12 Top Prospects for the Bears' No. 9 Pick According to ESPN Analytics

With the 2024 NFL draft just around the corner, the Chicago Bears are putting the finishing touches on their draft strategy before the event commences on April 25 in Detroit.

Utilizing a predictive tool from ESPN Analytics, which integrates mock drafts and player rankings, the tool graphs the most probable draft selections for teams at each pick.

Here, we've identified the key players the Bears are most likely to select with their ninth pick, based on ESPN's data. Notably, the group includes a mix of positions: pass catchers, defensive linemen, offensive tackles, cornerbacks, and even a quarterback, assuming the consensus that Caleb Williams will be the first overall pick.

Highlighted Prospects:


1. **WR Rome Odunze, Washington** - Chance of being drafted: 27%
- Notable performance against the Utah Utes, celebrating a touchdown.

2. **EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama** - Chance of being drafted: 24%

3. **TE Brock Bowers, Georgia** - Chance of being drafted: 18%
- Scored a touchdown in a dominant game against Ole Miss.

4. **OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame** - Chance of being drafted: 9%

5. **EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State** - Chance of being drafted: 5%

6. **QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan** - Chance of being drafted: 4%
- Noted for his pregame throws at the Fiesta Bowl.

7. **CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo** - Chance of being drafted: 3%
- Impressive pass breakup during a game at Ford Field.

8. **DT Byron Murphy II, Texas** - Chance of being drafted: 2%
- Celebrated a quarterback sack during a game against Iowa State.

9. **OT Olu Fashanu, Penn State** - Chance of being drafted: 2%

10. **OT JC Latham, Alabama** - Chance of being drafted: 1%

11. **WR Malik Nabers, LSU** - Chance of being drafted: 1%
- Played a significant game against Texas A&M.

12. **OT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State** - Chance of being drafted: 1%
- Featured in a game against the Arizona Wildcats.

This diverse group of prospects showcases the potential directions the Bears might take to strengthen their roster in the upcoming draft.