Prospects for Bears to Avoid in 2024 NFL Draft

Most of the Chicago Bears' NFL draft focus at this point should be on the No. 9 pick.

With Justin Fields gone, the Bears have their sights set on a quarterback at the No. 1 overall pick. Caleb Williams has been the assumed top selection for months.

Matt Eberflus and his staff should spend the next few weeks narrowing down the list of potential candidates for the No. 9 pick.

The Bears could go a variety of ways with the selection. They could land another wide receiver to pair with D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen, land more offensive line help or select one of the top defensive prospects.

Chicago could also trade up or down in the first round because of its pick flexibility, but any potential deal probably will not materialize until closer to draft day.

Terrion Arnold

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AUBURN, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 25: Terrion Arnold #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after intercepting the final pass of the game in their 27-24 win over the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Terrion Arnold should be chosen around the No. 9 pick.

The Alabama product is widely viewed as the top cornerback in the 2024 draft class, but the Bears do not have a need for him.

The Bears just inked Jaylon Johnson to a long-term deal and have Tyrique Stevenson as the other starter at the position.

Chicago would be drafting to a position where it already has a surplus of talent. It would be hard to justify landing a cornerback when there are other needs to fill.

Arnold will be a strong fit somewhere else, but he does not fit into the Bears' current roster structure.

Brock Bowers

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 2: Brock Bowers #19 of the Georgia Bulldogs is tackled by Malachi Moore #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first quarter in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Bears fans can dream about Brock Bowers in their offense for just a second.

An offense with Moore, Allen, Bowers and Cole Kmet could put up video-game numbers if Williams lives up to the hype in his first season at quarterback.

Realistically, the Bears are better off targeting a third wide receiver to spread the field, and the last thing they need to do is take away targets from Kmet.

Kmet produced the most receiving yards of his four-year career in 2023 and he has 13 touchdowns in the last two seasons.

The Bears can't stunt Kmet's continued development, especially after his performance last season with a mixed bag of performances at quarterback.

As awesome as a Kmet-Bowers tandem sounds, it does not make practical sense inside the Bears offense to work.

JC Latham

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: OL JC Latham (65) of the Alabama Crimson Tide blocks during the Alabama Crimson Tide game versus the Michigan Wolverines CFP Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game on January, 1, 2024, at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Bears can't reach at No. 9 when it comes to offensive linemen.

JC Latham is a menace at 342 pounds, but he may be a better run blocker than pass protector.

Chicago needs someone who can properly hold off the pass rush so that Williams can operate in a clean pocket.

If Joe Alt and Olu Fashanu are off the board at No. 9, the Bears may consider trading down a few spots to let a rush on another position happen before they land a lineman of their preference.

Troy Fatuanu could be the target of a trade down to No. 12 or No. 13 because of the pass-blocking skills he showed during Washington's run to the national championship.

Excellent pass protection skills should be the No. 1 quality the Bears look for in an offensive lineman and that may take Latham and a few others out of the running for their second first-round pick.