2024 NFL mock draft: Dane Brugler makes sure all 257 picks originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
The man behind “The Beast,” a monstrous 323-page document that provides vital information on hundreds of the top prospects in the NFL draft, released another epic project on Wednesday. Dane Brugler dropped a seven-round mock draft in which he made all 257 picks that will come off the board next week.
It’s a crazy undertaking and it’s fun to read. Here are Brugler’s picks for the Bears, with some of the reasons behind his decisions.
NO. 1 OVERALL: CALEB WILLIAMS – QUARTERLY – USC
“Nothing is official until Commissioner Roger Goodell takes the stage in Detroit and announces the roster, but Williams will be a bear in just over a week,” Brugler wrote.
No surprise here. Williams has been the presumptive choice for the Bears for quite some time.
You can read all of our coverage of the QB phenomenon here.
NO. 9 GENERAL: ROME ODUNZE – WIDE RECEIVER – WASHINGTON
“With only four draft picks this year, general manager Ryan Poles will be tempted by trade opportunities here to recoup draft capital,” Brugler wrote. “But if the Bears feel left out in the second round, they can throw up Odunze highlights and feel fine about this decision. It was a no-brainer to add Keenan Allen, but he may only be a one-year rental.”
Whether Allen sticks around beyond 2024 or not, Odunze is a great option for the Bears. He’s a phenomenal deep threat whose vertical nature should complement both Allen and DJ Moore, both of whom thrive in the short and mid-range areas of the field.
“The Bears’ lack of picks in this draft puts a little more pressure on the Poles to get this one right. But Braswell – and his explosive flashes – feels like an ideal scenario at No. 75 for Chicago, which is still looking for more firepower at edge rusher.”
Dallas Turner gets all the hype as the top Crimson Tide pass rusher, but Braswell performed well last season in his lone year as a starter. In 14 games, Braswell had eight sacks, 10.5 TFL, three forced fumbles, one interception and one blocked punt. According to PFF, his 18.2% pass rush win rate was just slightly lower than Turner’s 19.6% rate.
NO. 122: JAVON FOSTER – OFFENSIVE APPROACH
Foster is a big left tackle with solid arm length. He was a three-year starter at Missouri and gave up just seven sacks in 1,440 pass-blocking snaps at the position, per PFF. Offensive tackle depth has been a necessity for the Bears heading into this season, and Foster helps strengthen the group.
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