Another Chicago Bears 2024 mock offseason, but this time with some interesting context. The regular season is over. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus will return for another year. Beyond that is where it gets interesting. Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy is out along with most of his staff. The future of quarterback Justin Fields is uncertain. Poles made it clear he liked the progress Fields made, but with the #1 pick in his grasp again, he is duty-bound to study every quarterback in this class.
However, some believe every indication made in the past few days suggests the Bears already plan to keep Fields and auction the #1 pick again to the highest bidder. Their choices of offensive coordinator interviewees thus far support this argument, as do Poles' own words. So here is a reshuffled mock to support that theory.
This Chicago Bears 2024 mock offseason is about staying the course.
Coaching changes:
Shane Waldron hired as the new offensive coordinator
Pete Carroll stepping down as head coach may have been a stroke of good luck for the Bears. Waldron has been a capable playcaller for them over the past three years, getting one last good year from Russell Wilson and a Pro Bowl from Geno Smith. Most importantly, he comes from that same Shanahan/McVay coaching tree that features the wide-zone offense. It is the same scheme Chicago tried to run with Getsy. This offers an idea of what they may have planned at quarterback.
Cuts:
- OL Cody Whitehair - $9.15 million saved
- S Eddie Jackson - $12.56 million saved
Trades:
- #1 pick to New England for the #3 pick, 2nd in 2024, and 1st in 2025.
- #3 pick to Atlanta for the #8 pick, 2nd in 2024, 1st in 2025, and 3rd in 2026.
Poles almost pulled it off last year, trading down twice from the #1 pick. First with Houston and then with Carolina. In the end, Houston backed out—this time, he brings it home. New England leapfrogs Washington to secure Caleb Williams. Then Atlanta jumps to #3 for whoever is left between Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels. As a result, the Bears end up with two more 1st round picks in the 2025 draft, giving them five total in the first two rounds.
Re-signings/Extensions:
- CB Jaylon Johnson - 4-year extension for $80 million
- C Lucas Patrick - 1-year deal for $1.21 million
- WR Equanimeous St. Brown - 1-year deal for $1.125 million
- CB Josh Blackwell - ERFA deal for $915,000
- CB Greg Stroman - 1-year deal for $1.125 million
- LB Dylan Cole - 1-year deal for $1.125 million
- LS Patrick Scales - 1-year deal for $1.21 million
Free Agency:
- EDGE Bryce Huff - 3-year deal for $40 million
- S Julian Blackmon - 3-year deal for $18 million
- C Connor Williams - 1-year deal for $6 million
- TE Gerald Everett - 1-year deal for $5.5 million
While the Bears may have money to spend, don't expect them to go crazy. Poles has continued to clarify that he won't use the veteran market to solve the team's problems. Any aggressive moves he makes will be measured and relatively cap-friendly. Huff was stuck on a loaded depth chart in New York. He is a solid pass rusher, ready for a chance to become a starter. Blackmon played under Eberflus in Indianapolis. He had a career-high four interceptions this season and can be a strong replacement for Jackson.
The Draft:
1st Round (via ATL) - Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
A lot of people will think Poles is crazy for passing on a top QB prospect again, but securing two future 1st round picks in 2025 likely makes him pretty happy. Now he gets to continue fortifying the offense around Fields. Odunze was an absolute stud for the Huskies. He was their primary playmaker in the passing game, making tough catch after tough catch and showcasing a well-rounded arsenal of moves. He's 6'3, has good speed, and runs routes like a pro. Best of all, he can win 50/50 shots more often than most.
1st Round - Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
While Braxton Jones has done a solid job at left tackle over the past two years, prospects like Alt don't come around too often. He is a physical specimen at 6'8, 322 lbs with long arms and remarkably athletic for his size. He is also quite advanced as a blocker despite only being 20 years old. The Packers game sent a clear message the Bears still aren't strong enough in the trenches. Alt is the kind of blue-chip talent that can make them something far more serious.
2nd Round (via NE) - Brandon Dorlus, DL, Oregon
Eberflus likes his defensive linemen big, long, and athletic. There is no doubt Dorlus will immediately appeal to him and Poles. He has the ideal size for a 4-3 defender, great power, and understated athleticism. His biggest drawback is no set position. He's a bit of a tweener. However, that means he can play inside or outside. There was steady improvement in 2023, which is a good sign, but he still hasn't unlocked his full potential. Eberflus would jump at the opportunity.
2nd Round (via ATL) - Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
There is no way this Bears 2024 mock offseason ends without a significant investment at center. Powers-Johnson is a strong, versatile blocker that can fit in any scheme. He's a terrific athlete and plays the game with an edge that will immediately appeal to Poles. He understands how to block for a mobile quarterback. His progress last season was surprising since it was his first year as a starter. That has to be a great sign.
3rd Round - Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
Doubling down at wide receiver is anything but a crime. Pearsall doesn't have the explosiveness teams tend to prefer early in the draft. However, he is an intelligent route runner who thrives against zone coverage and has remarkable hand-eye coordination to make tough catches look routine.
4th Round - Michael Pratt, QB, Tulane
One big sign of a promising quarterback is an ability to punch above his weight class. Pratt beat UCF and USC in back-to-back games last season, including an epic 15-point comeback in the 4th quarter to beat the Trojans. He is tough, accurate, athletic, and cool under pressure. Betting against guys like him is ill-advised.
4th Round (via PHI) - Will Shipley, RB, Clemson
Adding more versatility and explosiveness to the backfield should be a priority for the Bears. Shipley can do a little bit of everything. He's a solid runner with good vision and wiggle. He's an even better pass catcher, creating mismatches against linebackers coming out of the backfield.
5th Round - Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas State
Depth along the offensive line is vital. Teven Jenkins and Nate Davis aren't exactly known for being reliable health-wise. Investing in backup help at guard is a smart decision. Beebee is the rough and tough brawler the Bears like and has the athleticism necessary to fit their system.
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