Why Bears’ No. 9 pick is true inflection point in the 2024 draft

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Why Bears’ No. 9 pick is true inflection point in the 2024 draft originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

We’re about one month away from the start of the NFL draft, and Caleb Williams is all but assured to be the Bears’ selection with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft. That’s not the case with the team’s No. 9 pick, however. The Bears have several paths they can take with their second first-round pick– and they might not know which way they’re going until they’re back on the clock.

Everything points to a drama-free selection at No. 1: Williams’ tape, the team’s rave reviews from their meeting in Los Angeles, the Justin Fields trade, the not so subtle hints from the Bears and Williams alike. Figuring out the QB question was the biggest priority for the Bears in 2024. Now we have an answer. But the team still has several holes to fill on their roster and will either use that No. 9 pick to add another high-impact player, or add more picks.

With the QB evaluation all but wrapped up (Williams is still slated to visit Halas Hall early next month for a top-30 visit) the Bears will start to focus their attention on that No. 9 pick. They’ll break into groups to identify the top wide receivers, offensive tackles and pass rushers, then they’ll debate which of those players will help the team the most both in the short term and the long term.

Here’s how those arguments could go.

WIDE RECEIVERS

DJ Moore proved to be the dominant WR1 the Bears have needed since Allen Robinson’s dropoff in 2021. He’s an incredibly reliable target who thrives by racking up yards after the catch and can work effectively in every part of the field. But the best offenses have more than one great wide receiver, so GM Ryan Poles acquired Keenan Allen from the Chargers. Like Moore, Allen is an excellent route runner and can create separation seemingly at will. The duo are a dream team for a rookie quarterback looking to transition into the NFL.

But Allen will turn 32 next…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/why-bears-no-9-pick-185735995.html

Author : NBC Sports Chicago

Publish date : 2024-03-27 18:57:35

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