Each Chicago Bears 2024 mock offseason has explored scenarios that could unfold. Anything is possible. Always expect the unexpected. However, in these situations, the wise thing to do is look at things through the eyes of the general manager. All signs point to Ryan Poles staying put, and justifiably so. His 2023 offseason was excellent almost across the board. D.J. Moore and Montez Sweat were massive hits on the trade market. Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards have been excellent free agent additions. Rookies like Darnell Wright, Gervon Dexter, Tyrique Stevenson, and Terell Smith have all stepped up right away.
People need to stop thinking about what they would do and start asking the obvious question. What will Poles do? With that in mind, here is how I believe the offseason will unfold according to his vision and why.
Getting into Poles' head with the latest Chicago Bears 2024 mock offseason.
Coaching staff/Front office changes:
- Ian Cunningham departs to become GM in Los Angeles, Bears receive two 3rd round comp picks
- Luke Getsy is fired. Frank Reich replaces him as offensive coordinator.
A lot of people aren't going to be happy with the idea of keeping Matt Eberflus. That's understandable after the 14-game losing streak and the 4th quarter collapse. Yet some facts remain indisputable. The team is playing hard, playing better, and has won more games than they've lost lately. He's got the defense figured out. He only needs to find somebody who can solve the offense. Reich is highly experienced with a strong track record and unlikely to be lured away by another head coaching job.
Trades:
- QB Justin Fields to Atlanta for 2nd in 2024 and 3rd in 2025
- #1 overall pick to Washington for #3 pick, 2nd in 2024 and 1st in 2025
Cuts:
- OL Cody Whitehair - $9.15 million saved
Re-signings/Extensions:
- CB Jaylon Johnson - 4-year extension for $80 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
- C Connor Williams - 1-year deal for $6 million
- TE Gerald Everett - 1-year deal for $5.5 million
- WR Josh Reynolds - 1-year deal for $5 million
Poles wants to build through the draft, so it feels unlikely he will throw a ton of money around in free agency. Instead, he will be precise with his acquisitions, hoping to build depth and plug one or two holes. Huff is an ascending young pass rusher who can get consistent pressure. Williams tore his ACL, so he's a slight risk, but he was playing really well prior to the injury. Everett and Reynolds both have extensive experience playing the style Eberflus likes.
The Draft:
1st Round (via WSH): Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
So, let's address the elephant in the room. Why Maye over Williams? One thing we've learned about Poles is he prioritizes tools when it comes to his players. He wants guys with size, athleticism, and room to grow. In terms of pure potential, Maye has the highest ceiling. The Justin Herbert comparisons are warranted. He's got a gun for an arm and more mobility than people think. Poles also seems to favor a QB with accuracy and decision-making strength, particularly from the pocket. While Williams might have better improvisational skills, Maye is no slouch, and he comes across as much more comfortable in the pocket. He also fits the type of QB Reich has excelled with.
1st Round: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Lots of people will clamor for a wide receiver here. While understandable, Poles operates by premium positions. He will value adding a potential elite pass rusher across from Montez Sweat more. Verse started slowly with the Seminoles this past season, but he straight dominated down the stretch. He's big, thick, powerful, and athletic. When his motor gets going, offensive tackles pay the price.
2nd Round (via WSH): Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Many have him going in the 1st round, and understandably so. Coleman is a physical specimen with size, strength, and outstanding hands. He's terrific in contested catch situations. That underscores his better-than-average speed and improvement as a route-runner. Where D.J. Moore is the explosive guy, Coleman would fit the role of the big enforcer who sets the tone with his physicality.
2nd Round (via ATL): Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
Surprise! Poles decides to double dip in this Bears 2024 mock offseason by grabbing a second receiver. This time he opts for pure speed. Franklin is lightning in a bottle. Every time Oregon needed a big play, they sent one down the field to him. He's a bit on the thinner side but a sharp route-runner and much tougher than he looks. His pure speed terrifies secondaries and he has the lengthy frame to provide a wide catch radius.
3rd Round: Sedrick Van Pran, C, Georgia
While nothing stands out as special about Van Pran, he also doesn't have any glaring weaknesses. He's a solid athlete with good size and strength. He's also been the anchor of an offensive line that has won two national championships. Van Prain is no-nonsense. He gets after it in the run game and doesn't show any glaring flaws as a pass protector. Poles loves his gritty, workman types.
3rd Round (comp): Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
His length and limited flexibility will turn some teams off. Yet his bottomless motor, underrated strength, and explosive first step have made him a nightmare as an interior pass rusher most of this season at Florida State. If allowed to pin his ears back, quarterbacks will not be able to set their feet.
4th Round: MarShawn Lloyd, RB, USC
The Bears have plenty of power in their running game, but they could really use more versatility and explosiveness. Lloyd was a forgotten man during the Caleb Williams hype train, but he was the engine of their running game and a key part of their passing attack. He's not the biggest guy but he can handle lots of touches and knows how to create extra yards every time with his agility and speed.
4th Round (via PHI): Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State
The Nittany Lions don't have the best methods of developing offensive talent, which is why the program has never competed for a national title. They do know how to recruit, though. Johnson has been a steady presence in their passing game and has the size and athleticism to become a far bigger threat in the NFL.
5th Round: Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas State
We know Poles loves his blockers to have attitude. Beebe brings plenty of that. He is a bully in the running game, routinely giving guys as much extra as possible. He's a smart blocker who handles his responsibilities well. While not a premier athlete, he has enough tools to work in most systems.
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