Bears Rumors

Bears To Waive P Trenton Gill

May 1st, 2024 at 3:24pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Bears turned to the fourth round for a punter last week, tabbing Iowa’s Tory Taylor to take over. This will mean a change, and Chicago is not wasting much time finalizing it.

Rather than entertain any notion of a competition, the Bears are waiving incumbent punter Trenton Gill, ESPN.com’s Field Yates tweets. Gill operated as the Bears’ punter for the past two seasons. Two years remain on Gill’s rookie contract.

Among regular punters, Gill’s 46.1-yard average ranked in the bottom quartile last season. The Bears ranked 31st in net punting, which obviously affects more than just Gill’s range, but finished 30th in punts inside the 20 (26.9%). Chicago chose Gill 255th overall out of NC State in the 2022 draft. Gill is due a $985K base salary in 2024; the Bears will incur a minimal dead money hit (less than $40K) via this transaction.

The move clears the way for Taylor, who was on the field often for an Iowa team that struggled offensively in 2023. Averaging 48.2 yards per boot in 2023, Taylor managed this despite punting 93 times. Iowa’s 15.4 points per game ranked 132nd in Division I-FBS. Their punter, meanwhile, broke several FBS single-season and career records and earned All-America acclaim in 2022 (second team) and ’23 (first team).

Entering the draft with only four picks, the Bears brought in Caleb Williams (No. 1) and Rome Odunze (No. 9) before drafting Yale tackle Kiran Amegadjie 75th overall. When the Bears took Taylor at No. 122, they were out of picks. The team later traded a future selection to move into Round 5 for Kansas State edge rusher Austin Booker. Taylor’s rookie contract will run through 2027; the Bears will be hoping his Windy City tenure lasts longer.

Three teams over the past four years have chosen a punter in Round 4, though between 2007 and 2019, only one — the 2012 Jaguars, who chose Bryan Anger in Round 3 — did so. The Bears decided to follow the recent trend, deeming an upgrade here a priority.

2024 NFL Draft Results: Team By Team

April 27th, 2024 at 10:59pm CST by Sam Robinson

Here is every team’s haul from the 2024 NFL Draft:

Arizona Cardinals

Round 1, No. 4: Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Ohio State)
Round 1, No. 27 (from Texans): Darius Robinson (DL, Missouri)
Round 2, No. 43 (from Falcons): Max Melton (CB, Rutgers)
Round 3, No. 66: Trey Benson, RB (Florida State)
Round 3, No. 71 (from Titans): Isaiah Adams (G, Illinois)
Round 3, No. 82 (from Colts): Tip Reiman (TE, Illinois)
Round 3, No. 90 (from Texans): Elijah Jones (CB, Boston College)
Round 4, No. 104: Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (S, Texas Tech)
Round 5, No. 138: Xavier Thomas (EDGE, Clemson)
Round 5, No. 162 (from Texans): Christian Jones (OT, Texas)
Round 6, No. 191 (from Colts): Tejhaun Palmer (WR, UAB)
Round 7, No. 226 (from Giants): Jaden Davis (CB, Miami)

Atlanta Falcons

Round 1, No. 8: Michael Penix Jr (QB, Washington)
Round 2, No. 35 (from Cardinals): DT Ruke Orhorhoro
Round 3, No. 74: Bralen Trice (EDGE, Washington)
Round 4, No. 109: Brandon Dorlus (DT, Oregon)
Round 5, No. 143: JD Bertrand (LB, Notre Dame)
Round 6, No. 186 (from Vikings through Cardinals): Jase McClellan (RB, Alabama)
Round 6, No. 187: Casey Washington (WR, Illinois)
Round 6, 197 (from Browns): Zion Logue (DT, Georgia)

Baltimore Ravens

Round 1, No. 30: Nate Wiggins (CB, Clemson)
Round 2, No. 62: Roger Rosengarten (T, Washington)
Round 3, No. 93: Adisa Isaac (EDGE, Penn State)
Round 4, No. 113 (from Broncos through Jets): Devontez Walker (WR, North Carolina)
Round 4, No. 130: T.J. Tampa (CB, Iowa State)
Round 5, No. 165: Rasheen Ali (RB, Marshall)
Round 6, No. 218 (from Jets): Devin Leary (QB, Kentucky)
Round 7, No. 228 (from Jets): Nick Samac (C, Michigan State)
Round 7, No. 250: Sanoussi Kane (S, Purdue)

Buffalo Bills

Round 2, No. 33 (from Panthers): Keon Coleman (WR, Florida State)
Round 2, No. 60: Cole Bishop (S, Utah)
Round 3, No. 95 (from Chiefs): DeWayne Carter, DT (Duke)
Round 4, No. 128: Ray Davis (RB, Kentucky)
Round 5, No. 141 (from Giants through Panthers): Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (C, Georgia)
Round 5, No. 160 (from Packers): Edefuan Ulofoshio (LB, Washington)
Round 5, No. 168 (from Saints): Javon Solomon (EDGE, Troy)
Round 6, No. 204: Tylan Grable (T, Central Florida)
Round 6, No. 219 (from Packers): Daequan Hardy (CB, Penn State)
Round 7, No. 221 (from Panthers through Titans and Chiefs): Travis Clayton (T, England)

Carolina Panthers

Round 1, No. 32 (from Chiefs through Bills): Xavier Legette (WR, South Carolina)
Round 2, No. 46 (from Colts): Jonathon Brooks (RB, Texas)
Round 3, No. 72 (from Jets): Trevin Wallace (LB, Kentucky)
Round 4, No. 101: Ja’Tavion Sanders (TE, Texas)
Round 5, No. 157 (from Browns through Vikings): Chau Smith-Wade (CB, Washington State)
Round 6: No. 200 (from Cowboys through Texans and Bills): Jaden Crumedy (DT, Mississippi State)
Round 7, No. 240 (from Steelers): Michael Barrett (LB, Michigan)

Chicago Bears

Round 1: No. 1 (from Panthers): Caleb Williams (QB, USC)
Round 1, No. 9: Rome Odunze (WR, Washington)
Round 3, No. 75: Kiran Amegadjie (T, Yale)
Round 4, No. 122 (from Eagles): Tory Taylor (P, Iowa)
Round 5: No. 144 (reacquired from Bills): Austin Booker (EDGE, Kansas State)

Cincinnati Bengals

Round 1, No. 18: Amarius Mims (T, Georgia)
Round 2, No. 49: Kris Jenkins Jr. (DT, Michigan)
Round 3, No. 80: Jermaine Burton, WR (Alabama)
Round 3, No. 97: McKinnley Jackson (DT, Texas A&M)
Round 4, No. 115: Erick All (TE, Iowa)
Round 5, No. 149: Josh Newton (CB, TCU)
Round 6, No. 194: Tanner McLachlan (TE, Arizona)
Round 6, No. 214: Cedric Johnson (DE, Ole Miss)
Round 7, No. 224 (from Cardinals through Texans): Daijahn Anthony (DB, Mississippi State)
Round 7, No. 237: Matt Lee (C, Miami)

Cleveland Browns

Round 2, No. 54: Michael Hall (DT, Ohio State)
Round 3, No. 85: Zak Zinter (G, Michigan)
Round 5, No. 156 (from Eagles through Cardinals): Jamari Thrash (WR, Louisville)
Round 6, No. 206 (from Ravens): Nathaniel Watson (LB, Mississippi State)
Round 7, No. 227 (from Titans): Myles Harden (CB, South Dakota)
Round 7, No. 243: Jowon Briggs (DT, Cincinnati)

Dallas Cowboys

Round 1, No. 29 (from Lions): Tyler Guyton (T, Oklahoma)
Round 2, No. 56: Marshawn Kneeland (EDGE, Western Michigan)
Round 3, No. 73 (from Vikings through Lions): Cooper Beebe (G, Kansas State)
Round 3, No. 87: Marist Liufau (LB, Notre Dame)
Round 5, No. 174: Caelen Carson (CB, Wake Forest)
Round 6, No. 216: Ryan Flournoy (WR, Southeast Missouri State)
Round 7, No. 233 (from Raiders): Nathan Thomas (T, Louisiana-Lafayette)
Round 7, No. 244: Justin Rogers (DT, Auburn)

Denver Broncos

Round 1, No. 12: Bo Nix (QB, Oregon)
Round 3, No. 76: Jonah Elliss (EDGE, Utah)
Round 4, No. 102 (from Commanders through Seahawks): Troy Franklin (WR, Oregon)
Round 5, No. 145 (from Jets): Kris Abrams-Draine (CB, Missouri)
Round 5, No. 147: Audric Estime (RB, Notre Dame)
Round 7, No. 235 (from Seahawks): Devaughn Vele (WR, Utah)
Round 7, No. 256 (from Jets): Nick Gargiulo (C, South Carolina)

Round 1, No. 24 (from Cowboys): Terrion Arnold (CB, Alabama)
Round 2, No. 61: Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (CB, Missouri)
Round 4, No. 126 (from Packers through Jets): Giovanni Manu (T, British Columbia)
Round 6, No. 189 (from Broncos through Rams, Bills and Texans): Mekhi Wingo (DT, LSU)
Round 6, No. 201 (from Buccaneers): Christian Mahogany (G, Boston College)

Green Bay Packers

Round 1, No. 25: Jordan Morgan (T, Arizona)
Round 2, No. 45 (from Broncos through Saints): Edgerrin Cooper (LB, Texas A&M)
Round 2, No. 58: Javon Bullard (S, Georgia)
Round 3, No. 88: MarShawn Lloyd (RB, USC)
Round 3, No. 91 (from Bills): Ty’Ron Hopper (LB, Missouri)
Round 4, No. 111 (from Jets): Evan Williams (S, Oregon)
Round 5, No. 163 (from Bills): Jacob Monk (C, Duke)
Round 5, No. 169: Kitan Oladapo (S, Oregon State)
Round 6, No. 202: Travis Glover (T, Georgia State)
Round 7, No. 245: Michael Pratt (QB, Tulane)
Round 7, No. 255: Kalen King (CB, Penn State)

Houston Texans

Round 2, No. 42 (from Vikings): Kamari Lassiter (CB, Georgia)
Round 2, No. 59: Blake Fisher (T, Notre Dame)
Round 3, No. 78 (from Seahawks through Commanders and Eagles): Calen Bullock (S, USC)
Round 4, No. 123 (from Browns through Texans): Cade Stover (TE, Ohio State)
Round 6, No. 188 (from Raiders through Patriots and Vikings): Jamal Hill (LB, Oregon)
Round 6, No. 205: Jawhar Jordan (RB, Louisville)
Round 7, No. 238 (from Saints): Solomon Byrd (EDGE, USC)
Round 7, No. 247: Marcus Harris (DT, Auburn)
Round 7, No. 249: LaDarius Henderson (G, Michigan)

Indianapolis Colts

Round 1, No. 15: Laiatu Latu (EDGE, UCLA)
Round 2, No. 52 (from Panthers): Adonai Mitchell (WR, Texas)
Round 3, No. 79 (from Jaguars through Falcons): Matt Goncalves (T, Pittsburgh)
Round 4, No. 117: Tanor Bortolini (C, Wisconsin)
Round 5, No. 142 (from Titans through Panthers): Anthony Gould (WR, Oregon State)
Round 5, No. 151: Jaylon Carlies (S, Missouri)
Round 5, No. 164 (from Lions through Eagles): Jaylin Simpson (S, Auburn)
Round 6, No. 210: Micah Abraham (CB, Marshall)
Round 7, No. 234: Jonah Laulu (DT, Oklahoma)

Jacksonville Jaguars

Round 1, No. 23 (from Browns through Texans and Vikings): Brian Thomas Jr. (WR, LSU)
Round 2, No. 48: Maason Smith (DT, LSU)
Round 3, No. 96: Jarrian Jones (CB, Florida State)
Round 4, No. 114: Javon Foster (T, Missouri)
Round 4, No. 116 (from Saints): Jordan Jefferson (DT, LSU)
Round 5, No. 153: Deantre Prince (CB, Ole Miss)
Round 5, No. 167 (from Chiefs through Vikings): Keilan Robinson (RB, Texas)
Round 6, No. 212: Cam Little (K, Arkansas)
Round 7, No. 236: Myles Cole (DE, Texas Tech)

Kansas City Chiefs

Round 1, No. 28 (from Bills): Xavier Worthy (WR, Texas)
Round 2, No. 63 (from 49ers): Kingsley Suamataia (T, BYU)
Round 4, No. 131: Jared Wiley (TE, TCU)
Round 4, No. 133 (from Bills): Jaden Hicks (S, Washington State)
Round 5, No. 159 (from Cowboys): Hunter Nourzad (C, Penn State)
Round 6, No. 211 (from 49ers): Kamal Hadden (CB, Tennessee)
Round 7, No. 248 (from Bills): C.J. Hanson (G, Holy Cross)

Las Vegas Raiders

Round 1, No. 13: Brock Bowers (TE, Georgia)
Round 2, No. 44: Jackson Powers-Johnson (OL, Oregon)
Round 3, No. 77: Delmar Glaze (T, Maryland)
Round 4, No. 112: Decamerion Richardson (CB, Mississippi State)
Round 5, No. 148: Tommy Eichenberg (LB, Ohio State)
Round 6, No. 208 (from Chiefs): Dylan Laube (RB, New Hampshire)
Round 7, No. 223 (from Patriots): Trey Taylor (S, Air Force)
Round 7, No. 229 (from Vikings): MJ Devonshire (CB, Pitt)

Los Angeles Chargers

Round 1, No. 5: Joe Alt (T, Notre Dame)
Round 2, No. 34 (via Patriots): Ladd McConkey (WR, Georgia)
Round 3, No. 69: Junior Colson (LB, Michigan)
Round 4, No. 105: Justin Eboigbe (DL, Alabama)
Round 4, No. 137 (from Chargers): Tarheeb Still (CB, Maryland)
Round 5, No. 140: Cam Hart (CB, Notre Dame)
Round 6, No. 181: Kimani Vidal (RB, Troy)
Round 7, No. 225: Brenden Rice (WR, USC)
Round 7, No. 253: Cornelius Johnson (WR, Michigan)

Los Angeles Rams

Round 1, No. 19: Jared Verse (EDGE, Florida State)
Round 2, No. 39 (from Panthers): Braden Fiske (DT, Florida State)
Round 3, No. 83: Blake Corum (RB, Michigan)
Round 3, No. 99: Kamren Kinchens (S, Miami)
Round 5, No. 154: Brennan Jackson (WR, Washington State)
Round 6, No. 196: Tyler Davis (DT, Clemson)
Round 6, No. 209: Joshua Karty (K, Stanford)
Round 6, No. 213: Jordan Whittington (WR, Texas)
Round 6, No. 217: Beaux Limmer (C, Arkansas)
Round 7, No. 254: KT Leveston (G, Kansas State)

Miami Dolphins

Round 1, No. 21: Chop Robinson (EDGE, Penn State)
Round 2, No. 55: Patrick Paul (T, Houston)
Round 4, No. 120 (from Rams through Steelers and Eagles): Jaylen Wright (RB, Tennessee)
Round 5, No. 158: Mohamed Kamara (EDGE, Colorado State)
Round 6, No. 184 (from Bears): Malik Washington (WR, Virginia)
Round 6, No. 198: Patrick McMorris (S, Cal)
Round 7, No. 241: Tahj Washington (WR, USC)

Minnesota Vikings

Round 1, No 10 (via Jets): J.J. McCarthy (QB, Michigan)
Round 1, No. 17 (via Jaguars): Dallas Turner (EDGE, Alabama)
Round 4, No. 108: Khyree Jackson (CB, Oregon)
Round 6, No. 177 (from Panthers through Jaguars): Walter Rouse (T, Oklahoma)
Round 6: No. 203 (from Texans through Browns, Broncos and Jets): Will Reichard (K, Alabama)
Round 7, No. 230 (from Falcons through Browns and Cardinals): Michael Jurgens (C, Wake Forest)
Round 7, No. 232 (from Broncos through 49ers and Texans): Levi Drake Rodriguez (DT, Texas A&M Commerce)

New England Patriots

Round 1, No. 3: Drake Maye (QB, UNC)
Round 2, No. 37 (via Chargers): Ja’Lynn Polk (WR, Washington)
Round 3, No. 68: Caeden Wallace (T, Penn State)
Round 4, No. 103: Layden Robinson (G, Texas A&M)
Round 5, No. 110 (from Bears through Chargers): Javon Baker (WR, Central Florida)
Round 6, No. 180: Marcellas Dial (CB, South Carolina)
Round 6, No. 193 (from Jaguars): Joe Milton III (QB, Tennessee)
Round 7, No. 231 (from Bears): Jaheim Bell (TE, Florida State)

New Orleans Saints

Round 1, No. 14: Taliese Fuaga (OL, Oregon State)
Round 2, No. 41 (from Jets through Packers): Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Alabama)
Round 5, No. 150: Spencer Rattler (QB, South Carolina)
Round 5, No. 170: Bub Means (WR, Pittsburgh)
Round 5, No. 175: Jaylan Ford (LB, Texas)
Round 6, No. 199 (from Eagles): Khristian Boyd (DT, Northern Iowa)
Round 7, No. 239 (from Rams through Broncos): Josiah Ezirim (T, Eastern Kentucky)

New York Giants

Round 1, No. 6: Malik Nabers (WR, LSU)
Round 2, No. 47 (from Seahawks): Tyler Nubin (S, Minnesota)
Round 3, No. 70: Andru Phillips (CB, Kentucky)
Round 4, No. 107: Theo Johnson (TE, Penn State)
Round 5, No. 166 (from 49ers through Panthers): Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB, Purdue)
Round 6, No. 183: Darius Muasau (LB, UCLA)

New York Jets

Round 1, No. 11 (via Vikings): Olu Fashanu (T, Penn State)
Round 3, No. 65 (from Panthers): Malachi Corley (WR, Western Kentucky)
Round 4, No. 134 (from Ravens): Braelon Allen (RB, Wisconsin)
Round 5, No. 171: Jordan Travis (QB, Florida State)
Round 5, No. 173 (from Chiefs): Isaiah Davis (RB, South Dakota State)
Round 5, No. 176 (from 49ers): Qwan’Tez Stiggers (CB, Toronto Argonauts)
Round 7, No. 257: Jaylen Key (DB, Alabama)

Philadelphia Eagles

Round 1, No. 22: Quinyon Mitchell (CB, Toledo)
Round 2, No. 40 (from Bears through Commanders): Cooper DeJean (CB, Iowa)
Round 3, No. 94 (from 49ers): Jalyx Hunt (EDGE, Houston Christian)
Round 4, No. 127 (from Eagles): Will Shipley (RB, Clemson)
Round 4, No. 132 (from 49ers): Ainias Smith (WR, Texas A&M)
Round 5, No. 155 (from Steelers through Rams, Panthers and Colts): Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (LB, Clemson)
Round 5, No. 172: Trevor Keegan (G, Michigan)
Round 6, No. 185: Johnny Wilson (WR, Florida State)
Round 6, No. 190 (from Saints through Packers): Dylan McMahon (C, NC State)

Pittsburgh Steelers

Round 1, No. 20: Troy Fautanu (OL, Washington)
Round 2, No. 51: Zach Frazier (C, West Virginia)
Round 3, No. 84: Roman Wilson (WR, Michigan)
Round 3, No. 98 (from Eagles): Payton Wilson (LB, NC State)
Round 4, No. 119: Mason McCormick (G, South Dakota State)
Round 6, No. 178 (from Cardinals through Panthers): Logan Lee (DT, Iowa)
Round 6, No. 195: Ryan Watts (CB, Texas)

San Francisco 49ers

Round 1, No. 31: Ricky Pearsall (WR, Florida)
Round 2, No. 64 (from Chiefs): Renardo Green (CB, Florida State)
Round 3, No. 86 (from Eagles through Texans and Eagles): Dominick Puni (OL, Kansas)
Round 4, No. 124 (from Cowboys): Malik Mustapha (S, Wake Forest)
Round 4, No. 129 (from Lions through Vikings and Jets): Isaac Guerendo (RB, Louisville)
Round 4, No. 135: Jacob Cowing (WR, Arizona)
Round 6, No. 215: Jarrett Kingston (G, USC)
Round 7, No. 251: Tatum Bethune (LB, Florida State)

Seattle Seahawks

Round 1, No. 16: Byron Murphy (DT, Texas)
Round 3, No. 81 (from Saints through Broncos): Christian Haynes (G, UConn)
Round 4, No. 118: Tyrice Knight (LB, UTEP)
Round 4, No. 121 (from Dolphins through Broncos): AJ Barner (TE, Michigan)
Round 5, No. 136 (from Panthers through Browns and Broncos): Nehemiah Pritchett (CB, Auburn)
Round 6, No. 179 (from Commanders): Sataoa Laumea (G, Utah)
Round 6, No. 192: DJ James (CB, Auburn)
Round 6, No. 207 (from 49ers through Broncos): Michael Jerrell (T, Findlay)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Round 1, No. 26: Graham Barton (OL, Duke)
Round 2, No. 57: Chris Braswell (EDGE, Alabama)
Round 3, No. 89: Tykee Smith (S, Georgia)
Round 3, No. 92 (from Lions): Jalen McMillan (WR, Washington)
Round 4, No. 125: Bucky Irving (RB, Oregon)
Round 6, No. 220: Elijah Klein (G, UTEP)
Round 7, No. 246: Devin Culp (TE, Washington)

Tennessee Titans

Round 1, No. 7: JC Latham (T, Alabama)
Round 2, No. 38: T’Vondre Sweat (DT, Texas)
Round 4, No. 106: Cedric Gray (LB, North Carolina)
Round 5, No. 146 (from Vikings through Eagles): Jarvis Brownlee Jr. (CB, Louisville)
Round 6, No. 182 (reacquired through Eagles): Jha’Quan Jackson (WR, Tulane)
Round 7, No. 242 (from Eagles): James Williams (S, Miami)
Round 7, No. 252 (from Chiefs): Jaylen Harrell (EDGE, Michigan)

Washington Commanders

Round 1, No. 2: Jayden Daniels (QB, LSU)
Round 2, No. 36: Jer’Zhan Newton (DT, Illinois)
Round 2, No. 50 (from Saints through Eagles): Mike Sainristil (CB, Michigan)
Round 2, No. 53 (from Eagles): Ben Sinnott (TE, Kansas State)
Round 3, No. 67: Brandon Coleman (OL, TCU)
Round 3, No. 100 (from 49ers): Luke McCaffrey (WR, Rice)
Round 5, No. 139: Jordan Magee (LB, Temple)
Round 5, No. 152 (from Seahawks): Ainias Smith (WR, Texas A&M)
Round 5, No. 161 (from Buccaneers through Eagles): Dominique Hampton (S, Washington)
Round 7, No. 222: Javontae Jean-Baptiste (EDGE, Notre Dame)

2024 NFL Draft Results: Round By Round

April 27th, 2024 at 10:42pm CST by Sam Robinson

From the No. 1 overall pick to Mr. Irrelevant (No. 257), here are the results from the 2024 NFL Draft:

Round 1

1. Chicago Bears (via Panthers): Caleb Williams (QB, USC)
2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels (QB, LSU)
3. New England Patriots: Drake Maye (QB, UNC)
4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Ohio State)
5. Los Angeles Chargers: Joe Alt (T, Notre Dame)
6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers (WR, LSU)
7. Tennessee Titans: JC Latham (T, Alabama)
8. Atlanta Falcons: Michael Penix Jr (QB, Washington)
9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze (WR, Washington)
10. Minnesota Vikings (via Jets): J.J. McCarthy (QB, Michigan)
11. New York Jets (via Vikings): Olu Fashanu (T, Penn State)
12. Denver Broncos: Bo Nix (QB, Oregon)
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Brock Bowers (TE, Georgia)
14. New Orleans Saints: Taliese Fuaga (T, Oregon State)
15. Indianapolis Colts: Laiatu Latu (EDGE, UCLA)
16. Seattle Seahawks: Byron Murphy (DT, Texas)
17. Minnesota Vikings (via Jaguars): Dallas Turner (EDGE, Alabama)
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Amarius Mims (T, Georgia)
19. Los Angeles Rams: Jared Verse (EDGE, Florida State)
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Troy Fautanu (OL, Washington)
21. Miami Dolphins: Chop Robinson (EDGE, Penn State)
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Quinyon Mitchell (CB, Toledo)
23 Jacksonville Jaguars (from Browns through Texans and Vikings): Brian Thomas Jr. (WR, LSU)
24. Detroit Lions (from Cowboys): Terrion Arnold (CB, Alabama)
25. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Morgan (T, Arizona)
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Graham Barton (OL, Duke)
27. Arizona Cardinals (from Texans): Darius Robinson (DL, Missouri)
28. Kansas City Chiefs (from Bills): Xavier Worthy (WR, Texas)
29. Dallas Cowboys (from Lions): Tyler Guyton (T, Oklahoma)
30. Baltimore Ravens: Nate Wiggins (CB, Clemson)
31. San Francisco 49ers: Ricky Pearsall (WR, Florida)
32. Carolina Panthers (from Chiefs through Bills): Xavier Legette (WR, South Carolina)

Round 2

33. Buffalo Bills (from Panthers): Keon Coleman (WR, Florida State)
34. Los Angeles Chargers (via Patriots): Ladd McConkey (WR, Georgia)
35. Atlanta Falcons (from Cardinals): Ruke Orhorhoro (DT, Clemson)
36. Washington Commanders: Jer’Zhan Newton (DT, Illinois)
37. New England Patriots (via Chargers): Ja’Lynn Polk (WR, Washington)
38. Tennessee Titans: T’Vondre Sweat (DT, Texas)
39. Los Angeles Rams (from Giants through Panthers): Braden Fiske (DT, Florida State)
40. Philadelphia Eagles (from Bears through Commanders): Cooper DeJean (CB, Iowa)
41. New Orleans Saints (from Jets through Packers): Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Alabama)
42. Houston Texans (from Vikings): Kamari Lassiter (CB, Georgia)
43. Arizona Cardinals (from Falcons): Max Melton (CB, Rutgers)
44. Las Vegas Raiders: Jackson Powers-Johnson (OL, Oregon)
45. Green Bay Packers (from Broncos through Saints): Edgerrin Cooper, LB (Texas A&M)
46. Carolina Panthers (from Colts): Jonathon Brooks (RB, Texas)
47. New York Giants (from Seahawks): Tyler Nubin (S, Minnesota)
48. Jacksonville Jaguars: Maason Smith (DT, LSU)
49. Cincinnati Bengals: Kris Jenkins Jr. (DT, Michigan)
50. Washington Commanders (from Saints through Eagles): Mike Sainristil (CB, Michigan)
51. Pittsburgh Steelers: Zach Frazier (C, West Virginia)
52. Indianapolis Colts (from Rams through Panthers): Adonai Mitchell (WR, Texas)
53. Washington Commanders (from Eagles): Ben Sinnott (TE
54. Cleveland Browns: Michael Hall (DT, Ohio State)
55. Miami Dolphins: Patrick Paul (T, Houston)
56. Dallas Cowboys: Marshawn Kneeland (EDGE, Western Michigan)
57. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chris Braswell (EDGE, Alabama)
58. Green Bay Packers: Javon Bullard (S, Georgia)
59. Houston Texans: Blake Fisher (T, Notre Dame)
60. Buffalo Bills: Cole Bishop (S, Utah)
61. Detroit Lions: Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (CB, Missouri)
62. Baltimore Ravens: Roger Rosengarten (T, Washington)
63. Kansas City Chiefs (from 49ers): Kingsley Suamataia (T, BYU)
64. San Francisco 49ers (from Chiefs): Renardo Green (CB, Florida State)

Round 3

65. New York Jets (from Panthers): Malachi Corley (WR, Western Kentucky)
66. Arizona Cardinals: Trey Benson, RB (Florida State)
67. Washington Commanders: Brandon Coleman (OL, TCU)
68. New England Patriots: Caeden Wallace (T, Penn State)
69. Los Angeles Chargers: Junior Colson (LB, Michigan)
70. New York Giants: Andru Phillips (CB, Kentucky)
71. Arizona Cardinals (from Titans): Isaiah Adams (G, Illinois)
72. Carolina Panthers (from Jets): Trevin Wallace (LB, Kentucky)
73. Dallas Cowboys (from Vikings through Lions): Cooper Beebe (G, Kansas State)
74. Atlanta Falcons: Bralen Trice (EDGE, Washington)
75. Chicago Bears: Kiran Amegadjie (T, Yale)
76. Denver Broncos: Jonah Elliss (EDGE, Utah)
77. Las Vegas Raiders: Delmar Glaze (T, Maryland)
78. Houston Texans (from Seahawks though Commanders and Eagles): Calen Bullock (S, USC)
79. Indianapolis Colts (from Jaguars through Falcons and Cardinals): Matt Goncalves (T, Pittsburgh)
80. Cincinnati Bengals: Jermaine Burton, WR (Alabama)
81. Seattle Seahawks (from Saints through Broncos): Christian Haynes (G, UConn)
82. Arizona Cardinals (from Colts): Tip Reiman (TE, Illinois)
83. Los Angeles Rams: Blake Corum (RB, Michigan)
84. Pittsburgh Steelers: Roman Wilson (WR, Michigan)
85. Cleveland Browns: Zak Zinter (G, Michigan)
86. San Francisco 49ers (from Eagles through Texans and Eagles): Dominick Puni (OL, Kansas)
87. Dallas Cowboys: Marist Liufau (LB, Notre Dame)
88. Green Bay Packers: MarShawn Lloyd (RB, USC)
89. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tykee Smith (S, Georgia)
90. Arizona Cardinals (from Texans): Elijah Jones (CB, Boston College)
91. Green Bay Packers (from Bills): Ty’Ron Hopper (LB, Missouri)
92. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Lions): Jalen McMillan (WR, Washington)
93. Baltimore Ravens: Adisa Isaac (EDGE, Penn State)
94. Philadelphia Eagles (from 49ers): Jalyx Hunt (EDGE, Houston Christian)
95. Buffalo Bills (from Chiefs): DeWayne Carter (DT, Duke)
96. Jacksonville Jaguars*: Jarrian Jones (CB, Florida State)
97. Cincinnati Bengals*: McKinnley Jackson (DT, Texas A&M)
98. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Eagles)*: Payton Wilson (LB, NC State)
99. Los Angeles Rams*: Kamren Kinchens (S, Miami)
100. Washington Commanders*: Luke McCaffrey (WR, Rice)

Round 4

101. Carolina Panthers: Ja’Tavion Sanders (TE, Texas)
102. Denver Broncos (from Commanders through Seahawks): Troy Franklin (WR, Oregon)
103. New England Patriots: Layden Robinson (G, Texas A&M)
104. Arizona Cardinals: Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (S, Texas Tech)
105. Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Eboigbe (DL, Alabama)
106. Tennessee Titans: Cedric Gray (LB, North Carolina)
107. New York Giants: Theo Johnson (TE, Penn State)
108. Minnesota Vikings: Khyree Jackson (CB, Oregon)
109. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Dorlus (DT, Oregon)
110. New England Patriots (from Bears through Chargers): Javon Baker (WR, Central Florida)
111. Green Bay Packers (from Jets): Evan Williams (S, Oregon)
112. Las Vegas Raiders: Decamerion Richardson (CB, Mississippi State)
113. Baltimore Ravens (from Broncos through Jets): Devontez Walker (WR, North Carolina)
114. Jacksonville Jaguars: Javon Foster (T, Missouri)
115. Cincinnati Bengals: Erick All (TE, Iowa)
116. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Saints): Jordan Jefferson (DT, LSU)
117. Indianapolis Colts: Tanor Bortolini (C, Wisconsin)
118. Seattle Seahawks: Tyrice Knight (LB, UTEP)
119. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mason McCormick (G, South Dakota State)
120. Miami Dolphins (from Rams through Steelers and Eagles): Jaylen Wright (RB, Tennessee)
121. Seattle Seahawks (from Dolphins through Broncos): AJ Barner (TE, Michigan)
122. Chicago Bears (from Eagles): Tory Taylor (P, Iowa)
123. Houston Texans (from Browns through Texans and Eagles): Cade Stover (TE, Ohio State)
124. San Francisco 49ers (from Cowboys): Malik Mustapha (S, Wake Forest)
125. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bucky Irving (RB, Oregon)
126. Detroit Lions (from Packers through Jets): Giovanni Manu (T, British Columbia)
127. Philadelphia Eagles (from Texans): Will Shipley (RB, Clemson)
128. Buffalo Bills: Ray Davis (RB, Kentucky)
129. San Francisco 49ers (from Lions through Vikings and Jets): Isaac Guerendo (RB, Louisville)
130. Baltimore Ravens: T.J. Tampa (CB, Iowa State)
131. Kansas City Chiefs: Jared Wiley (TE, TCU)
132. Detroit Lions (from 49ers through Eagles)*: Sione Vaki RB/S, Utah)
133. Kansas City Chiefs (from Bills)*: Jaden Hicks (S, Washington State)
134. New York Jets*: Braelon Allen (RB, Wisconsin)
135. San Francisco 49ers*: Jacob Cowing (WR, Arizona)

Round 5

136. Seattle Seahawks (from Panthers through Browns and Broncos): Nehemiah Pritchett (CB, Auburn)
137. Los Angeles Chargers (through Patriots): Tarheeb Still (CB, Maryland)
138. Arizona Cardinals: Xavier Thomas (EDGE, Clemson)
139. Washington Commanders: Jordan Magee (LB, Temple)
140. Los Angeles Chargers: Cam Hart (CB, Notre Dame)
141. Buffalo Bills (from Giants through Panthers): Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (C, Georgia)
142. Indianapolis Colts (from Titans through Panthers): Anthony Gould (WR, Oregon State)
143. Atlanta Falcons: JD Bertrand (LB, Notre Dame)
144. Chicago Bears (reacquired from Bills): Austin Booker (EDGE, Kansas State)
145. Denver Broncos (from Jets): Kris Abrams-Draine (CB, Missouri)
146. Tennessee Titans (from Vikings through Eagles): Jarvis Brownlee Jr. (CB, Louisville)
147. Denver Broncos: Audric Estime (RB, Notre Dame)
148. Las Vegas Raiders: Tommy Eichenberg (LB, Ohio State)
149. Cincinnati Bengals: Josh Newton (CB, TCU)
150. New Orleans Saints: Spencer Rattler (QB, South Carolina)
151. Indianapolis Colts: Jaylon Carlies (S, Missouri)
152. Washington Commanders (from Seahawks): Ainias Smith (WR, Texas A&M)
153. Jacksonville Jaguars: Deantre Prince (CB, Ole Miss)
154. Los Angeles Rams: Brennan Jackson (WR, Washington State)
155. Philadelphia Eagles (from Steelers through Rams, Panthers and Colts): Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (LB, Clemson)
156. Cleveland Browns (from Eagles through Cardinals): Jamari Thrash (WR, Louisville)
157. Carolina Panthers (from Browns through Vikings and Jets): Chau Smith-Wade (CB, Washington State)
158. Miami Dolphins: Mohamed Kamara (EDGE, Colorado State)
159. Kansas City Chiefs (from Cowboys): Hunter Nourzad (C, Penn State)
160. Buffalo Bills (from Packers): Edefuan Ulofoshio (LB, Washington)
161. Washington Commanders (from Buccaneers through Eagles): Dominique Hampton (S, Washington)
162. Arizona Cardinals (from Texans): Christian Jones (T, Texas)
163. Green Bay Packers (from Bills) Jacob Monk (C, Duke)
164. Indianapolis Colts (from Lions through Eagles): Jaylin Simpson (S, Auburn)
165. Baltimore Ravens: Rasheen Ali (RB, Marshall)
166. New York Giants (from 49ers through Panthers): Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB, Purdue)
167. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Chiefs through Vikings): Keilan Robinson (RB, Texas)
168. Buffalo Bills (from Saints through Packers)*: Javon Solomon (EDGE, Troy)
169. Green Bay Packers*: Kitan Oladapo (S, Oregon State)
170. New Orleans Saints*: Bub Means (WR, Pittsburgh)
171. New York Jets (from Eagles)*: Jordan Travis (QB, Florida State)
172. Philadelphia Eagles*: Trevor Keegan (G, Michigan)
173. New York Jets (from Chiefs through 49ers)*: Isaiah Davis (RB, South Dakota State)
174. Dallas Cowboys*: Caelen Carson (CB, Wake Forest)
175. New Orleans Saints*: Jaylan Ford (LB, Texas)
176. New York Jets (from 49ers)*: Qwan’Tez Stiggers (CB, Toronto Argonauts)

Round 6

177. Minnesota Vikings (from Panthers through Jaguars): Walter Rouse (T, Oklahoma)
178. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Cardinals through Panthers): Logan Lee (DT, Iowa)
179. Seattle Seahawks (from Commanders): Sataoa Laumea (G, Utah)
180. New England Patriots: Marcellas Dial (CB, South Carolina)
181. Los Angeles Chargers: Kimani Vidal (RB, Troy)
182. Tennessee Titans (reacquired from Eagles): Jha’Quan Jackson (WR, Tulane)
183. New York Giants: Darius Muasau (LB, UCLA)
184. Miami Dolphins (from Bears): Malik Washington (WR, Virginia)
185. Philadelphia Eagles (from Jets): Johnny Wilson (WR, Florida State)
186. Atlanta Falcons (from Vikings through Cardinals): Jase McClellan (RB, Alabama)
187. Atlanta Falcons: Casey Washington (WR, Illinois)
188. Houston Texans (from Raiders through Patriots and Vikings): Jamal Hill (LB, Oregon)
189. Detroit Lions (from Broncos through Rams, Bills and Texans): Mekhi Wingo (DT, LSU)
190. Philadelphia Eagles (from Saints through Packers and Jets): Dylan McMahon (C, NC State)
191. Arizona Cardinals (from Colts): Tejhaun Palmer (WR, UAB)
192. Seattle Seahawks: DJ James (CB, Auburn)
193. New England Patriots (from Jaguars): Joe Milton III (QB, Tennessee)
194. Cincinnati Bengals: Tanner McLachlan (TE, Arizona)
195. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ryan Watts (CB, Texas)
196. Los Angeles Rams: Tyler Davis (DT, Clemson)
197. Atlanta Falcons (from Browns): Zion Logue (DT, Georgia)
198. Miami Dolphins: Patrick McMorris (S, Cal)
199. New Orleans Saints (from Eagles): Khristian Boyd (DT, Northern Iowa)
200. Carolina Panthers (from Cowboys through Texans and Bills): Jaden Crumedy (DT, Mississippi State)
201. Indianapolis Colts (from Buccaneers through Lions and Eagles): Micah Abraham (CB, Marshall)
202. Green Bay Packers: Travis Glover (T, Georgia State)
203. Minnesota Vikings (from Texans through Browns, Broncos and Jets): Will Reichard (K, Alabama)
204. Buffalo Bills: Tylan Grable (T, Central Florida)
205. Houston Texans (from Lions): Jawhar Jordan (RB, Louisville)
206. Cleveland Browns (from Ravens): Nathaniel Watson (LB, Mississippi State)
207. Seattle Seahawks (from 49ers and Broncos): Michael Jerrell (T, Findlay)
208. Las Vegas Raiders (from Chiefs): Dylan Laube (RB, New Hampshire)
209. Los Angeles Rams*: Joshua Karty (K, Stanford)
210. Detroit Lions (from Eagles)*: Christian Mahogany (G, Boston College)
211. Kansas City Chiefs (from 49ers)*: Kamal Hadden (CB, Tennessee)
212. Jacksonville Jaguars*: Cam Little (K, Arkansas)
213. Los Angeles Rams*: Jordan Whittington (WR, Texas)
214. Cincinnati Bengals*: Cedric Johnson (DE, Ole Miss)
215. San Francisco 49ers*: Jarrett Kingston (G, USC)
216. Dallas Cowboys*: Ryan Flournoy (WR, Southeast Missouri State)
217. Los Angeles Rams*: Beaux Limmer (C, Arkansas)
218. Baltimore Ravens* Devin Leary (QB, Kentucky)
219. Buffalo Bills (from Packers)*: Daequan Hardy (CB, Penn State)
220. Tampa Bay Buccaneers*: Elijah Klein (G, UTEP)

Round 7

221. Buffalo Bills (from Panthers through Titans and Chiefs): Travis Clayton (T, England)
222. Washington Commanders: Javontae Jean-Baptiste (EDGE, Notre Dame)
223. Las Vegas Raiders (from Patriots): Trey Taylor (S, Air Force)
224. Cincinnati Bengals (from Cardinals through Texans): Daijahn Anthony (DB, Mississippi State)
225. Los Angeles Chargers: Brenden Rice (WR, USC)
226. Arizona Cardinals (from Giants): Jaden Davis (CB, Miami)
227. Cleveland Browns (from Titans): Myles Harden (CB, South Dakota)
228. Baltimore Ravens (from Jets): Nick Samac (C, Michigan State)
229. Las Vegas Raiders (from Vikings): MJ Devonshire (CB, Pitt)
230. Minnesota Vikings (from Falcons through Browns and Cardinals): Michael Jurgens (C, Wake Forest)
231. New England Patriots (from Bears): Jaheim Bell (TE, Florida State)
232. Minnesota Vikings (from Broncos through 49ers and Texans): Levi Drake Rodriguez (DT, Texas A&M Commerce)
233. Dallas Cowboys (from Raiders): Nathan Thomas (T, Louisiana-Lafayette)
234. Indianapolis Colts: Jonah Laulu (DT, Oklahoma)
235. Denver Broncos (from Seahawks): Devaughn Vele (WR, Utah)
236. Jacksonville Jaguars: Myles Cole (DE, Texas Tech)
237. Cincinnati Bengals: Matt Lee (C, Miami)
238. Houston Texans (from Saints): Solomon Byrd (EDGE, USC)
239. New Orleans Saints (from Rams through Broncos): Josiah Ezirim (T, Eastern Kentucky)
240. Carolina Panthers (from Steelers): Michael Barrett (LB, Michigan)
241. Miami Dolphins: Tahj Washington (WR, USC)
242. Tennessee Titans (from Eagles): James Williams (S, Miami)
243. Cleveland Browns: Jowon Briggs (DT, Cincinnati)
244. Dallas Cowboys: Justin Rogers (DT, Auburn)
245. Green Bay Packers: Michael Pratt (QB, Tulane)
246. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devin Culp (TE, Washington)
247. Houston Texans: Marcus Harris (DT, Auburn)
248. Kansas City Chiefs (from Bills): C.J. Hanson (G, Holy Cross)
249. Houston Texans (from Lions): LaDarius Henderson (G, Michigan)
250. Baltimore Ravens: Sanoussi Kane (S, Purdue)
251. San Francisco 49ers: Tatum Bethune (LB, Florida State)
252. Tennessee Titans (from Chiefs): Jaylen Harrell (EDGE, Michigan)
253. Los Angeles Chargers*: Cornelius Johnson (WR, Michigan)
254. Los Angeles Rams*: KT Leveston (G, Kansas State)
255. Green Bay Packers*: Kalen King (CB, Penn State)
256. Denver Broncos (from New York Jets*: Nick Gargiulo (C, South Carolina)
257. New York Jets*: Jaylen Key (DB, Alabama)

* = compensatory selection

Bears Trade Back Into Draft At 144, Draft Edge Austin Booker

April 27th, 2024 at 1:29pm CST by Ely Allen

The Bears were seemingly done with the 2024 NFL Draft today, but the team brass decided to trade back in to draft Kansas edge rusher Austin Booker. For moving out of the 144th overall pick in the fifth round, the Bills will receive a 2025 fourth-round pick from Chicago. This pick was the fifth-rounder that Buffalo originally acquired from the Bears when they traded center Ryan Bates to Chicago. The Bears got their pick back.

Booker started his career at Minnesota, redshirting in 2021 and playing sparingly in his second year with the Golden Gophers. As a result, he entered the transfer portal and found his way to Kansas. Booker exploded onto the scene in his lone year with the Jayhawks. Winning Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and earning first-team All-Big 12 honors, Booker led the team in sacks (8.0), tackles for loss (12.0), and forced fumbles (2) despite only making one start in 12 game appearances.

The Bears are getting a project here in the fifth round. They’re well set up to do so with Montez Sweat and DeMarcus Walker returning at defensive end. They add a little bit of depth with third-year end Dominique Robinson, but the cabinet is a bit bare after that with Khalid Kareem and Jacob Martin failing to make much of an impact in the NFL thus far.

Booker figures to work into the rotation, nonetheless. His impressive single-season production in Lawrence shows that, while he’s still developing, he can absolutely be effective. The Bears will fill out his frame the right way and will attempt to help coach him into a starting pass rusher with a new bag of tricks that Booker has yet to access. Despite his raw makeup, the Bears saw fit to trade back into the draft to acquire him.

Bears Select WR Rome Odunze At No. 9

April 25th, 2024 at 8:13pm CST by Ben Levine

The Bears have not traded out of the No. 9 slot, after all. Chicago has used its other top-10 selection by drafting Washington receiver Rome Odunze.

There was speculation that the Bears could look to collect even more assets and deal the No. 9 pick. Instead, they’ve decided to continue surrounding No. 1 pick Caleb Williams with weapons.

Odunze starred at Washington for the past two seasons, posting two 1,100-yard campaigns while elevating his stock. He also clocked a 4.45-second 40-yard dash at the Combine, a tenth slower than fellow rookie WR Malik Nabers ran at LSU’s pro day. Odunze led Division I-FBS last season, racking up 1,640 yards to play a central role in the Huskies’ voyage to the CFP national championship game.

While Marvin Harrison Jr. and Nabers seemed destined to be the first two receivers off the board, Odunze seemed to be emerging as the draft’s clear-cut WR3. The 6-foot-3, 212-pound talent ripped off 10 100-yard games last season, including five straight to help the Huskies into the national title game.

Both the Bears and Jets were linked to adding Odunze, and Chicago made the move one pick earlier. The Jets proceeded to trade out of No. 10, and the Bears will equip its No. 1 overall pick with a high-end weapon to complement a now-veteran-heavy receiving corps.

After years of passing attacks dependent on one receiver — be it Allen Robinson, Darnell Mooney or Moore — Chicago has what should be one of the deepest WR cadres in franchise history. As Mooney defected to the Falcons in free agency — following two down seasons in since-fired OC Luke Getsy‘s offense — the Bears have brought in Keenan Allen this offseason. Joining the team via trade (for a fourth-round pick), the elite veteran arrives in a receivers room that already includes D.J. Moore. Odunze should slide right alongside those two veterans, providing Williams with another dynamic receiving threat.

Bears Draft Caleb Williams First Overall

April 25th, 2024 at 7:19pm CST by Adam La Rose

As expected, the Bears have kicked off the 2024 draft by adding their quarterback of the present and future. Chicago has selected Caleb Williams with the first overall pick.

The 2022 Heisman winner entered the past campaign in pole position to be the first player off the board. His highly productive campaign that year – upon following Lincoln Riley from Oklahoma to USC – led to massive expectations and many evaluators deeming him a generational prospect. While the Trojans did not have a stellar showing in 2023 and Williams’ statistical output (both in the air and on the ground) regressed slightly, he has long remained the favorite for the No. 1 slot.

The Bears acquired Carolina’s first-round pick as part of last year’s blockbuster deal which delivered Bryce Young to the Panthers. Now, Chicago general manager Ryan Poles has taken advantage of the 2024 draft’s top choice to add a replacement for Justin Fields. The latter spent the past three years at the helm of Chicago’s offense, and he entered 2023 as a critical evaluation period. With the Bears still struggling to move the ball through the air and Fields failing to show tangible signs of improvement, Poles and Co. elected to start over at the QB spot.

Following through on the stated goal of “doing right by” Fields, Chicago dealt the 2021 first-rounder to the Steelers in March. That swap yielded less compensation than what other teams are believed to have been willing to offer, but it allowed Fields to go to his preferred destination. It also, of course, cleared the way for Poles to draft his own franchise QB in his third season in charge.

Williams’ pre-draft process was not seen as the greatest amongst 2024 quarterbacks, and some teams reportedly have Jayden Daniels ranked as the class’ top signal-caller. Chicago only hosted one QB prospect this spring, though, and Williams in turn only met in-person with one potential employer. Team and player can now officially move forward with a relationship which has long been foreshadowed.

The Bears’ offense has seen a number of changes this offseason, including the hiring of new OC Shane Waldron. Chicago has also signed running back D’Andre Swift and traded for wideout Keenan Allen, adding those players to a skill-position corps already featuring D.J Moore and Cole Kmet. That unit may see another notable move made at a pass-catching position or along the offensive line with the No. 9 pick.

Williams will thus enter a situation where he will not need to be as much of a catalyst as he was with the Trojans. If things go according to plan, though, he will provide Chicago with a long-term solution under center and thus fill a massive organizational need.

Bears Prepared To Trade No. 9 Pick?

April 25th, 2024 at 5:08pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Bears will begin tonight’s draft by making the first selection, but the team also owns pick No. 9 for the time being. A large gap exists between that point and Chicago’s next choice, though, and a move aimed at closing it could be in play.

Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports the Bears are “very open for business” with respect to the ninth overall pick. Chicago is set to select Caleb Williams at No. 1, but staying in place at the other top-10 spot would leave the team off the clock until the midpoint of the third round (No. 75). For that reason, many have pointed the Bears as a trade-down candidate.

Earlier this month, however, general manager Ryan Poles indicated he did not anticipate a move down the board in the first round. Trading away the ninth pick could leave Chicago out of range for a top receiving option (likely Rome Odunze) or the team’s preference in terms of offensive linemen (a list which could include Williams’ top choice, Olu Fashanu). The Bears have also done work on edge prospects, and departing the top 10 would likely take at least one prospect – Dallas Turner – out of consideration.

Still, even a small move down the board could yield considerable draft capital on Day 2 of this weekend’s draft and/or picks in 2025. For a Bears team still looking to add young talent on both sides of the ball, closing the gap between 9 and 75 would be reasonable. Of course, Poles’ decision will come down to the strength of offers made by teams looking to move up.

Several potential suitors have emerged in the hours leading up to the draft, with teams like the Colts, Rams, 49ers and Jaguars reported as being interested in an aggressive deal. Poles will likely not want to venture too far down the order, but as Russini notes suitors have been informed the No. 9 selection could change hands “for the right price.”

Draft Rumors: Williams, Bears, Fashanu, Latham, Bolts, Bowers, Seahawks, Murphy

April 25th, 2024 at 3:31pm CST by Sam Robinson

Pass rusher and wide receiver have been mentioned most often as the Bears‘ targets at No. 9 overall. Though, the player who will almost definitely be chosen at No. 1 (Caleb Williams) in a few hours seems to have Chicago’s D-line ranked outside the top two among his positional priorities here.

“I’d probably go Olu Fashanu because I know he’d put his life on the line for me, protecting me,” Williams said, via Pro Football Talk’s Michael David Smith. “Then I’d go one of the top three wide receivers.”

A Penn State-developed tackle, Fashanu played high school football (at Gonzaga College HS in Washington D.C.) with Williams. That makes it unsurprising the 2022 Heisman winner would stump for his old teammate. The Bears are believed to have a tackle addition on their radar for No. 9, with GM Ryan Poles splitting his staff into pods debating the merits of taking a tackle, edge rusher or wide receiver with that pick. Chicago looks to have done more work on wideouts and pass rushers, being linked to adding a weapon — potentially Rome Odunze or tight end Brock Bowers — for Williams. The team has Braxton Jones and 2023 No. 10 overall pick Darnell Wright at tackle. Fashanu grades 15th on Daniel Jeremiah’s NFL.com big board.

Hours away from Williams starting this draft, here is the latest:

Confirming a previous view around the league, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones indicates teams wanting Bowers will need to hold a top-10 pick. By far the top tight end in this class, the Georgia product appears unlikely to make it past the Jets at No. 10. The Chargers (No. 5), Bears (No. 9) and Jets met with the three-year Bulldogs receiving leader. The Giants not going quarterback in Round 1 would seemingly point them to a wideout, but Darren Waller‘s retirement call is not believed to have emerged. Sitting at 15, the Colts are also believed to be interested in Bowers.
JC Latham sits 18th on Jeremiah’s big board, but the Alabama tackle may go off the board much earlier. He could be in play for the Chargers at No. 5, with ESPN.com’s Jordan Raanan offering that the draft’s run on tackles may begin with the ex-Crimson Tide RT. This would be a surprise, given Joe Alt‘s pedigree (and the Chargers’ reported interest in the two-time All-American). But many teams see Alt as a left tackle. Clubs regularly make switches up front, but if the Bolts — also believed to be Latham fans, potentially in a trade-down scenario — view the two blockers’ values as close, the player with right-side experience could win out. Latham started the past two seasons for Alabama at right tackle. A Chargers first-round tackle investment would be to replace Trey Pipkins, not Rashawn Slater, potentially strengthening Latham’s case for a rookie contract in the No. 5 slot.
Mentioned as a team that scheduled a visit with Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy, the Seahawks did not end up hosting the high-end prospect, per ESPN.com’s Brady Henderson. Murphy falling to 16 may now be unlikely, with rumors he could — as this DT class is not viewed as deep — land inside the top 10 circulating. The Seahawks did visit with Murphy Longhorns DT mate T’Vondre Sweat, per Henderson, who adds the team would have considered Jalen Carter at No. 20 last year but not with their top choice (No. 5). The then-Pete Carroll-led team, which was split on Carter before the 2023 draft, chose Devon Witherspoon. Carter went 10th to the Eagles.
In play to become the fourth receiver drafted this year, LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. may instead see some injury concerns lead to a slight drop. NFL medical staffs have flagged Thomas’ shoulders, per SI.com’s Albert Breer, who notes the Tigers’ No. 2 wideout last year may need surgery on his left shoulder after his rookie year. Jeremiah rates Thomas as this class’ No. 4 wideout (17th overall) after an 1,177-yard, 17-touchdown 2023 showing. LSU is still expected to see he and Malik Nabers become first-rounders tonight.

Bears Extend Assistant GM Ian Cunningham

April 24th, 2024 at 8:14am CST by Sam Robinson

One of the more popular general manager interview candidates in recent years, Ian Cunningham is in his third offseason as the Bears’ assistant GM. The team will reward its top front office lieutenant.

Cunningham has an extension in place, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter. The team hired Cunningham to work as Ryan Poles‘ second-in-command in 2022, and despite the Bears not booking a playoff spot in that span, widespread interest has come in the form of GM interviews. While more should be on tap, the Bears are pleased with Cunningham’s work thus far.

This move comes as Poles remains on the contract he signed back in 2022. Contracts for assistant GMs and assistant coaches generally do not match the length of those awarded to top decision-makers, but Cunningham has some security — in the form of guaranteed money — moving forward. The Bears hired Cunningham from the Eagles in 2022; he was one of four Philly execs — along with Brandon Brown (Giants), Catherine Raiche (Browns) and Andy Weidl (Steelers) — to land an assistant GM job elsewhere that year.

Four teams have reached out to Cunningham about interviews over the past two years. Both clubs who were searching for GMs in 2023 — the Cardinals and Titans — met with him about jobs. This year, the Chargers and Commanders did so. It is believed Cunningham was offered the Cardinals’ GM job last year, but he turned down the position — one that ended up going to Monti Ossenfort. This year, Washington’s job came down to Cunningham and 49ers exec Adam Peters. The latter ended up with the position.

Peters came from a 49ers team that has ventured to four NFC championship games and two Super Bowls over the past five years, while the Bears — amid a rebuild — have gone 10-24 in that span. Cunningham receiving the level of attention he has despite the Bears’ on-field performance in this span reflects a high opinion around the league. Chicago’s Poles-led front office has made interesting moves during this rebuild, most notably the 2023 trade that sent the Panthers Bryce Young and ended up giving the Bears this year’s No. 1 overall pick. That selection is all but certain to turn into Caleb Williams on Thursday night.

The Bears now have an interesting opportunity to reset their quarterback contract clock around Williams, providing Poles and Cunningham more roster flexibility. While Chicago was expected to land more in a Justin Fields trade — one that ended up sending the team only a conditional sixth-round 2025 draft choice (from Pittsburgh) — the NFC North team is now off that rookie contract. Williams will not be extension-eligible until 2027. If the USC product shows promise early, Cunningham should not be expected to be around for much of the QB’s Windy City tenure. Until Cunningham lands/accepts a GM role, he will be in place as Poles’ right-hand man.

NFC Draft Rumors: Nabers, Giants, Falcons, Bears, Cowboys, Barton, Murphy, Seahawks

April 23rd, 2024 at 4:04pm CST by Sam Robinson

As the Giants continue to be tied to a potential trade into the top four for a quarterback, they have the likely option of staying at No. 6 and filling a years-long wide receiver need in their back pocket. Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze visited the team in March. Of this trio, Nabers may the likeliest to end up a Giant. They are interested in the LSU speedster, SNY’s Connor Hughes notes, adding many in the league expect this match to come to fruition at No. 6. A wideout in Round 1 would stand to give Daniel Jones new life, whereas his Giants tenure would be on borrowed time if a QB trade-up happens.

The Giants are also high on Harrison, as should be expected, and SI.com’s Albert Breer views 6 as the floor for the two-year Ohio State standout. Breer also offers Odunze as being a cleaner prospect, character-wise, compared to Nabers, who has developed a bit of a reputation as being tougher to coach. Some teams have the Washington prospect higher on their boards. If the Giants stand down at QB, they are virtually guaranteed one of these three WRs. That presents a big opportunity to fortify a position that has not employed an impact player since Odell Beckham Jr.

Here is the latest from the draft scene:

Breer also ties the Falcons to Nabers, noting some teams have this match on their radar. Atlanta, which holds No. 8 overall, has a greater need on defense; the team has been linked to pass rushers throughout the pre-draft process. Nabers would stand to represent value, and the Falcons could plug him in alongside Drake London and Darnell Mooney at receiver. Though, Atlanta having gone TE-WR-RB in the top 10 over the past three years would invite a Matt Millen-era Lions vibe if this happens again. It would be interesting to see if GM Terry Fontenot would truly use a fourth straight top-10 pick on a skill-position player. The Falcons have also been connected to trading down, per the Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs.
How the Falcons proceed will be of interest to the Bears, who have also been tied to pass-catching aid with their No. 9 choice. Chicago is poised to go either pass catcher or pass rusher at 9, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones notes, with Breer adding wideout may be the more likely play — if one of the top three remains available. Both Jones and Biggs mock Odunze to Chicago at 9. The Bears hosted the Washington standout on a “30” visit; Keenan Allen‘s contract expires after the 2024 season. Brock Bowers is not expected to make it out of the top 10, and the Bears also hosted the Georgia tight end recently. Holding only four picks, the Bears could also opt to trade down.
The Cowboys are believed to be interested in Duke’s Graham Barton, per Breer, who notes the O-lineman has been the player most closely connected to the team during the pre-draft process. While Barton started the past three seasons at left tackle, he is viewed as a better fit inside in the NFL. The Cowboys hosted Barton, among a number of other O-linemen, on a “30” visit recently. Dallas lost Tyler Biadasz and also must replace Tyron Smith. Tyler Smith‘s success at left tackle and left guard give Dallas options. While the team adding one of this draft’s many tackle prospects would stand to keep Tyler Smith inside, Barton would allow him to move back to LT.
The Seahawks passed on Jalen Carter last year, but they may be readier to pull the trigger on a D-tackle this week. The prospect of Seattle snagging Texas DT Byron Murphy at 16 has come up, with Sportskeeda.com’s Tony Pauline noting the former Big 12 standout — who logged a Hawks “30” visit — also has an outside chance of moving into the top 10. The Falcons, who have been tied to edge rushers, are high on Murphy as well. Yahoo.com’s Charles Robinson confirms some interest inside the top 10 indeed exists here. This year’s crop is light on DTs, potentially driving Murphy up the board.

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