Bears' Top 2024 NFL Draft Targets

The Chicago Bears are facing the most pivotal draft in their recent history. Thanks to last year's trade with the Carolina Panthers, the Bears have the No. 1 overall selection, and they're expected to use it on a new franchise quarterback.

It's a massive moment for Chicago, and it comes just three years after the team used a first-round pick on quarterback Justin Fields. However, while Fields showed flashes as a pro, he never quite morphed into a complete signal-caller and was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this offseason.

In a matter of days, the Bears will have their next quarterback of the future, but that isn't the only piece of the proverbial puzzle they'll soon add. Chicago also has the ninth overall selection, meaning it can potentially land two franchise-altering prospects on the same night.

General manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus will look to win in 2024, but their primary focus should be on building long-term success. With this in mind, let's dive into three top prospects the Bears must target in the 2024 NFL draft.

QB Caleb Williams, USC

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 18: Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans looks on during the first half of a game against the UCLA Bruins at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 18, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images)

Though the Bears haven't made a public decision, USC's Caleb Williams is widely expected to be the pick at No. 1. It's a very sensible choice, even if Williams isn't the top-rated quarterback on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's big board—that would be North Carolina's Drake Maye.

Williams may be a smaller quarterback at 6'1" and 214 pounds, and he may not possess Mate's raw upside. However, there are few flaws in his game. Perhaps more importantly, he has the drive and the mental toughness needed to steady a franchise that has experienced its fair share of quarterback instability.

"Pressure and expectations are nothing new to Caleb," one coach said, per Josh Schrock of NBC Sports Chicago. "...I think Chicago is the perfect match for him. It's a city that is craving the type of quarterback he is, and I think the expectations placed on him from the moment he gets there will only make him better. A lot of guys get chewed up by that stuff. He's not most guys."

Williams' combination of arm talent, vision and playmaking ability will help improve the Bears offense quickly. His star power will make them relevant immediately. Barring a massive surprise, he'll be the face of Chicago football by Thursday evening.

OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 03: Olu Fashanu #OL18 of Penn State participates in the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 03, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

If one of the top wide receivers—Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr., LSU's Malik Nabers or Washington's Rome Odunze—falls to No. 9, Chicago will have to consider grabbing a pass-catcher. The Bears traded for Keenan Allen this offseason, but Allen is only under contract through 2024.

However, an early run on receivers might land Chicago its left tackle of the future. That's how things unfolded in the B/R Scouting Department's latest mock draft. Penn State's Olumuyiwa Fashanu was the selection, and it's one that makes sense, even if the Bears have seen some promise from Braxton Jones.

"Fashanu has a case for being the best tackle prospect in the class, especially as a pass protector, which is exactly where current starting left tackle Braxton Jones struggles the most," Brandon Thorn of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "...it would also bolster its depth by allowing Jones to be a swing tackle."

With a new signal-caller entering the fold, quarterback protection should be a top priority in Chicago. It's something that Fields, who was sacked 135 times in 40 games, never quite enjoyed.

Fashanu would pair with 2023 first-round pick Darnell Wright to potentially give the Bears bookend tackles for the next decade plus.

Edge Jared Verse, Florida State

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 29: Jared Verse #DL51 of Florida State runs the the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 29, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

No one should be surprised if the Bears use their second first-round pick to support their first. If the right offensive prospect isn't available at No. 9, however, Florida State pass-rusher Jared Verse would make plenty of sense.

The Bears defense showed growth down the stretch in 2023, particularly after the acquisition of Montez Sweat. However, Chicago could use a bookend pass-rusher opposite Sweat, who signed an extension just days after the Bears traded for him.

Verse, the top-rated defender on the B/R board, could be that long-term complement.

"He can put offensive tackles on their heels with his ability to turn speed to power as a pass-rusher, and he has good use of hands paired with the bend to win around the edge using finesse moves like a cross chop or arm over," Matt Holder of the B/R Scouting Department wrote.

Verse can be a future star, and in Chicago, he'd make it virtually impossible for opposing teams to double Sweat on a down-to-down basis. He'd add a significant boost to the overall defense, and while that wouldn't directly support a rookie quarterback, it would help his development.

Young quarterbacks often struggle because they're taking over bad teams. Adding Verse would help ensure that Chicago has a strong, well-rounded roster.