Bears Draft Caleb Williams First Overall
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.
Steelers, Bills, Chiefs Aiming To Move Up In First Round?
The final build-up to the 2024 draft has seen several reports link teams to a move up the first-round order. A new shortlist of suitors in that regard has emerged. 
[RELATED: 49ers Eyeing Trade-Up Involving Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel]
The Steelers have made calls with respect to trading up from the No. 20 slot, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network notes (video link). Pittsburgh is positioned to add an offensive lineman – either at tackle or along the interior – as things stand, given the depth of the O-line class. A move up the order could give the team access to a wider range of blockers, however, and/or highly rated prospects at other positions The Steelers will have competition, though.
As Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports, “multiple teams” are looking to move into the top half of the Day 1 order. Numerous suitors are already known (as this afternoon’s updates have demonstrated), and it would come as no surprise if teams currently in possession of selections in the teens made an incremental move. However, some of those in the back of the order will also be worth watching depending on how the board falls.
Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report names the Bills as a team which is “hoping” to trade up and land an offensive weapon in the process. Buffalo owns pick No. 28, but to little surprise its draft board does not have that many prospects with round one grades. In need of a starting-caliber wideout, the Bills were one of several teams recently linked to a trade-up maneuver which would see them add a rookie at the position.
Another of those was the Chiefs, a team which veteran NFL reporter James Palmer tweets have been “really working” to move up from the 32nd slot. Palmer adds Kansas City would look to get aggressive in the hopes of landing one of the class’ “speedy” wideouts, which could put the defending champions in line for a prospect like Xavier Worthy. The Texas product set a new Combine record with a 4.21 40-yard dash time, and he could provide an immediate impact for a team which was already seen as being in need of a WR addition before reports of Rashee Rice facing a potential suspension.
With the first round less than one hour away, the efforts of teams interested in moving around the board will soon result in swaps being accepted or rejected. As the board takes shape throughout the night, Pittsburgh, Buffalo and Kansas City will be worth monitoring closely.
Bears Prepared To Trade No. 9 Pick?
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.”
49ers Discussing First-Round Trade Involving WRs Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel
Plenty of speculation has surrounded Brandon Aiyuk recently, and that continues to be the case as the draft approaches. Fellow 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel could also find himself on the trade block. 
San Francisco has discussed a move up the board in the first round – perhaps as high as the top 10 in the order – in a trade which would include either Aiyuk or Samuel, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports. Despite assurances from general manager John Lynch that the former is expected to stay in place, he will thus remain worth watching closely in the coming hours.
San Francisco is not believed to be close on extension talks with Aiyuk, who has publicly displayed his frustration with the lack of a long-term deal. Citing the similarities of his case to that of Samuel not that long ago, Lynch has offered public confidence the former first-rounder will be retained through the draft. Depending on the market which emerges, though, that could stand to change.
Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle confirms teams have shown interest in Samuel in addition to Aiyuk. The former is on the books for two more years, while the latter is set to play on his $14.12MM fifth-year option in 2024. Keeping Aiyuk in the fold on a major raise would be difficult given the implications of extending another skill-position player before quarterback Brock Purdy becomes eligible for a lucrative new deal of his own.
The 49ers currently own pick No. 31, and as such they could stand to benefit from a notable move up the board. Jumping into the top 10 would incur a major cost, but including Aiyuk or Samuel in any trade would of course create a notable vacancy in the team’s offense. It will be interesting to see how many teams set to pick early or in the middle of the Day 1 order are interested in adding an expensive veteran at the WR position.
Believed to be in the market for a receiver addition, the Steelers have been named as one of the teams which have shown interest in Aiyuk. The 26-year-old had a career year in 2023 (75,1,342-7 statline) and he is poised to remain a focal point on San Francisco’s offense if he remains in place. Whether or not that will be the case is once again a burning question as the draft draws near.
Patriots Exploring Trade Back Into First Round
Owners of the No. 3 pick, the Patriots are positioned to add a quarterback with their first choice in tonight’s draft. The team may not be finished in round one following a selection in that regard, however. 
New England has “explored” the possibility of trading late into the first-round order, ESPN’s Mike Reiss reports. The team’s next highest selection is No. 34, and a move back up the board could entail a much smaller cost than the one required for trades strictly seeing Day 1 picks swapped. Presuming a signal-caller is added at No. 3, a second first-round addition could be aimed elsewhere on offense.
The Patriots ranked 31st in the league in scoring last season and 28th in passing yards. Improvement in that respect was known to be an offseason goal, as evidenced by the team’s pursuit of Calvin Ridley. He ultimately signed with the Titans, though, and New England’s most impactful addition at the WR spot to date has been K.J. Osborn.
The 2024 draft class – one which has consistently been celebrated for its depth at the receiver position – offers a number of intriguing possibilities for the Patriots and many other teams late in the Day 1 order. The trio of top pass-catchers (Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze) will be long gone by the time New England (hypothetically) gets back on the clock tonight. The likes of Brian Thomas Jr., Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell could be within range, however.
The Patriots own seven draft picks aside from the third selection, so moving up from No. 34 should be feasible for de facto general manager Eliot Wolf. While notable WR prospects will no doubt still be on the board by that point, the team may get aggressive in filling that position – or another one – earlier.
Colts Interested In Trading Up For Top WR, TE Brock Bowers?
APRIL 25: The Colts may try to take a big swing in Round 1, with SI.com’s Albert Breer mentioning Indianapolis will probably attempt to make a move for one of the top three wideouts or Brock Bowers. Sitting at No. 15, the Colts may only need to move up a few spots to secure draft real estate good enough to nab Bowers or Rome Odunze. It will probably take a more substantial trade package for Indy to land Harrison or Malik Nabers.
The Bowers element here is interesting, as the Colts have seven tight ends on their offseason roster. Top option Jelani Woods arrived during Frank Reich‘s tenure, as did Mo Alie-Cox and Kylen Granson. Bowers is viewed as this draft’s top tight end by a wide margin; the Georgia product may not make it out of the top 10, setting a potential target for the Colts if they are serious about moving up.
APRIL 24: Most of the trade-up reporting and speculation related to the upcoming draft has centered on quarterbacks, to no surprise. Teams not in need of a rookie passer could still be active in seeking a move up the board, though, and the Colts could be one of them. 
Indianapolis is currently set to select 15th overall, but a trade could be in consideration. The Colts are viewed as being interested in a trade-up aimed at securing a receiver, per Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports. Likewise, ESPN’s Matt Miller reports the team has frequently been mentioned as a potential suitor for Texas wideout Xavier Worthy. Miller’s final mock draft sends the speedster to Indianapolis, albeit with no trade being involved. Owner Jim Irsay noted the team’s “great interest” in Marvin Harrison Jr. (via FOX59’s Mike Chappel), but he will no doubt be out of range.
Worthy earned plenty of acclaim by breaking the all-time 40-yard dash record at the NFL Combine, showcasing his ability as a vertical threat at the NFL level. The Colts have Michael Pittman Jr. in place for years to come atop the WR depth chart, having worked out a three-year deal this offseason which takes the place of his franchise tag. Worthy is also on the radar of the Dolphins, owners of the No. 21 selection.
Indianapolis will have plenty of non-QB options to consider on Day 1, of course, regardless of if the team moves up or down the board. General manager Chris Ballard spoke about the team’s situation during a pre-draft press conference, during which he noted all options are being considered. All teams provide smokescreens this time of year, but Ballard noted the Colts have a track record of moving both up and down the board.
“History, I just go off history,” Ballard said (via NFL.com). “And you know, the more picks you have, the better chance you have to hit. Now, of course, you’re not going to hit on all of them, but it gives you more of a chance to hit. Look, we’ve moved up, we moved up for Jonathan Taylor. When we see one that’s in striking distance that we think we can go get, we’ll do it. But it’s got to work out. And then you’ve got to have… somebody that wants to make the trade.”
The Colts own seven total picks in the 2024 draft, one in each round. The team will thus have the capital required to move up the board slightly in round one, but the possibility of adding later selections could entice Ballard. This year’s class is known to be deep at the receiver spot, and plenty of notable options will be available on Friday and Saturday. Still, Indianapolis will be a team to watch with respect to wideout interest.
Lions, Jared Goff Not Close On Extension Talks
The Lions retained two foundational members of their offense on the eve of the draft. Both receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and right tackle Penei Sewell agreed to monster extensions, but another large priority exists on the offseason to-do list. 
Quarterback Jared Goff is in line for an extension of his own, and talks on that front are underway. Progress has not come about the way it did in the case of St. Brown and Sewell, however. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Goff and the Lions are not close to striking a deal at this time.
The former Rams first overall selection has thrived in the Motor City, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2022 and following that up with another strong outing this past season. Goff helped lead Detroit to a division title and the NFC championship game, posting a career-high completion percentage (67.2%) and a combined 34:12 touchdown-to-interception ratio along the way.
Even though the Lions drafted Hendon Hooker last year, therefore, Goff remains a central figure in the team’s short- and intermediate-term future. The latter is due just over $27.3MM in 2024, the final year of his contract. Considering where the top of the QB market currently stands, the 29-year-old could be in line for a considerable raise. A new Lions agreement could come in at an annual average value of $40MM or more, though the price point of an extension is no doubt a potential sticking point in negotiations.
With the St. Brown and Sewell pacts on the books, the Lions enter this weekend’s draft with $26MM in cap space. A Goff extension could increase that figure, but for the time being Detroit’s cap sheet is in line to carry a $32.3MM charge in 2024 for Goff. His value could increase further with another strong showing in 2024, provided no agreement on a new deal is reached. Whether or not the current gap can be bridged will be a major Lions storyline through the remainder of the offseason.
Saints Considered Trading Marshon Lattimore; CB Remains In Team’s 2024 Plans
As part of the Saints’ annual salary cap gymnastics, Marshon Lattimore‘s contract was restructured this offseason That move – and its particular financial implications – has fueled speculation the Pro Bowl corner could be dealt at some point before the 2024 season. 
Lattimore is due an option bonus shortly before the coming campaign kicks off, and that compensation would become an acquiring team’s responsibility. Ahead of free agency last month, a report indicated teams around the league were aware the 27-year-old could be on the trade block. As a result, it comes as no surprise that general manager Mickey Loomis was asked about the matter at New Orleans’ pre-draft press conference.
“Everybody is tradable, it just depends on the offer that you get,” Loomis said (via Luke Johnson of NOLA.com). “And yet, that’s not very common… I don’t like trading players that have been contributors for us. There’s too many ‘what if’ things here. If there was something imminent, well, I still wouldn’t tell you.”
Loomis added that New Orleans expects Lattimore to remain with the team for the 2024 season. A trade executed at or around this weekend’s draft would create a dead cap charge of over $31MM, making such a move unlikely. After June 1, however, that figure would drop to $10.6MM in 2024 with the remainder being spread out in 2025. Teams which are unable to land a corner high in the draft could show interest in the former first-rounder, who has battled injuries recently.
Lattimore has been limited to 17 total games across the past two seasons, and he missed the final seven contests of the 2023 campaign. When healthy, though, the Ohio State product has been productive (13 interceptions, 74 pass deflections between the 2017-21 seasons). Those totals could help convince teams to pursue a trade, something ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports the Saints “explored” last month. The draft represents another key checkpoint in the offseason for New Orleans to gauge outside interest in any potential Lattimore deal.
The former Defensive Rookie of the Year is owed $51.5MM over the next three years, and his 2024 cap hit currently sits at $14.62MM. Any team willing to absorb that pact may seek further adjustments, but that would of course be a moot point if New Orleans remains intent on retaining him. Lattimore’s situation will remain one to watch closely during and especially after the draft.
Draft Notes: Cowboys, Rams, Fautanu, Legette, Texans, Colts
The Cowboys currently own pick No. 24, but like many other teams late in the first-round order they could be enticed to move down the board. When speaking about the team’s Day 1 approach, owner Jerry Jones noted the appeal of adding extra draft capital, stating it is “very likely” they could have a trade-down opportunity.
“I’m not trying to be cute there,” Jones added, offering a counter to his previous point (via The Athletic’s Saad Yousef). “Obviously we’d like to have some mid-round picks. But by the same token, Micah Parsons might be sitting there with that pick. Now, do you want to go for some more picks or do you want to snag him?”
A number of intriguing options could still be on the board for Dallas if the team remains in place. Offensive line is a known area of interest, and Graham Barton is believed to be on the Cowboys’ radar. Replacements for Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz are needed, and Yousef adds that – all things being equal – Dallas’ preference would be to acquire a left tackle over a center in round one. That direction would allow Tyler Smith to remain at guard.
With the draft’s opening night less than 24 hours away, here are some more notes from around the NFL:
- The Colts are among the teams set to to pick in the teens which could be interested in a move up the board. That is also the case for the Rams, per ESPN’s Dan Graziano. 2024 marks the first year in which Los Angeles owns a Day 1 selection since 2016, but with 11 total picks the team could easily move up from the No. 19 slot. Adding a successor for Matthew Stafford under center has been floated as a first-round possibility, and Bo Nix could be a target in that instance. However, Dianna Russini of The Athletic sees such a move as unlikely (subscription required). Finding a D-line contributor to help fill the void left by Aaron Donald could be a more pressing need for the Rams.
- Troy Fautanu is one of many offensive linemen slated to be selected in the first round, but an injury concern could hurt his stock. The Washington tackle had a knee injury flagged during the pre-draft process, as noted by Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. The issue is seen as one which should not cause trouble in the short term but could ultimately “[impact] his longevity” at the NFL level. Fautanu may be viewed as a tackle (rather than a guard) in the pros, and he is believed to be a target of the Jets at the No. 10 pick. It will be interesting to see if his knee causes a drop down the Day 1 order.
- Wideout Xavier Legette recently went public with the fact the Panthers have shown an interest in drafting him 33rd overall. In response, first-year head coach Dave Canales replied he has made the same remark to “50 other guys” (h/t team reporter Darin Grant). Carolina is obviously not considering that many prospects with the team’s top selection, but Canales’ comment proves the approach is certainly not Legette-or-bust. The former Gamecock had a breakout campaign in 2023, and his size and physicality makes him one of the more intriguing prospects in a celebrated receiver class. Legette could be a first-round candidate, and the WR-needy Bills are among the teams which hosted him for a private workout.
- Nick Caserio has a reputation for executing trades both early and late in the draft, pulling off 18 total moves during his three years at the helm of the Texans. That total includes eight trades in 2023, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter writes Caserio is “likely” to continue being active on the trade front this weekend. Of course, Houston has already been a major player in terms of pick swaps, dealing the 23rd choice to the Vikings last month. As things stand, the Texans own nine 2024 selections.
- Colts owner Jim Irsay is recovering from surgery which addressed back and leg issues, and his mobility is presently limited as a result. That will keep him from being in the team’s draft room, as he explained to ESPN’s Stephen Holder. Irsay will still be connected virtually to the team’s decision-makers, though, meaning Indianapolis’ draft process will carry on as usual as he continues to recover.
Minor NFL Transactions: 4/24/24
Wednesday’s minor moves:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Waived: CB Richard LeCounte
- Placed on exempt/international list: OL Chukwuebuka Godrick
LeCounte made a pair of regular season appearances with the Buccaneers in 2023, and he landed a futures deal from Tampa Bay in January. He will now look for a new opportunity after the draft has concluded. Godrick joined the NFL via the International Player Pathway last spring, signing with the Chiefs. The 23-year-old did not see game action during the campaign, but today’s move suggests he will spend the 2024 season with the Buccaneers. Teams are provided one practice squad roster exemption for international players such as Godrick.