Chicago Bears draft grades for 2024 NFL Draft. Here's the expert analysis
The second day of the 2024 NFL Draft has concluded, and the Chicago Bears brought in offensive lineman Kiran Amegadjie to pair with an elite duo of quarterback Caleb Williams and receiver Rome Odunze.
Let's take a look at how analysts graded what general manager Ryan Poles and the Bears have done. Here we go:
Who did the Bears get in the draft? Tracking every Chicago pick in 2024 NFL Draft
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN.com: Bears Draft Grade - Biggest Winner from Round 1
Kiper Jr. listed the Bears, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers and Jacksonville Jaguars as the "Biggest Winners from Round 1" on his ESPN.com piece. He was a big fan of Chicago selecting Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick, then adding Rome Odunze at No. 9.
How could the Bears not be in the "winners" section? They ended up with the No. 1 overall pick via their trade with the Panthers last year, and they used it on the No. 1 prospect on my Big Board. Williams will be an upgrade on Justin Fields as a passer from day one. He's so smooth, so savvy, so talented. And he has playmakers around him — Chicago added Keenan Allen in a trade and has DJ Moore and Cole Kmet — to elevate his game. I love this pick.
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN.com
Chad Rueter, NFL.com: Bears Draft Grade - A
Rueter followed up his first-round grade of an A from last season's first-round pick of Darnell Wright with another A for Williams and Odunze.
It’s been clear since he won the 2022 Heisman Trophy that Williams would be the top pick of this draft. His ability to make great out-of-structure plays, deliver deep bombs and throw with touch between levels — not to mention, his mobility outside and within the pocket — made him the draft’s top quarterback prospect. He'll love throwing to DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and the ninth overall pick in Odunze, whose all-around game outside allows him to create plays on quick throws and beat corners deep to stretch the field. It's a new offensive era in Chicago.
Chad Rueter, NFL.com
Illini players drafted: List of Illinois players were chosen in NFL Draft
Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com: Bears Draft Grade - A- & B+
Prisco gave the Bears an A- for the Williams pick, while grading the Odunze selection a B+.
On Williams: They say he's generational, and he might be, but there are some concerns. I like his game, but I would have taken Jayden Daniels. Only time will tell.
Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com
Nate Davis, USA Today: Bears Draft Grade - Winners
Davis listed Chicago as one of his 10 winners from the first round.
To the surprise of absolutely no one, former USC QB Caleb Williams officially arrived with the No. 1 overall pick. But the acquisition of WR Rome Odunze at No. 9 arguably topped Chicago’s rebuild with the two best players in the entire draft. But there’s almost no argument that this team should be ready to win and contend this season, Williams with a chance to quickly emerge as this franchise’s best passer of the Super Bowl era (since 1966).
Nate Davis, USA Today
Chris Trapasso, CBSSports.com: Bears Draft Grade - A-
Trapasso graded the Bears third-round pick Kiran Amegadjie as an A-.
Legitimately got Trey Smith vibes watching him on film in Ivy League. Ridiculously long, thick masher with OT frame who probably plays guard at next level. Strong, methodical movements. Didn't see many counter moves in college and is a good, not remarkable athlete. Prudent pick for Chicago.
Chris Trapasso, CBSSports.com
Staff, Pro Football Focus: Bears Draft Grade: A
PFF, which uses a scale that uses terms like "elite," "very good," "good," "average," and "below average," felt the Bears have been above average.
On Williams: This decision came into focus after Chicago traded Justin Fields away earlier in the offseason. It’s the right decision for the Bears. Williams has the kind of unique playmaking ability that every team is looking for at the quarterback position, and he earned 90.0-plus PFF grades in three consecutive years to end his college career.
Staff, PFF.com
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: 2024 Bears draft grades: Roundup of analysis after NFL Draft Day 2
