How can it get better than Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze for the Bears?
Chicago currently holds two more picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, with the No. 75 overall selection in the third round, as well as pick No. 122 in the fourth via Philadelphia.
Drafting Odunze with the No. 9 overall pick shouldn’t come as a surprise, but paired with Williams at No. 1, it’s the first time since 1988 that the Bears spent multiple first-rounders on offensive players.
Ryan Poles didn’t explicitly express a desire to accumulate more draft capital and is perfectly fine leaving Detroit with a four-person draft class. However, even after the addition of Williams and Odunze, the 2024 Chicago Bears still have needs.
An interior offensive lineman is an appealing option, but expect the Bears to add to the defense in the third round.
CHGO’s Bears 100 draft board still boasts plenty of options for Chicago on Day 2. Adam Hoge and Nicholas Moreano broke down each player on the list, but here are six realistic options for the Bears whether they stay at No. 75 or move up in the draft.
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No. 24 | Johnny Newton, Illinois, IDL;
Hoge: Unlike Byron Murphy II, Newton isn’t quite as explosive off the ball, but he is refined in his technique. His hand usage is impressive and he’ll use a variety of moves to win inside. He fits what the Bears need inside, but a lingering foot injury may result in him being left off some team’s draft boards. Sources say it’s a significant concern.
No. 45 | Cooper Beebe, Kansas State, IOL
Hoge: Extremely strong and tough interior guard who plays with a level of consistency that will give Beebe a high floor at the next level. Probably best suited in a downhill attack because the quickness and athleticism to get out on the move is limited.
Moreano: Cooper Beebe is a physical interior offensive lineman that not only plays with consistent physicality but he also demonstrates the ability to move in space. Against Texas last season, Beebe faced Byron Murphy and T’Vondre Sweat and held up really well against both of Texas’ defensive linemen.
Despite Beebe being 6-foot-3, 322-pounds, the interior O-lineman moves fluidly when asked to pull and get to the second level. Beebe also does a nice job of looking for work when he doesn’t have a defensive lineman across from him. He does have a tendency to over lunge at defenders, causing him to miss blocks.
Beebe is capable of pulling and getting around the corner, but he does look a bit slow when he is asked to execute those types of plays.
No. 47 | Bralen Trice, Washington, EDGE
Hoge: Trice will have to adapt to putting his hand on the ground more, but he’s a team captain who was an absolute menace in the backfield in 2023. He completely wrecked the CFB Semifinal against Texas. Trice is quick off the ball and wins with his bullrush, including against Arizona LT Jordan Morgan, who figures to be a top 60 pick in this year’s draft. His ceiling is a good DE2 on a good defense. His floor is a dependable backup.
Moreano: Bralen Trice plays with an extremely fast motor and it’s evident on every snap. He has a quick get-off and likes to use his rip move to get inside of opposing tackles. When he lands his go-to move, it can be really effective combined with his quick burst off the line. He consistently will run after ball carriers from the backside of plays.
When he works upfield on his rushes, he will spin off a blocker and pursue ball carriers. That’s how he forced a fumble in the Sugar Bowl against Texas last season. When he engages with blockers, he shows strong hands and create some pop with his strikes.
Trice does need to continue adding to his pass rush moves. There were many times in the Texas game when Trice used a rip move and couldn’t get past the tackles. Even though it looked like he was held on those plays, the rip move will not be flagged for holding.
He rushed primarily from a two-point stance, so he would need to show he can be a hand-in-the-dirt player in Matt Eberflus’ defense.
No. 51 | Mike Hall Jr, Ohio State, IDL
Hoge: Good potential as a 3-technique. Limited experience, but had to compete for playing time early at Ohio State. Outstanding get-off and consistent penetration upfield, which is why the lack of production is confusing. Usually wins 1-on-1 matchups and uses his long arms to his advantage.
Strength is somewhat of a concern, so Hall will need to master an NFL strength program and refine his finishing technique, but there are some outstanding traits to work with here if he falls into the third round.
No. 61 | Austin Booker, Kansas, EDGE
Hoge: A raw, inexperienced talent who still needs to fill out his long frame, there’s a lot to like about Booker as a developmental talent. He was under the radar before arriving at the Senior Bowl, where he had a good week.
A dominating dropback period on Day 2 in Mobile especially stood out, as possible first-round offensive tackle Jordan Morgan simply couldn’t handle Booker.
No. 75 | Tanor Bortolini, Wisconsin, IOL
Hoge: Bortolini played all over the offensive line for the Badgers, eventually landing at center in 2023. His shorter arms suggest that’s where he’ll stay in the NFL, although his experience will allow him to play guard if needed too.
One of the better athletes in this class of interior linemen, Bortolini is also extremely smart and embraced the opportunity to make line calls at the center position.
