Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles is making waves in the NFL as rumors swirl about the team potentially trading their top pick in the 2024 draft. While many believe the Bears will hold onto the pick, there is still a possibility that they could secure one of the top two quarterbacks in this year’s class by trading down one spot with the Washington Commanders.
The projected No. 1 selection, Caleb Williams of USC, has not definitively stated whether he wants to go to Chicago or not. However, with the recent hiring of Shane Waldron, who works with the QB Collective where Williams is currently training, there is a level of trust between Williams and the Bears’ coaching staff. If the Bears were to trade down to the second overall pick, they could potentially acquire valuable draft capital, including two additional picks, the 40th pick, and a 2025 first-round pick.
While the Bears have not officially announced their intentions, reports suggest that they are leaning towards keeping the top pick and selecting Williams. The widespread consensus around the league is that the Bears will trade quarterback Justin Fields and choose Williams as their first overall pick. However, if either Drake Maye of North Carolina or Jayden Daniels of LSU impress the Bears during the NFL Combine and subsequent meetings, the team may consider trading down while still securing a potentially game-changing quarterback.
Overall, the Bears have a valuable asset in the No. 1 overall pick, and while they may ultimately decide to keep it, the possibility of trading down and accumulating additional assets remains open. The quarterback position is crucial for any team’s success, and the Bears will carefully consider all their options before making a final decision.
MAYE PROJECTED AS THIRD OVERALL PICK IN NFL DRAFT
Drake Maye, the talented quarterback from the North Carolina Tar Heels, is making waves in the NFL draft. According to Mel Kiper of ESPN, Maye is predicted to be selected as the third overall pick and join the New England Patriots. Kiper praised Maye’s impressive deep-ball throwing skills and his ability to take care of the football. Standing at 6-foot-4, Maye has shown great potential and is considered a dual-threat player. While the Chicago Bears may struggle with their decision to move on from their 2021 first-round quarterback, the Patriots are expected to eagerly welcome Maye to their roster.
DANIELS EXPECTED TO GO SECOND IN DRAFT
Kiper also predicts that another talented quarterback, Daniels, will be selected as the second overall pick by the Commanders. Daniels, who is known for his explosive playmaking abilities, had an outstanding season in 2023. He threw an impressive 40 touchdown passes with only four interceptions, despite facing a tough SEC schedule. Kiper believes that Daniels would be a perfect fit for the Washington roster, which already has some young playmakers on offense. While it was a close call between Daniels and Maye on Kiper’s board, Maye’s inconsistency towards the end of the season ultimately led to Daniels being ranked higher.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Max Dible is a sports reporter who covers the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, and Golden State Warriors.
