5 paths Bears can take with the No. 9 pick in the 2024 NFL draft

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5 paths Bears can take with the No. 9 pick in the 2024 NFL draft originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

The NFL draft is just over three weeks away and the team’s decision with the No. 1 overall pick seems like a foregone conclusion already. 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: Caleb 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 use that No. 9 pick to add another high-impact player.

With the QB evaluation all but wrapped up (Williams is still slated to visit Halas Hall 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 players at various positions and how those players will help the team the most both in the short term and the long term. Depending on how those debates go, there appears to be five roads the Bears can travel with No. 9 pick.

ROAD 1: DRAFT A WIDE RECEIVER

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 month and shouldn’t be considered…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/5-paths-bears-no-9-232315001.html

Author : NBC Sports Chicago

Publish date : 2024-04-01 23:23:15

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