2024 NFL Mock Draft: Broncos Make Big Trade with Bears for Top QB
Heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, all of the conversation surrounding the Chicago Bears has to do with their plan for the No. 1 pick, with the current expectation that they'll select USC quarterback Caleb Williams and trade Justin Fields.
But they also have another top-10 pick in this draft at No. 9, which gives them plenty of flexibility beyond that top overall selection.
In the latest 2024 NFL mock draft from CBS Sports, the Bears indeed take Williams at No. 1, but then swing a deal with the Denver Broncos for the No. 9 pick. With that pick, the Broncos make Michigan's J.J. McCarthy their new franchise quarterback, replacing Russell Wilson after one of the worst trades in NFL history.
McCarthy could end up being a top-10 pick as the fourth quarterback off the board.
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Even after moving down three spots in this scenario, the Bears are still able to land a player who would have already been a massive steal at their original slot, grabbing Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze.
This mock doesn't outline the compensation the Bears would receive for making this swap, but if they're able to get a Day 2 pick and still land an elite talent like Odunze outside the top 10, it would be a massive win for them.
McCarthy is the fourth and final quarterback in this first-round mock, with all of them coming off the board in the top 10. Joining him and Williams are the usual suspects in LSU's Jayden Daniels (No. 2, Washington Commanders). North Carolina's Drake Maye (No. 3, New England Patriots). This leaves other top prospects like Washington's Michael Penix Jr. and Oregon's Bo Nix waiting until Day 2 to hear their names called.
To check out the full first-round projection at CBS Sports, click here.
