It’s only September, but already the Chicago Bears appear hard at work preparing for the 2024 off-season. Part of that is standard procedure. The NFL is a 24/7/365 job. Once a draft ends, preparation for the next one begins. However, there is also an added layer of pressure as the team continues to struggle. They already went 3-14 last season and are in danger of starting 0-3 this season with a loss on Sunday in Kansas City. GM Ryan Poles has to get this roster to a point where it’s competitive, or he may run out of time.
Bears representatives have been spotted at several games over the first few weeks of the college season. However, one team has drawn their attention multiple times, including from Poles himself. Jordan Reid of ESPN reported that Bears reps were on hand to watch Florida State take on Clemson in a rivalry matchup. This marks the second time they’ve attended an FSU game. Some will presume they’re intent on watching quarterback Jordan Travis for obvious reasons.
However, it’s a safer bet they want to get as many close looks as possible at Jared Verse.
Verse is a solution the Chicago Bears desperately need.
Their defensive line continues to be a national punchline. After managing only 10 sacks as a group in 2022, they only have one through two games this year. Draft experts widely consider Verse to be the best pass rusher in the 2024 draft class. He was dominant last season for the Seminoles, racking up nine sacks and 17 tackles for a loss. While he’s not in the sack column yet this year, his presence has been felt in every single game thus far. There is no question he’d be an excellent fit for the Bears. He’s big, athletic, explosive, and has the necessary motor to get after QBs on every play.
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The Chicago Bears are currently projected to pick 3rd and 4th in the 2024 draft thanks to their own record and that of the Carolina Panthers, whose 1st rounder they claimed in the D.J. Moore trade. Presuming USC quarterback Caleb Williams and Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. go #1 and #2 as most expect, that would leave the Bears an open path to take Verse would either pick. Then they can use the other to take a quarterback of their own or perhaps add another top offensive lineman.
Yall are forgetting this is a full rebuild. Poles is dumping all the old talent and inserting youth. These years are development. 24/25 will be the time the Bears get on the map. With a new QB coaching staff and multiple build chip players with another payroll reset
This is what happens when you focus your defense around the secondary at the expense of the line.
With potentially 2 top 5 picks in the 1st round the Chicago Bears will be drafting a real quarterback and a defensive end.
In that order.
The end
The bigger question will be who’s going to be around to implement those 2024 draft plans.