Chicago Bears Are Now In Prime Position To Make NFL Draft History

Ryan Poles hasn't had many good things go his way lately. Most of his veteran additions this off-season have disappointed. His head coach is now 3-18 since taking over last year, and the Chicago Bears haven't won a game in 14 straight attempts. If that weren't bad enough, his trade for wide receiver Chase Claypool may go down as one of the worst in modern franchise history. Yet there is one silver lining. Based on the current trajectory, Poles may also have a chance to complete the greatest trade in modern Bears history.

The GM sent the #1 pick to the Carolina Panthers for wide receiver D.J. Moore, the 9th overall pick, a 1st in 2024, and a 2nd in 2025. Moore is already earning his money as the most productive receiver on the roster. Darnell Wright, the offensive tackle taken 10th overall after a trade with Philadelphia, has played well. Where things are getting crazy is the development of that 1st rounder next year. Thanks to losses on Sunday, Chicago and Carolina are now the only winless teams remaining in the NFL.

That means the Bears could own the 1st and 2nd overall picks in the 2024 draft.

The Chicago Bears are inching closer to a franchise-altering moment.

People need to understand how uncharted this territory is. There have been only two instances in NFL history where one team held the #1 and #2 picks in the same draft. The Chicago Cardinals did so in 1958, and the Indianapolis Colts did it in 1992. It would be the first time in 32 years. The question is whether both teams can get there. Judging by their remaining schedules, it's not out of the question.

Bears remaining schedule:

• at Washington
• vs. Minnesota
• vs. Las Vegas
• at Los Angeles
• at New Orleans
• vs. Carolina
• at Detroit
• at Minnesota
• vs. Detroit
• at Cleveland
• vs. Arizona
• vs. Atlanta
• at Green Bay

Panthers remaining schedule:

• At Detroit
• At Miami
• vs. Houston
• vs. Indianapolis
• at Chicago
• vs. Dallas
• at Tennessee
• at Tampa Bay
• at New Orleans
• vs. Atlanta
• vs. Green Bay
• at Jacksonville
• vs. Tampa Bay

Remember, the Chicago Bears had the #1 pick with a 3-14 record last year. Judging by their 13 remaining games, it isn't easy to find three that stand out as likely victories. One of them is again Carolina. Beating them would only further their cause. Speaking of the Panthers, their remaining slate might actually be worse. Five of their remaining games are against opponents with winning records. All but one of the remaining eight feature opponents who are 2-2. Keep in mind they just lost to the 0-3 Minnesota Vikings.

Teams that go 0-4 are said to have at least a 70% chance of claiming the #1 pick. The Bears have two in that category. Barring an unexpected turnaround, their odds of landing Caleb Williams next April are stronger than ever.