Forecasts Suggest Two Draft Picks for the Chicago Bears in 2024

In a monumental move that could redefine their future, the Chicago Bears are projected to have two first-round selections in the forthcoming 2024 NFL Draft. This remarkable opportunity stems from their high-profile trade with the Carolina Panthers, a transaction that garnered them not only a first-round pick next year but also two additional selections and star wideout D.J. Moore. It's a rare situation for the Bears who haven't had a double first-round presence since 2003 - a year that saw them nab Michael Haynes and Rex Grossman, selections that didn't exactly play out as hoped. Now, GM Ryan Poles is eager to make the most of this golden opportunity.

However, there's still some uncertainty surrounding the exact placement of these picks. The final spots won't be locked in until the regular season concludes next January, which will then solidify the rankings based on the Bears' and Panthers' season records. Fans are crossing their fingers for a disappointing year from Carolina as it would translate into a higher draft pick. ESPN conducted an analysis to project the likely scenario. If their predictions hold, Chicago might find themselves in a quite advantageous position.

The projection states:


If these projections prove accurate, the Chicago Bears will be set to make an unusual move in the NFL landscape. The last instance of a team wielding consecutive first-round picks was in 2023 when Houston bagged C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson at the #2 and #3 spots. Before that, it was in 2003 when Arizona picked Bryant Johnson and Calvin Pace at 17th and 18th. The data indicates that the Bears might have a similar, if not greater, opportunity next year with potential picks at the 10th and 11th positions. Noteworthy players like DeMarcus Ware, J.J. Watt, Micah Parsons, Terrell Suggs, Patrick Mahomes, Dwight Freeney, Stephon Gilmore, and Minkah Fitzpatrick were all taken around these spots.

Such a scenario presents the Bears with an opportunity to land not just one, but two impactful players. The actual choices will undoubtedly hinge on the team's specific needs by then. Pass rusher seems a likely area of focus, a position Poles was unable to address this year due to the plethora of other requirements. Will they consider a quarterback? That's a question Justin Fields' performance will answer. Or maybe they'll target a three-technique or a sustainable solution at center. Numerous possibilities lie ahead if these projections play out.