The Chicago Bears are keeping a close watch on the talent pool available in the upcoming 2024 NFL draft. With the No. 1 overall pick in their possession, they face a crucial decision: retain it or trade it while securing Justin Fields as their quarterback.
Should they opt to retain the top pick, the Bears must strategically utilize their five additional draft selections to fortify and balance their roster. Conversely, trading the No. 1 selection could yield a bounty of draft picks, offering opportunities to strengthen the team further.
To ensure preparedness for either scenario, the Bears have been actively scouting players at events like the East-West Shrine Game and Senior Bowl. These efforts aim to equip them with comprehensive insights as they approach the draft in April.
One standout from the East-West Shrine Game was Anthony Gould, whose electrifying 80-yard punt return touchdown showcased his potential impact on the Bears’ offense. With D.J. Moore and Cole Kmet as reliable pass-catchers, Chicago could benefit from adding a speedster like Gould, enhancing their deep-threat options.
Despite the likelihood of being a Day 3 selection, Gould’s immediate contribution to the team remains promising. Chicago, holding multiple picks in the fourth and fifth rounds, may consider him as a valuable addition to their receiving corps.
At the Senior Bowl, attention was drawn to Penn State tight end Theo Johnson, hailed by NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah as the top player at his position.
While the Bears currently have Kmet, there’s room for improvement, particularly considering Robert Tonyan’s underwhelming performance. Johnson’s red-zone proficiency, highlighted by his impressive touchdown stats, could fill a crucial gap in the Bears’ offensive strategy.
The Bears need not confine their search to specific positions on Day 3 of the draft. Instead, they can prioritize selecting the best available players in the fourth and fifth rounds.
Memphis running back Blake Watson emerges as an intriguing prospect, known for his dual-threat capabilities and pass-catching prowess—a valuable asset to complement Roschon Johnson and Khalil Herbert in the backfield.
In essence, the Bears’ draft strategy revolves around maximizing their selections to address key areas of improvement. Whether through securing top talent or strategic trades, their goal remains the same: to build a stronger, more competitive team for the upcoming season.
