Last time, we explored the obvious route everybody was talking about. The Chicago Bears 2024 mock offseason was all about hitting the reset button. A new GM, a new head coach, and a new quarterback. That scenario may still come to pass. However, let's see what could happen if recent events signal the start of a shift. Say the Bears show steady improvement and finish with a 6-11 record. That should be enough to save Matt Eberflus for one more year. We'll also say Justin Fields manages to keep up his recent improved play.
So what might happen if the Bears approach the off-season knowing both will stay? I decided to explore that in detail and came away with a fascinating array of moves.
This Chicago Bears 2024 mock offseason is about staying the course.
Cuts:
- C Cody Whitehair - $9.15 million saved
- RB Travis Homer - $1.9 million saved
- EDGE Dominique Robinson - $916,000 saved
Trades:
- Darnell Mooney to the Panthers for a 6th round pick
- Jaylon Johnson to the Chargers for a 4th round pick
- Eddie Jackson to the Rams for a 5th round pick
Re-signings/Extensions:
- EDGE Yannick Ngakoue - 2-year deal for $20 million
- DT Andrew Billings - 3-year deal for $12 million
- CB Josh Blackwell - 1-year exclusive rights deal for $915,000
- LS Patrick Scales - 1-year deal for $1.21 million
Free agency:
S Kyle Dugger - 3-year deal for $42 million
Having moved on from Jackson, the Bears need to reinforce the back end of their defense. Dugger has had two strong years for the Patriots in 2021 and 2022, with seven combined interceptions. He's big, athletic, rugged, and instinctive. He checks all the boxes this team looks for and has been coached by one of the best.
The Draft:
Trade: #1 pick to the Raiders for #4 overall pick, 2nd in 2024, 1st in 2025, 3rd in 2025, and EDGE Maxx Crosby
With several QB-needy teams likely picking in the top 10, it's a foregone conclusion the Bears will have an insane frenzy of people trying to get Caleb Williams. Ryan Poles once again secures himself multiple high draft picks while also landing a superstar player in his prime. This time, it's Crosby, who already has 41.5 sacks before his 27th birthday. He's a perfect fit and exactly what that defense needs.
1st Round (#4 overall) - Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Thanks to a stroke of luck with two QBs and the top OT going in the top three picks, the Chicago Bears 2024 mock offseason hits a home run by landing Harrison Jr. at #4. This is a unicorn prospect at wide receiver with 6'4 size, great speed, and polished route running ability. No facet of his game can be called a weakness. The idea of pairing him with D.J. Moore is the easiest sell imaginable for Ryan Poles.
1st Round (#7 overall) - Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
The Bears have greatly emphasized specific qualities in their linemen: size, power, length, and athleticism. Alt checks all of those boxes. His father played 13 years in the NFL, so we know it's in his blood. He's 6'8 with long arms and unnatural foot speed. He moves well in space, plays with aggression, and is rarely caught off guard by stunts or blitzes. This is a Day 1 starter with Pro Bowl potential.
2nd Round (via NYG) - Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson
Finding interior pass rush is a priority for the Bears. They still haven't found that three-technique. Orhorhoro fits the bill. He's got plenty of size, the quickness to shoot gaps, and a high motor to run through initial blocks. In the past two weeks, he's starting to find a groove with back-to-back sacks. Chicago has the defensive scheme that would fit his talents perfectly.
2nd Round - Sedrick Van Pran, C, Georgia
Stability at center is something that has eluded the Bears for years. Whitehair is gone now. Lucas Patrick is a backup. They need to get serious about this position. Van Pran is a good athlete and plays with non-stop aggression. His intelligence and experience also stand out, guiding Georgia to ongoing success for years. He's a good player that will be a great fit.
3rd Round - Mohamed Kamara, EDGE, Colorado State
He doesn't have the size Chicago typically prefers in their edge players, but that hasn't stopped him from giving opposing tackles fits. Kamara has 26 career sacks in college, including 9.5 this season in only five games. He's not elite in any physical category, but he's good enough and couples that with a predator mentality.
4th Round - Luke Lachey, TE, Iowa
We've learned in recent years that if you want a good tight end, the smart thing to do is get it from Iowa. George Kittle is a star. Sam LaPorta seems well on his way to similar status. Lachey has a similar build, similar athleticism, and plenty of untapped potential as a pass catcher.
4th Round (via LAC) - Will Shipley, RB, Clemson
The Bears need more explosiveness out of their backfield, especially in the passing game. Shipley is a capable receiving threat with a solid build despite being 5'10. His natural ability in the passing game masks his solid foundation as a runner, demonstrating vision and agility to find open lanes.
4th Round (via PHI) - James Williams, S, Miami
You can't teach size. Williams is a rare specimen at 6'5. One would think the big safety is a clunk athlete as a result. That isn't true. He moves well despite his longer frame, with solid ball skills and a willingness to play with some aggression against the run game.
5th Round - Ainias Smith, WR, Texas A&M
A bundle of versatility. Smith has carved out a highly successful college career both as a wide receiver and a punt returner. He's electric in both categories, showcasing speed, agility, and vision to find open spaces. He even had success as a running back when used there.
5th Round (via LAR) - Cameron Ward, QB, Washington State
There is never any harm in investing at quarterback. Ward is a fun player. While he isn't what you'd call polished, he has a natural playmaking instinct that is hard to find. He is slippery in the pocket, can make plays with his legs, has a strong arm, and can throw with good accuracy.
6th Round (via CAR) - Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame
Poles continues to find more depth at cornerback for the Bears. Hart fits their profile of being big and athletic. While his production is average, Hart plays with toughness and consistency. He has a high ceiling that could be uncovered with enough patience and coaching.
