Bears Mock Draft: Chicago finds a Justin Fields replacement at quarterback

The Chicago Bears are the focal point of the NFL Draft for a second consecutive off-season.

After earning the top pick in 2023, the franchise stuck with starting quarterback Justin Fields and traded the selection for numerous future assets. Now, the Bears find themselves in familiar territory.

One of those future draft picks acquired by Chicago has become the number-one pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Panthers traded up to secure quarterback Bryce Young last off-season, a move that backfired in year one as Carolina finished 2-15 in the regular season.

Thanks to the Panthers’ struggles, the Bears now face a similar dilemma this off-season. Should the front office stand by Fields for another year? Or will the team move on from the Ohio State alum and start over fresh behind center?

These are the questions that dominate NFL mock draft exercises. Until a final decision comes, which isn’t expected until at least March, fans and scouts alike will feel uncertainty in projecting what Chicago could do with the pick.

In today’s three-round mock draft, Dexerto Sports rips the band-aid off and trades Fields away to the highest bidder. In turn, a star-studded passer from Southern California is set to take his place as QB1 in the Windy City.

Bears Mock Draft: Chicago trades Justin Fields

Round 1, No. 1 overall (via CAR) — Caleb Williams, QB, USC

Caleb Williams is an uber-talented quarterback prospect who thrives at creating plays outside the pocket with an extraordinary blend of arm talent and athleticism. He will aim to become what Fields could not in Chicago — a franchise quarterback.

Round 1, No. 9 overall — Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

The Bears acquired wide receiver D.J. Moore from the Panthers in the aforementioned trade last offseason. In this mock draft, Rome Odunze, a gifted route runner with remarkable hands, arrives to form a lethal pass-catching duo with Moore.

Justin Fields’ trade compensation

Steelers acquire:•QB Justin Fields

Bears acquire:•No. 51 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft

The Steelers have been linked to Justin Fields throughout the off-season, and in this mock draft, Pittsburgh sends a second-round pick to the Bears in exchange for Fields.

Round 2, No. 51 overall (via PIT) — T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas

With the added selection from the Fields trade, head coach Matt Eberflus gets a big-bodied run-stuffer for the defense. T’Vondre Sweat weighs north of 350 pounds and plays a dominant brand of football that will translate to Sundays.

Round 3, No. 75 overall — Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia

The Bears do not have a starting-caliber center on the roster, so selecting Zach Frazier at the end of this three-round mock draft presents a hand-in-glove fit for the franchise. Frazier shows incredible flexibility and core strength on tape. He has the chops to start as a rookie.