It feels like the heaviest debate among Chicago Bears fans isn't who they take at #1 overall in the draft. That is a foregone conclusion at this point. Caleb Williams is all but a lock to go at that spot. Discussions have now shifted to one overarching topic. Will the Bears stay put at #9? They have only four total picks in the 2024 draft. That is exceedingly low, especially for a GM like Ryan Poles. Rumors are back and forth on the subject. Much of it may depend on how the board unfolds through the first eight selections.
An important question to ask in this situation isn't just who might be available, though. It's who might be interested in moving up. So I decided to look over the teams picking behind the Bears, which of them have GMs who might be thinking aggressively, and what they could be interested in moving up for.
The Chicago Bears could have multiple interested parties in #9.
Denver Broncos (#12)
Target: Quarterback
It was painfully obvious the Broncos were hitting the QB market once Sean Payton ushered Russell Wilson out of town. The two never clicked. While that is understandable, the harsh reality is Denver is in a rough situation at the most important position. Jarrett Stidham is not getting them past Patrick Mahomes. They need to get a quarterback in this draft if they have any prayer of competing. The problem is they don't have the ammunition to jump into the top five. So they need one to drop. Unfortunately, there is another issue. Minnesota, who also needs a quarterback, sits at #11. That makes Chicago at #9 the ideal spot for a trade up if one of the top four options slips.
Las Vegas Raiders (#13)
Target: Quarterback
This is basically the same outline as Denver. Right now, the Raiders are choosing between Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell as their quarterbacks for next year. It is obvious that isn't something likely to stay true for long. Word is they're desperate to move up for Jayden Daniels, but that seems impossible at this point. So it comes down to whether they're willing to settle for a Drake Maye or J.J. McCarthy if either slips out of the top five. As with Denver, the goal would be to get in front of Minnesota at #11. Chicago holds premium real estate in such a scenario.
New Orleans Saints (#14)
Target: Offensive tackle
The Saints are in trouble. Their star tackle, Ryan Ramczyk, reportedly has complications from knee surgery that could impact his 2024. If that weren't bad enough, left tackle Trevor Penning has largely been a disappointment since drafting him in the 1st round two years ago. Most agree this offensive tackle class is one of the best seen in the past few years. Getting one is likely a priority for New Orleans. There is one big problem. Signs point to the New York Jets also targeting one at #10, hoping to bolster Aaron Rodgers' protection. If the Chargers (#5) or Titans (#7) also take one, that could thin the options to a point where nobody is left for the Saints.
Seattle Seahawks (#16)
Target: Edge rusher
Pass rusher has been a persistent issue for the Seahawks in recent years. They've been forced to rely heavily on blitzing to pick up the slack. It is a big reason why they've struggled to get stops. New head coach Mike MacDonald doesn't figure to let that slide. They will be on the hunt for a genuine top pass rusher in this draft. Multiple teams between #11 and #15 are threats to take one. If there is a player Seattle covets, moving to #9 in a deal with the Chicago Bears is the safest bet for them to get their preferred guy, especially if Atlanta takes one at #8 as many experts project.
Los Angeles Rams (#19)
Target: Pass rusher
Offensive tackle is also a possibility here. Left tackle Alaric Jackson allowed 41 pressures last season. However, L.A. just lost Aaron Donald to retirement. Their entire defense ran through him. Now that he is out of the picture, their pass rush is severely depleted. Kobie Turner and Byron Young are solid building blocks, but they need a stud to help bring everything together. The odds of one falling to them at #19 are unlikely. GM Les Snead is always among the most aggressive GMs in the NFL. There is no doubt he will jump into the top 10 if he sees somebody he wants, and Chicago probably knows that.
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