The Chicago Bears are expected to draft USC blue-chip quarterback prospect Caleb Williams with their overall no. 1 pick in this year’s NFL draft.

If that happens, the team will be left with just three remaining draft picks this year, thanks to prior deals– their other first-round pick (no. 9), a third-round pick (no. 75), and a fourth-round pick (no. 122). That’s not a whole lot around which to build a stronger young nucleus for the 22-year-old Williams.

Many experts believe that Bears general manager Ryan Poles sees that lack of draft capital as well and may likely make some draft day deals to add more young talent to the team.

Chicago Bears Need More Drat Capital

Bears Insider Josh Schrock from NBC Sports Chicago envisions a scenario where Chicago adds some much-needed draft picks while not touching their prized no. 1 pick.

In his recent mock draft, Schrock proposes three trades the Bears can make to add more of a draft day haul.

In the first trade– a trade back– the Bears once again dial up Justin Fields landing spot, the Pittsburgh Steelers, swapping away their ninth pick in the first round, plus their 2025 third-round pick for the Steelers’ first-round pick (no. 21), their second-round pick (no. 51), and a 2025 fifth-round pick.

Then there would be two day two trades– both trades up

In the first one, the Bears deal their third-round pick (no. 75), a 2025 second-round pick, and a 2025 fourth-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams for the Rams’ second-round pick (no. 52) and their third-round pick (no. 83).

In the second deal, Chicago trades their newly-acquired third-round pick (no. 83), and their fourth-round pick (no. 122) to the Arizona Cardinals for the Cardinals’ third-round pick (no. 71).

So, for those keeping track, when all the dust settles, Chicago would pick up four picks this draft in these three deals– one first-round pick, two second-round picks, one third-round pick. Plus, they’d get a 2025 fifth-round pick.

On the flip side, they’d be giving up their first-round pick in the no. 9 slot, a third-round pick, and their fourth-round selection while also trading away their second, third, and fourth-round picks in 2025.

Drafting for the Here and Now

Essentially, the Bears would be giving away almost all of their day two options next year, but would get some significant draft capital in this year’s draft. Seems like some smart wheeling and dealing from a team trying to add additional support in the here and now for what many feel is a potentially franchise-altering selection in the first round.

Could a trio of deals like this be carried out on draft day? Possibly. Given GM Poles’ well-earned reputation as a man willing to cut some big deals, it’s definitely within the realm of possibility. Adding some draft capital and bringing in a greater haul of young talent to grow alongside their new starting quarterback seems exactly what the Bears may want to do. The 2024 NFL draft should be quite interesting.