Bears HC Talks NFL Draft Strategy with No. 9 Pick amid Caleb Williams Rumors at No. 1

Whereas the Chicago Bears' strategy with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL draft is all but assured, head coach Matt Eberflus is reveling in the flexibility the team has a little later in the top 10.

"Having that No. 9 pick is a really good spot to be in," head coach Matt Eberflus said, per Larry Mayer of the Bears' official site. "It's right there at the top. We're going to get a 'blue' player there, for sure. What we've done in free agency allows us to be flexible, to really be able to take the best player, one we feel fits us in that spot."

General manager Ryan Poles said the Bears will have their personnel work in separate groups to determine the optimal course of action. Each group will lobby on behalf of a specific position to spark the kind of debate that will lead to a consensus.

Nothing is guaranteed until the choice is submitted to the commissioner, but the Bears are almost certainly going to open the draft by taking USC's Caleb Williams. After that, it's anybody's guess.

The likely run on quarterbacks will keep plenty of avenues clear. There's a good chance LSU's Jayden Daniels, North Carolina's Drake Maye and maybe even Michigan's J.J. McCarthy will be among the next seven picks, leaving a lot of players at other positions available.

Florida State edge-rusher Jared Verse was the target for the Bears in Bleacher Report's newest 2024 mock draft.

"After trading for and signing Montez Sweat to an extension last season, the Bears don't have a pressing need for an edge defender, so this is a bit of a 'best player available,'" B/R NFL scout Matt Holder said of the pick. "That being said, Chicago could use a second defensive end to pair with Sweat, and adding Verse gives the defense two physical players on the edge who can contribute as pass-rushers and run defenders.

"Defensive-minded head coach Matt Eberflus should be thrilled with this selection as the Bears will have plenty of talent at all three levels on that side of the ball."

Based on Eberflus and Poles' comments, the Bears are approaching their other first-rounder with a completely open mind.