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Bears mock draft: Ryan Poles re-racks strategies from 2023 originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
We’re two and a half weeks away from the NFL draft and teams across the league are finalizing their big boards. The Bears have almost certainly already made their biggest decision. Quarterback prospect phenom Caleb Williams visited the team at Halas Hall last week to close out all the pre-draft meetings between Williams and the team. It’s been reported that Williams will not go on a top-30 visit with any other teams, which essentially confirms he’s coming to Chicago.
The Bears have several paths they can travel with the No. 9 overall pick, however. Do they take one of the highly-touted wide receivers to give Williams one of the best pass catching corps in the NFL if they have the chance? Or do they bolster his protection with a new tackle? If the widely-expected run on offensive players precedes their pick, the Bears could have the opportunity to take the first defensive player of the class. Can they pass up that opportunity? Or will they trade back to add more draft capital since they only have four selections as things stand.
Many options remain on the table.
As always, this mock draft is not an attempt to predict what the Bears will actually do when they’re back in the War Room next offseason. That’s impossible. Nor is it meant as a recommendation of what the Bears should do. This mock draft is meant to be a fun way to discuss wild ideas, dig into some of the intriguing college prospects this season, and project how those players may fit in Chicago.
NO. 1: CALEB WILLIAMS – QUARTERBACK – USC
Turning in the card is a formality at this point. Williams’ college tape is as good as it gets. The Bears have raved about Williams’ character and personality after their meetings. A new era of Bears football will begin Apr. 25.
For all our coverage on the QB phenom, click here.
