Chicago Bears 7-Round NFL Mock Draft: Recent transaction sets up big rippling effects

Following the NFL Combine, the Chicago Bears continue to be the focus of the league. At this point, based on information from various insiders and analysts, we may presume the Bears’ plans with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. But, beyond that selection, there are still many unknowns.

Ryan Poles even surprised us Monday night when it was announced the Bears had traded for interior offensive lineman Ryan Bates via the Buffalo Bills. In that transaction, Chicago gave up a 2024 fifth-round pick, which now leaves the team without a selection on Day 3 this year.

After the Bates trade, we can presume a few things are true about the forthcoming draft. And, in our latest mock, we cover those themes.

If you are still under the impression that the Bears are keeping Justin Fields, you are severely mistaken. The overall opinion from many who attended the Combine this year was that Chicago is ready to grab Williams with the number one pick. That also led many to conclude that Fields was as good as gone. The only question is, now, when and where will he be traded?

The Bears have an opportunity to remedy nearly 100 years of wrongdoing here. They aren’t going to pass up the chance to choose what some call a “generational talent” in Williams. We can talk all day long about the abilities Williams brings to the NFL level, whether it’s his ability to make throws from all sorts of angles or how he’s able to elevate his teammates.

But, by now, most of us know just how extraordinary Williams has the potential to be. He’s moving to Chicago, whether some supporters want to admit it or not. Now, on to some of the rippling effects of the Bates transaction.