With the 2024 NFL draft just over six weeks away and the combine in the past, people are focusing on free agency. However, once the free agency window slows, full attention will return to the draft. When that time comes, the Chicago Bears will be sitting with the No. 1 overall pick for the second consecutive year.
Unlike last year, though, the Bears are poised to stick with the top pick and draft a quarterback, with USC’s Caleb Williams the likely option. Williams has been the top quarterback in college football for the last two seasons, winning the Heisman in 2022 and throwing for 8,170 yards and 72 touchdowns with the Trojans, adding another 21 rushing touchdowns in that time. Below, we’ll break down some Chicago Bears odds as well as options for betting on the NFL draft.
Caleb Williams NFL draft odds
Williams has been the favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick for some time now, even in spite of the play of UNC’s Drake Maye. His status hasn’t wavered, with his NFL draft odds currently sitting at -2000.
Where will Justin Fields end up?
Current Bears QB Justin Fields electrified as a runner but often struggled with consistency as a passer in his three years with the team, leaving the Bears with a tough decision this offseason. Prior to the start of free agency, the Atlanta Falcons were the favorites to land Fields in a trade at odds of +125, but they have since signed Kirk Cousins to a long-term deal. Potential suitors like the Las Vegas Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers also appear to have filled their respective needs at quarterback.
The Minnesota Vikings are on the hunt for a new quarterback with Cousins moving on, but after signing Sam Darnold to a one-year deal, they’re poised to go with him as the starter heading into the season. Two of the other most quarterback-needy teams heading into the 2024 season are the New England Patriots and Washington Commanders, though both have top-three picks in the draft and will likely be considering taking quarterbacks of their own.
Outside of the obvious candidates, the Denver Broncos remain an interesting landing spot. They moved on from Russell Wilson prior to free agency and could feasibly pick a quarterback in the draft, but they may also look to a quarterback with starting experience if the top options are off the board.
A former first-round pick, Fields has shown enough in flashes to be considered a quarterback with tangible upside, but the lack of growth after three years may give pause to a lot of interested teams. Regardless of the doubt around the league, the Fields era in Chicago appears likely to be over.
Chicago Bears 2024 outlook
The Bears have already added to their offense in free agency, signing D’Andre Swift to a three-year, $24 million contract, as well as bringing in Ryan Bates at center and Gerald Everett at tight end. Williams would be walking into an offense that already looks better on paper and one that has a bona fide No. 1 receiver in D.J. Moore. The Bears also own the No. 9 pick in the draft and may look to add another receiver to the mix given the lack of depth now that Darnell Mooney has departed in free agency.
Williams offers a lot more nuance, accuracy, and confidence as a passer, and the Bears have added Shane Waldron as their new offensive coordinator. He’s been the best quarterback in college football for a couple of seasons, and his lore has only continued to grow in that time, earning comparisons to Patrick Mahomes for his play style. Those comparisons are lofty and unfair, but there is a charismatic freedom to Williams’ play. He’s excellent when the play breaks down and he’s forced to improvise, and he has the dynamic arm that NFL teams are seeking. The arm talent was enough to get him out of jams in college, though it’ll be noticeably harder in the NFL.
However, the Bears’ future with Williams is potentially on the horizon. Take a look at some Bears futures odds below:
