering this will be GM Ryan Poles‘ guy at quarterback, and expect the Chicago Bears to make a run for the NFC North this year.
Round 1, Pick 9: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
After getting their signal caller of the future, it’s time to focus on the defense. Murphy was one of the highest-graded defensive linemen last year, posting a 91.1 grade through 14 games. He had six sacks and 36 hurries for the Longhorns in 2023.
He is crazy athletic, and his strength is elite and ready for the next level. His play can be described as violent and will throw offensive linemen aside with ease.
Short arms aside, he is a top-10 pick without question and the Bears get two players that will contribute right away in just the first round.
Round 3, Pick 77: Christian Mahogany, G, Boston College
Nate Davis posted a 52.9 PFF grade while at right guard for the Bears last year. Despite three straight years of solid play from 2020-2022, he struggled last season.
I’m not saying Davis can’t bounce back in 2024. But, why not draft a possible upgrade in Mahogany? The 23-year-old is a well-built guard who allowed zero sacks in 2023. His power at the point of attack is impressive and will bury his defender into the ground when he gets the chance.
With the Bears upgrading their running game with the addition of D’Andre Swift plus the need to protect Caleb Wiliams, adding Mahogany will do wonders for the offensive line (possible that Mahogany goes to right tackle, as he does have experience there).
Round 4, Pick 112: Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame
Chicago could use a solid CB2 opposite of Jaylon Johnson. Enter Hart, who posted an 83.3 PFF grade while holding quarterbacks to a 67.1 passer rating.
He does struggle against the press at times and isn’t going to impress you with his acceleration. But, his abilities in coverage plus his competitiveness make him a potential long-term starter for the Bears. His size of 6’2″ also stands out, along with the ability to make plays in the run game.
Round 5, 164: Javon Foster, OT, Missouri
More depth for the offensive line. The left tackle was one of the top tackles in run and pass blocking, and could shift to right tackles if the Chicago Bears want him to. His powerful upper body along with his arm length make up for his below-average athleticism. If he can work on his footwork, he is a potential starter. At this moment, he will be a quality backup as he continues to develop.
Round 6, 201: Joshua Cephus, WR, UTSA
Tyler Scott as the WR3 isn’t too concerning. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t upgrade the position either.
Cephus improved in 2023 compared to the years before, posting an 85.4 grade while recording 1151 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns. He has strong hands, is a precise route runner, and has decent speed to be a threat defenses will need to worry about.
Though he will need to work on escaping from press coverage, he’s a steal this late in the draft.
Round 6, 205: Hunter Nourzad, C, Penn State
The redshirt senior played everywhere during his time as a Nittany Lion but played center in 2023. Gifted athletically, he has quick feet while also a solid run blocker. He does still need to work on technique when it comes to pass protection, but Nourzad is coachable and can definitely be a solid contributor one day for the Bears.
Well, that’s what I think the Chicago Bears will do in this year’s draft. Up next? The Cincinnati Bengals.
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Featured Image: David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images
