NFL Rumors: Bears Gathering Info on Caleb Williams, Maye, McCarthy, Jayden Daniels

The Chicago Bears have been diligent as the team prepares for the 2024 NFL Draft, taking an extended look at several of the top quarterback prospects available.

Chicago is reportedly "gathering information" on USC's Caleb Williams, North Carolina's Drake Maye, Michigan's J.J. McCarthy, and LSU's Jayden Daniels, according to Adam Jahns of The Athletic.

Although the Bears own the No. 1 overall pick and could select a top prospect such as Williams or Maye, they might also attempt to trade down and acquire more draft capital to help build the rest of the roster. They did exactly that in 2023, trading down from the first selection and giving the Carolina Panthers the top spot in exchange for a package including the team's 2024 first-round pick.

The move paid off, as the Panthers went just 2-15 and handed the Bears the No. 1 pick once again in 2024. If Chicago trades down, the front office could be interested in a player such as McCarthy.

Although incumbent quarterback Justin Fields is still on the team's roster, Jahns noted that "there is this overwhelming feeling that the Bears are going to select a quarterback this year."

In the latest mock draft from Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department, Chicago traded down to the No. 2 overall pick before selecting Maye. The former Tar Heels signal-caller is an extremely accurate passer who also has the athleticism to remain effective outside of the pocket.

In Maye's scouting report by B/R NFL scout Derrik Klassen, he was described as the "prototypical quarterback prospect."

"He has the athleticism, arm talent and baseline processing skills to become a weapon at the next level," Klassen wrote. "All he needs to do is cut out some of the 'doing too much' plays. Maye has the skill set to fit in any system and develop into a star."

Whether they trade down or stand pat, the Bears will be looking for their quarterback of the future in the 2024 draft and are considering a variety of options.