Hello, 2024 NFL Mock Draft SZN.
That’s right, we’ve got our first ESPN mock draft courtesy of ESPN’s Jordan Reid, who had previously put out an early mock back in July with USC’s Caleb Williams going to the Cardinals. Our Christian D’Andrea had the Buccaneers taking Williams in his first early 2024 mock draft.
This time around? We’ve got questions about who should be the first QB taken by quarterback-needy teams, and Reid has the Bears (who, as you know, already have Justin Fields) taking Williams first overall and the Broncos (who, as you know, have a struggling Russell Wilson) taking North Carolina’s Drake Maye.
Here’s what Reid wrote about Williams to the Bears (via their trade with the Panthers):
For a second consecutive year, the Bears might end the season with the No. 1 overall pick — this time courtesy of the trade with the Panthers. ESPN’s FPI is giving this Carolina pick a 39.8% chance to end up at No. 1, which would set up an interesting decision for the Bears. The jury is still out on Justin Fields as the team’s long-term solution under center. He ranks 27th in Total QBR (39.3) and 26th in completion percentage (61.7%). General manager Ryan Poles does not have any ties to Fields — he didn’t draft him back in 2021 — and the QB’s development as a passer has been inconsistent.
Williams would allow the Bears to reset the clock with a rookie contract and add my No. 1 player in the class. His field vision and dynamic ability to be a problem solver when plays break down make Williams special. He has eight completions of 20-plus yards when on the move this season, including eight TD passes and only one interception. And Chicago has another first-rounder to build around Williams.
There you have it. And don’t forget to check out our early 2024 NFL mock draft from Christian D’Andrea.
