Chicago Bears (Last Year: 7-10)
NFL Draft Team Grade:
A- GradeGoals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: The Bears will land their franchise quarterback at No. 1. It gets more interesting after that, as Chicago has a well-rounded roster with some specific holes. Plugging those areas willbe key, but Chicago must focus on giving Caleb Williams as much support as possible so he can succeed quickly in the NFL.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Bears had just four picks entering the draft, so they’re not an easy team to grade. I wish they would have acquired more assets by trading down from No. 9, but I can’t blame them for selecting a talented receiver like Rome Odunze to help Caleb Williams. And speaking of Williams, this entire Chicago draft was the beginning of a new era for the franchise. The Bears will have Williams on a rookie deal for the next four years, which will give them a great chance to win the Super Bowl. Chicago did well to surround Williams with talent before the draft with Keenan Allen, and then during the draft with a wide receiver and a tackle.
Despite the Bears having just four picks, it feels wrong to give them anything shy of a grade in the “A” range. In fact, this would be an “A” if the Bears hadn’t wasted a fourth-round pick on a punter. Chicago defined the next dozen or more years of its franchise with just four original selections, which is often very difficult to do.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
1. Caleb Williams, QB, USC – A Grade
The Bears could have done something stupid like trade this pick away or select a lesser quarterback that the owner wanted for some reason. Instead, they selected the best quarterback prospect in this class, giving them a great 5-year window to win a Super Bowl while having their franchise signal-caller under a rookie contract.
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9. Rome Odunze, WR, Washington – B+ Grade
It’s a bit disappointing that the Bears didn’t trade down because they have just two picks after this. However, I can’t hate on this selection because Rome Odunze is a stud receiver, and giving a rookie franchise quarterback a stud receiver is never a bad idea. Even with Keenan Allen and D.J. Moore in place, this pick makes sense, as Chicago will have a lethal trio at receiver.
75. Kiran Amegadjie, OT, Yale – A Grade
Kiran Amegadjie is someone who could be a Pro Bowler in the future. He’s a lengthy tackle with a good skill set. He’s a big of a project, but I thought there was a chance he could go in the second round. I love this value for the Bears, who are doing a good thing by adding to Caleb Williams’ protection.
122. Tory Taylor, P, Iowa – MILLEN Grade
Punters grow on trees. You can find a good one anywhere, including some back alley in the slums. Wasting a fourth-round pick on a punter is irresponsible, especially when the drafting team has only four picks!
144. Austin Booker, DE, Kansas – A Grade
I love that the Bears traded back into the 2024 NFL Draft to obtain a pass rusher, given that they don’t have much in that department outside of Montez Sweat. Austin Booker was a productive player at Kansas, and I thought there was a chance he’d go in the third round.
Season Summary:
The Bears finished 7-10, but they were excellent to close the season when Justin Fields returned from injury. The offense was able to match the intensity of the defense, which was bolstered by the acquisition of Montez Sweat.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Two Wide Receivers: Chicago has nothing at receiver outside of D.J. Moore, especially with Darnell Mooney headed for free agency. Fortunately for them, this draft class is loaded at the position. Traded for Keenan Allen
- Two Defensive Tackles: The Bears were much better defensively than expected last year. However, they still had one big weakness, and that was on the defensive line.
- Edge Rusher: Montez Sweat was a great addition, but the Bears didn’t have another pass-rushing threat on the edge.
- Center: There’s one weakness on the Chicago offensive line, and it’s right in the middle at center. Lucas Patrick is a free agent, but he needed to be upgraded anyway. Signed Ryan Bates
- Quarterback: The Bears need to figure out what they’re going to do with Justin Fields. They have the No. 1 pick, so it makes sense to draft Caleb Williams. If they keep Fields, they’ll have to re-sign him.
- Running Back: Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson are fine, but there’s room for improvement. Signed D’Andre Swift
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2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Chicago Bears Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades | FA Rumors
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