This latest Chicago Bears 2024 mock offseason had to undergo some changes thanks to an unexpectedly active trade deadline by GM Ryan Poles. Roster needs have shifted somewhat. There is also the noteworthy fact that Chicago no longer controls the #1 overall pick. That belongs to the Arizona Cardinals. This means Caleb Williams is likely off the table for them. It leads to an important question. Do the Bears ride with Drake Maye, or do they give Justin Fields one more year with a further improved roster?
In this scenario, we operate under the decision that the Bears will postpone their big move at quarterback. Poles focuses on continuing to stack up the rest of the roster, hoping to secure more star power. Fields has one more cheap year left on his rookie contract. This will be his definitive last opportunity to show he can be the guy. If he fails, the Bears can head into 2025 in a full-blown hunt for his replacement.
This Chicago Bears 2024 mock offseason is about finding blue-chippers
Cuts:
- C Cody Whitehair - $9.15 million saved
- WR Velus Jones - $918,000 saved
- DE Dominique Robinson - $915,000 saved
Re-signings/Extensions:
- DE Montez Sweat - 4-year extension for $84 million
- CB Jaylon Johnson - 4-year extension for $72 million
- K Cairo Santos - 3-year extension for $10.5 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:
WR Tee Higgins - 3-year deal for $51 million
The Bears have to get somebody across from D.J. Moore who demands respect. Darnell Mooney had a strong year in 2021, but it's evident after this past season that he doesn't have the necessary connection with Fields to survive as a #2 option. Higgins was a productive player across multiple seasons in Cincinnati. He's got size, route-running skills, and physicality. He can play inside or outside. His presence will force defenses to stop doubling Moore all the time.
DT Justin Madubuike - 4-year deal for $52.5 million
Chicago sorely needs an interior pass rush. Justin Jones isn't the guy. Gervon Dexter or Zacch Pickens haven't flashed enough yet to justify handing the responsibility to them. So they decide to find that help on the market. Madbuike has quietly had a terrific season in Baltimore, racking up 6.5 sacks in eight games. It is a breakout year for him. The Ravens may try to keep him, but they're known to let good defensive linemen walk.
The Draft:
Trade: #2 pick to the Patriots for #5 pick, #37 pick, and 1st in 2025
1st Round (#3 overall) - Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Many people will slam this Chicago Bears 2024 mock offseason for not taking Marvin Harrison Jr. here. It's understandable. He is a freak of nature. However, this sport is won in the trenches. The Bears need to build themselves a dominant offensive line. Darnell Wright was a massive step in the right direction. Now, they're able to secure one of the best left tackle prospects seen in years. Fashanu is big, powerful, long, and athletic. He's been dominant for Penn State going on two years now. Braxton Jones has been fine, but this kid looks like a star.
1st Round via NE (#5 overall) - Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
Adding Sweat was a strong move for the Bears, but it shouldn't be the last one. They still need a true speed rusher that opponents must respect. Latu is that guy. He's been crushing the dreams of college tackles for two years, piling up 20 sacks in his last 21 games. He's got the size and length necessary, is explosive out of his stance, and already has a diverse repertoire of pass rush moves. Throw in a relentless motor, and he could be the guy who finally turns the Bears' defensive line into a force.
2nd Round via NE (#37 overall) - Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
More weapons for Fields is never a bad thing. Legette is enjoying a breakout season for the Gamecocks. He's got size and a thick frame, making it tough to bring him down after the catch. He's got sneaky speed, and the route-running has shown significant improvement. Better still, Legette is a strong presence as a run blocker, which is huge for a team like the Bears. There is loads of untapped potential here. His best work is ahead of him.
3rd Round (#67 overall) - Sedrick Van Pran, C, Georgia
Center has haunted the Bears ever since Olin Kreutz left over a decade ago. Whitehair was solid at times, but his inconsistency was a constant headache. It is time they went after a legitimate option. Van Pran is a seasoned starter for the best program in college football. His power and nastiness in the run game stand out immediately. He moves well in space and doesn't get steamrolled in pass protection. His experience also means he should be able to start immediately.
4th Round (#103) - Michael Pratt, QB, Tulane
It would be unwise of the Bears to leave this 2024 draft without making some investment at quarterback. Pratt has lots of starting experience and shows a natural comfort in the pocket. His throwing motion is compact, and he's accurate with consistency. He's also a good size at 6'3 with just enough athleticism to keep defenses honest as a runner.
4th Round via PHI (#132) - Luke Lachey, TE, Iowa
One thing we've learned about Iowa over the years is two things. They produce good offensive linemen and good tight ends. George Kittle is already a star in San Francisco. Sam Laporta looks like he will be a big weapon in Detroit. Lachey has the same build and makeup with size, length, and enough speed to threaten defenses between the numbers. He'd go higher if not for an injury that hampered his season.
5th Round (#140) - Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State
We know this about the Bears under Poles. They like their offensive linemen big, powerful, long, and quick. Ohio State has produced players of this type for years, and Jackson is no exception. He has every physical tool you can ask for. The primary issue has been his fundamentals. He still needs work on his hand techniques and learning to use his considerable length. A great insurance policy if Teven Jenkins can't stay healthy.
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