With the 2024 NFL Draft rapidly approaching, the Chicago Bears are reportedly down to two primary positions of interest for their coveted ninth overall selection: wide receiver and defensive end. According to an exclusive report from CBSSports, the Bears are heavily considering drafting one of the top wide receivers who are projected to be available after Marvin Harrison Jr. is likely taken within the top five picks. Several reputable sources around the league speculate that the Bears will either bolster their pass rush or enhance their receiving corps with the No. 9 pick.
Despite acquiring Keenan Allen from the Los Angeles Chargers in the offseason, the Bears are cognizant that he is 32 years old with only one year remaining on his contract. With the team’s commitment to rebuilding their offense under president Kevin Warren, selecting a wide receiver at No. 9 could signal to Caleb Williams and the rest of the league that the Bears are serious about supporting their young quarterback.
However, the Bears could also opt to address their pass rush to alleviate pressure on Montez Sweat. While they traded a second-round pick to Washington for Sweat and subsequently extended his contract, the team did not anticipate having strong options in free agency or the draft this year.
If a trade down is executed, the Bears could potentially draft either wide receiver Malike Nabers from LSU or Rome Odunze from Washington. Both players would provide an excellent target for Caleb Williams over the next eight to ten years.
Pairing Williams with Odunze, in particular, would be an ideal scenario, given their chemistry and the fact that they recently spent time training together in Detroit. However, it is widely believed that Nabers will be off the board by the time the Bears make their selection.
The Chicago Bears recognize the need to strengthen their offense after investing heavily in defensive players during the first two NFL Drafts under general manager Ryan Poles. Therefore, selecting a wide receiver at No. 9 or trading back to acquire a quarterback and a receiver who falls down the draft board could be viable options.
The value in the Top-10 lies on the offensive side of the ball, and the Bears must demonstrate their commitment to building up their offense. They have secured their franchise quarterback and need to provide him with the necessary support to succeed.
