The Chicago Bears had the fewest picks of any NFL team in the 2024 draft. That meant GM Ryan Poles could afford zero mistakes. Every selection carried extra importance. If he missed on too many, this class threatened to derail the Bears' rebuilding efforts. Thankfully, it appears Poles didn't disappoint. By most accounts, Chicago had one of the better draft classes in the league. Not only did they hit on their higher picks, but they also managed to find good value in the later rounds.
Matt Miller of ESPN wrote a comprehensive article detailing what he considers the 100 best picks of the entire draft, accounting for talent, where they went, and the scheme fit. Some obvious standouts were speedy Xavier Worthy going to Kansas City or Detroit, landing arguably the draft's best cornerback in Terrion Arnold. However, the two picks at the top were indisputable to Miller. It just so happened that both of them belonged to the Bears.
Unsurprisingly, it involved both of their top 10 selections.
1. Rome Odunze, WR, Chicago Bears (Pick 1-9)
My final overall ranking: No. 3Chicago's second pick of the first round was my favorite of the entire draft for a few reasons. Not only was this a great value for Chicago -- a difference of six spots in ranking vs. slot inside the top 10 is huge -- but it's also smart to help your rookie quarterback with a star rookie wide receiver. It also helps that Caleb Williams (said QB) and Odunze have been working out together since the 2023 college season ended. Odunze led the nation in receiving last season (1,640 yards) and fills out a potentially really good offense.
2. Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears (Pick 1-1)
My final overall ranking: No. 1The Bears go back-to-back here for me. Maybe it's cheating to say the No. 1 overall pick in the draft ranks this high, but the Bears didn't overthink this and landed a potential star at quarterback to turn things around. Plus, they've dedicated efforts throughout the process to building a system around Williams in which he can thrive. In a year with six quarterbacks selected in the top 12, the Bears didn't have to move around the board and drafted the best passing prospect of the past decade.
The Chicago Bears cleaned up at the top of the draft.
Not only did they get the widely-viewed top quarterback in a strong class of options, but they also landed one of the better wide receiver prospects to come out of college over the past five years. Getting the #3 player in a class at #9 overall is excellent value. It is little wonder Miller loved it. Those two already started forging a connection before the draft, holding a throwing session together. It appears their friendship has only kept growing since. Yet the Bears' strong draft didn't end there.
Another player cracked the top 50 of Miller's list. The selection of Kansas pass rusher Austin Booker in the 5th round came in at #41. Based on the tape, Booker was a 3rd round talent in Miller's eyes, so the Chicago Bears got excellent value with that pick. If he can add more muscle to his frame and expand his inventory of pass rush moves, he will be a steal. If those three selections pan out as hoped, this team will become a big problem in the NFC. It is nice to see the Bears get such praise for once.
