The 2024 NFL draft order is set, and with the Chicago Bears securing the #1 overall pick after a league-worst 3-14 season, speculation is running rampant regarding what the team will do with the top selection. Multiple mock drafts and draft analysts are buzzing about the possibility of a blockbuster trade between the Bears and the Atlanta Falcons for the #1 pick.
Bears Weighing Options for #1 Pick
According to a report from The Athletic), the Bears are facing a franchise-altering decision with the top pick. New GM Ryan Poles could use it to draft a new quarterback like Alabama’s Caleb Williams or Kentucky’s Will Levis, both of whom feature prominently in early mock drafts. However, Poles could also trade the pick to stockpile more assets for the team’s rebuilding effort.
The Falcons reportedly covet Williams and are expected to be major players in trade talks for the #1 selection. Atlanta holds the #8 overall pick and has extra Day 2 picks in the second and third rounds from previous trades. This draft capital could entice the Bears to make a move.
Falcons Viewed as Top Suitor for Blockbuster Trade
According to an NFL.com article), the Falcons are gathering intel and assets to prepare a strong offer to the Bears for the first overall selection. Atlanta has long been linked to quarterbacks in 2024 mock drafts and sees Caleb Williams as a transformational talent.
Trading up to #1 would give the Falcons their choice of quarterback and the chance to reset at the game’s most important position. With veterans Marcus Mariota and Logan Woodside hitting free agency, QB is Atlanta’s foremost need entering the offseason.
Caleb Williams tabbed as Potential #1 Pick
The overwhelming consensus) among draft analysts is that a quarterback will come off the board first in April. Alabama star Caleb Williams has emerged as the odds-on favorite after an electric 2023 season where he dominated SEC competition.
| Draft Pick | Mock Selection | Draft Analyst |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caleb Williams, QB, Alabama | Mike Fanelli, FantasyPros |
| 1 | Caleb Williams, QB, Alabama | Chad Reuter, NFL.com |
| 1 | Caleb Williams, QB, Alabama | Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports |
In his latest 2024 mock draft), Fanelli has Chicago trading the first overall pick to Atlanta, who uses it on Williams. However, whether it’s Chicago or Atlanta making the pick, the talented Alabama QB is expected to come off the board first.
What’s Next for Bears and Falcons
All signs point to an eventful draft night for both Chicago and Atlanta. With Justin Fields’ future in question, the Bears must decide whether to take a quarterback themselves or trade the pick for a king’s ransom of draft assets. Meanwhile, the Falcons have been aggressive in trades before and seem primed to move up again for Caleb Williams.
Both fanbases hope April 27th brings clarity to the quarterback position. The Bears and Falcons own the draft’s first two picks, and their decisions will set the tone for the entire first round. Veterans like Aaron Rodgers, Lamar Jackson, and Geno Smith head up a weak 2024 free agent class at QB, so the draft stands as teams’ best chance to find a young signal-caller.
No matter how the board falls, expect fireworks at the top. Whether Chicago trades down or takes the QB themselves, the Bears will control the draft. Meanwhile, the Falcons have resources to move up and appear dead set on landing their next franchise passer. Buckle up, because the 2024 NFL draft starts with the Bears and Falcons.
Table data via mock drafts from FantasyPros.com, NFL.com, and CBSSports.com
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