NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Bears entered the 2024 draft with a clear mission: find their franchise quarterback. The Chicago Bears NFL Draft Grade was going to largely revolve around their top two picks but has to consider trades they made along the way. General Manager Ryan Poles didn’t mess around. Through a series of bold trades and strategic selections, he reshaped the Bears’ future. While the final draft haul was a lean five picks, the quality of those selections and the offseason maneuvers paint a picture of a team on the fast track to contention. Let’s dissect their draft and deliver a final grade, taking into account the bigger picture Poles has created.
Chicago Bears NFL Draft Grade
With five picks in the books but two trades for Montez Sweat and Keenan Allen, the Chicago Bears absolutely crushed the 2024 NFL Draft. If you want to know how Caleb Williams going to the Bears impacts his fantasy football value, check that out here.
The Chosen One: Caleb Williams (Round 1, Pick 1)
There was no drama at the top. With the coveted number one pick, the Bears secured the consensus top talent, USC quarterback Caleb Williams. “Generational” is a term thrown around too often, but Williams possesses the arm talent, athleticism, and leadership qualities to truly change the Bears’ fortunes. Caleb Williams excels out of structure and is one of the best playmakers since Patrick Mahomes entered the draft. The Bears also hired Shane Waldron from Seattle to help Caleb within structure, something that should be a priority for him right off the bat given the plethora of weapons at his disposal. This pick alone is a home run (A+).
Building Around Williams: Rome Odunze (Round 1, Pick 9)
With their second first-round pick, the Bears continued to add to what was already a strength. They selected Rome Odunze, the explosive Washington standout. Odunze brings elite route-running and a knack for high-pointing the ball in traffic. Pairing him with DJ Moore, along with the veteran acquisition of Keenan Allen via trade, gives Williams a trio of talented targets to work with from day one. This selection (A) shows a clear understanding of surrounding their new franchise QB with weapons. It will be an absolute nightmare for opposing defenses to guard all three of the Bears wideouts especially given Caleb’s ability to extend plays.
Solidifying the Trenches: Kiran Amegadjie (Round 3, Pick 75)
The Bears opted for offensive line help in the third round, grabbing Yale’s polished tackle Kiran Amegadjie who is also a Chicago local. While not the flashiest pick, it’s a crucial one. Ryan Poles has done a fantastic job drafting offensive line prospects in the middle rounds and looks to continue the trend here. Amegadije likely won’t be a Day 1 starter but more of a depth piece. Protecting Williams is paramount, and Amegadjie’s intelligence and technique project him to be a reliable starter down the road. This pick isn’t a splashy headline, but it adds valuable depth to a unit in need of improvement (B+).
Special Teams Investment: Tory Taylor (Round 4, Pick 122)
The decision to use a fourth-round pick on Iowa punter Tory Taylor raised eyebrows initially. However, considering the consistency and leg strength Taylor brings, it becomes a more defensible choice. Punting stability can be a hidden weapon in the NFL, and Taylor provides that for the Bears. This pick is a gamble, but the potential reward is a weapon on special teams (C+).
Rounding Out the Class: Austin Booker (Round 5, Pick 144)
The Bears used their final pick on a raw but physically gifted edge rusher, Austin Booker from Kansas. This is a classic “high-ceiling, low-floor” type of pick. Booker needs development, but his athleticism suggests he could become a future contributor to the pass rush. This is a low-risk, potentially high-reward flier (B).
The Bigger Picture: Trades for Sweat and Allen
It’s important to remember that Poles used draft picks to acquire established veterans like defensive end Montez Sweat and wide receiver Keenan Allen. While those moves cost them draft capital, the immediate impact Sweat and Allen provide can’t be ignored.
The Verdict on Chicago Bears NFL Draft Grade: A
The Chicago Bears NFL Draft grade was simple. They addressed their most glaring deficiencies – quarterback and wide receiver – with top-notch talent. They also added depth on the offensive line and special teams. While some may question the punter pick, the overall strategy is clear: build a strong foundation for Williams to succeed.
This draft, coupled with the shrewd trades for Sweat and Allen, has the Bears positioned for a serious playoff run. Poles deserves a lot of credit for his aggressive yet calculated approach. With a franchise quarterback in place and a talented supporting cast, the future is bright in Chicago.
