Bears select Caleb Williams, trade back from No. 9 twice in latest mock

Bears select Caleb Williams, trade back from No. 9 twice in latest mock originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

The 2024 NFL Draft is two weeks away as teams continue to make trades, acquire free-agent talent, and jockey for better draft positioning. Three organizations have two first-round picks (Chicago /Arizona / Minnesota), and depending on how they utilize them, these teams could dramatically impact opening draft night.

Ultimately, it’ll be the draft prospects that drive anticipation and intrigue for the league and its fans. Will there be four quarterbacks selected sequentially from the first pick through the fourth? Could the top ten picks all be offensive players?

Whatever the results, the NFL will once again masterfully market its product, even when it only promotes “hope” months before the actual season begins. This week’s mock zeros in on several “hopeful” first-round choices for teams in the upcoming draft. Enjoy.

1. Chicago Bears (via Carolina): QB – Caleb Williams, USC

Of all the myriad possibilities where these draft prospects may eventually land, Williams to the Bears is a virtual lock. The lengths general manager Ryan Poles has gone to, to ensure a supportive environment for Williams speaks to the commitment the organization has for the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner. The only thing left is for the Bears to turn in their draft card on April 25th.

Learn more about Caleb Williams here: Players that Bear watching: USC QB Caleb Williams

2. Washington Commanders: QB – Jayden Daniels, LSU

Any attempts by Washington to trade with Chicago for the number-one pick will undoubtedly be rebuffed by the Bears. Chicago isn’t moving off of drafting Caleb Williams, so the Commanders need to implement “plan B” and target another Heisman Trophy winner in Daniels. This past season, Daniels passed for 3812 passing yards with 40 touchdown passes while running for 1134 rushing yards and 10 rushing scores.

3. New England Patriots: QB – Drake Maye, North…