Bears’ top-30 visits offer glimpse into NFL draft plan after Caleb Williams goes at No. 1

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Bears’ top-30 visits offer glimpse into NFL draft plan after Caleb Williams goes at No. 1 originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

The Bears’ plan for the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft has been set for some time. Barring an unforeseen issue, the Bears will select USC quarterback Caleb Williams to kick off the draft.

The Bears entered the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine with Williams atop their board, and their subsequent meetings with the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner only crystalized that plan. Williams’ 30 visit to Halas Hall last week was the icing on the cake.

The Bears and general manager Ryan Poles will have some big decisions to make after they select Williams at No. 1. The No. 9 pick looms as a hinge point in the draft for the Bears and several other teams.

The Bears own three picks after the No. 1 pick. They’ll pick again at No. 9 and then not go on the clock again until the 75th pick. They will finish their draft with the No. 122 pick in the fourth round.

There are a myriad of different ways the Bears can go after they select Williams. The other 30 visits the Bears have scheduled can offer us a hint at the different directions Poles is looking at for his remaining three picks.

Based on reported and sourced information, the Bears have used 22 of their 30 pre-draft visits. Among the 21 players not named Williams to earn a pre-draft visit, five are realistic options for the No. 9 pick should the Bears stay in that slot: Rome Odunze, Malik Nabers, Marvin Harrison Jr., Dallas Turner, and Laiatu Latu.

It’s probably more realistic that Harrison is a “trade-up” target, but there’s a microscopic chance that prospect fatigue and a run on quarterbacks in the top eight will see him fall to nine. Turner and Latu probably fit better in the “trade down” category, but it’s not inconceivable for the Bears to fall in love with one of the edge rushers and pick them at nine.

The Bears did not have to schedule a visit with Notre Dame left tackle Joe Alt because he’s eligible for a…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-top-30-visits-offer-180609896.html

Author : NBC Sports Chicago

Publish date : 2024-04-10 18:06:09

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