2024 NFL Draft: Bears Trade for Caleb Williams, QB, USC in Top 10 Mock Draft

Chicago, Illinois United States of America
The 2024 NFL Draft is just five weeks away, and the jockeying for the top quarterbacks remains this year's buzziest topic. In a mock draft conducted by our beat writers, teams in need of a quarterback were willing to pay a huge price.
The Chicago Bears officially put themselves in position to draft a quarterback by trading for Caleb Williams from USC.
Two of our GMs traded up into the top 10 to grab their quarterbacks of the future, while another team moved back up into the late first round to go after its own. (Our beat writers' trades are noted with an asterisk.)
2024 NFL Draft: Bears Trade for Caleb Williams, QB, USC in Top 10 Mock Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft is just five weeks away, and the jockeying for the top quarterbacks remains this year's buzziest topic. In a mock draft conducted by our beat writers, teams in need of a quarterback were willing to pay a huge price. Two of our GMs traded up into the top 10 to grab their quarterbacks of the future, while another team moved back up into the late first round to go after its own. (Our beat writers' trades are noted with an asterisk.)

Here is how it all went down:

  1. Chicago Bears (from CAR): Caleb Williams, QB, USC - The Justin Fields trade was inevitable, but it officially puts the Bears in position to draft a quarterback. While anything could happen,


Confidence

86%

Doubts
  • It is not clear if the trade was necessary or if there were other options available.

Sources

64%

  • Unique Points
    • . The offseason quarterback carousel has been in constant motion with Kirk Cousins moving from Minnesota to Atlanta.
    • . I project six quarterbacks selected in the top 33 picks, as well, which has not happened since the famed 1983 draft saw a half dozen go in the first 27 slots, including Hall of Famers John Elway, Jim Kelly and Dan Marino.
    • The mock includes six trades
    • . The trade of Justin Fields to Pittsburgh makes this pick a fait accompli. Williams makes off-platform plays for the highlight reels and has the potential to become one of the top quarterbacks in the league -- if he’s decisive in the pocket and can routinely unleash that marvelous deep ball effectively.
    • It looks as though the Patriots will ride with a rookie quarterback in the post-Bill Belichick era, grabbing whomever the Commanders pass on between Daniels and Maye. Maye's strength in the pocket and all-around skill set scream NFL starter, and the team hopes new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt can mold him into a consistent winner.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (30%)
    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author uses sensationalism by stating that this mock draft keeps the carousel spinning with signal-callers coming off the board in each of the first four picks which would be a first in NFL history.
    • which has not happened since 1983
    • This mock draft keeps the carousel spinning with signal-callers coming off the board in each of the first four picks
  • Fallacies (75%)
    The article contains several logical fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that the offseason quarterback carousel has been in constant motion and cites multiple examples of relocations without providing any evidence or context for their significance.
    • > Kirk Cousins moving from Minnesota to Atlanta, Justin Fields traded from Chicago to Pittsburgh
    • > Drew Lock and Sam Howell making cross-country treks from west to east (Seattle to New York in free agency) and east to west (Washington D.C. to the state of Washington via trade)
    • > Russell Wilson, Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew, Sam Darnold, Mac Jones
    • > Jimmy Garoppolo and Kenny Pickett
  • Bias (75%)
    The article contains examples of political bias and religious bias. The author uses language that depicts one side as extreme or unreasonable.
    • > Published: Mar 22, 2024 at 01:38 PM <br> > The offseason quarterback carousel has been in constant motion with Kirk Cousins moving from Minnesota to Atlanta, Justin Fields traded from Chicago to Pittsburgh for a pittance and Drew Lock and Sam Howell making cross-country treks from west to east (Seattle to New York in free agency) and east to west (Washington D.C. to the state of Washington via trade), respectively.<br> > I project six quarterbacks selected in the top 33 picks, as well, which has not happened since the famed 1983 draft saw a half dozen go in the first 27 slots, including Hall of Famers John Elway, Jim Kelly and Dan Marino.
      • The mock includes six trades to simulate the event's ever-shifting tide. The trade of Justin Fields to Pittsburgh makes this pick a fait accompli.
      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication

      59%

      • Unique Points
        • Michigan football team will hold its annual Pro Day on Friday (March 22) at Schembechler Hall.
        • AJ Barner is eligible for the NFL Draft and his measurements are: Height: 6-6, Weight: 251 lbs, Arm: 33.75 inches, Hand: 9.875 inches.
      • Accuracy
        • Height:
        • Weight:
      • Deception (50%)
        The article is deceptive in that it presents the results of Michigan's Pro Day as if they are official NFL Combine measurements. However, these measurements were not taken at the NFL Combine and therefore cannot be considered accurate or reliable.
        • Arm: 33 3/8"
        • Height: 6-6, Weight: 251 lbs
        • Hand: 9'9'; Wingspan:
      • Fallacies (85%)
        The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses inflammatory rhetoric by describing the players as being 'eligible for the NFL Draft' and using phrases such as 'wolverines'. This creates a sense of urgency and importance around the event, which is not necessary or accurate. Additionally, there are several examples of appeals to authority throughout the article. The author mentions that these measurements were taken at various events without providing any context for why they should be trusted over other sources.
        • The use of phrases such as 'wolverines' and 'eligible for the NFL Draft' creates a sense of urgency and importance around the event, which is not necessary or accurate.
        • There are several examples throughout the article where appeals to authority are made without providing any context for why these sources should be trusted over other sources.
      • Bias (80%)
        The article contains biased language and examples of bias. The author uses extreme language to describe the NFL Draft as a 'pro day' which implies that it is an event where players are judged or evaluated for their abilities rather than just being measured physically. This creates a false sense of urgency and importance around the draft, which could be seen as promoting the idea that football is more important than other sports or activities.
        • Photos and results from the day will be posted on this page following the event.
          • The University of Michigan football team will hold its annual Pro Day on Friday (March 22) at Schembechler Hall.
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication

          58%

          • Unique Points
            • The Bears could be in line for a top receiver to fall to them at No. 9: A wide receiver room that already features D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen could become elite with a player like Rome Odunze.
            • Whether it requires a trade-up or the Michigan signal-caller falls to No. 11, Minnesota should be targeting McCarthy.
            • The arrival of Allen means the team doesn't need to chase any upgrade in receiving talent, but if one of the 'big three' receivers falls, the Bears couldn't do better than snagging him.
          • Accuracy
            No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
          • Deception (30%)
            The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that Caleb Williams is the best quarterback prospect in this draft and one of the best to enter the league in several years. However, there are other prospects who have been consistently ranked higher than him by experts such as Justin Herbert and Tua Tagovailoa. Secondly, when discussing Rome Odunze's physical tools and playmaking ability, the author compares him to Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers and arguably more raw than them. However, this comparison is not accurate as it implies that Odunze has similar skills to these players which he does not have. Lastly, when discussing Terrion Arnold's man coverage skills, the author claims that most teams in the league play zone far more often but states that Brian Flores still covets man cover skills more than anything else on the back end. This statement is contradictory as it implies that other coaches do not value man coverage skills which is not true.
            • The author claims Caleb Williams to be the best quarterback prospect in this draft, however there are other prospects who have been consistently ranked higher by experts such as Justin Herbert and Tua Tagovailoa.
            • When discussing Rome Odunze's physical tools and playmaking ability, the author compares him to Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers and arguably more raw than them. However, this comparison is not accurate as it implies that Odunze has similar skills to these players which he does not have.
            • The author claims that most teams in the league play zone far more often but states that Brian Flores still covets man cover skills more than anything else on the back end. This statement is contradictory as it implies other coaches do not value man coverage skills which is not true.
          • Fallacies (85%)
            The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that Caleb Williams is the best quarterback prospect in this draft and one of the best to enter the league in several years without providing any evidence or reasoning for his claim. Additionally, he makes a false dilemma by suggesting that either Rome Odunze should be selected at pick No. 9 or not at all, when there are other options available such as trading up for another player. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric by stating that the Bears could become elite with a player like Rome Odunze without providing any evidence to support this claim.
            • Caleb Williams is the best quarterback prospect in this draft and one of the best to enter the league in several years.
          • Bias (85%)
            The author has a clear bias towards the idea that having multiple first-round picks in the NFL Draft is advantageous for teams. The author presents three different scenarios where each team with two first-round picks could potentially use their selections to draft players who would be valuable additions to their roster.
            • The Bears should have J.J. McCarthy on their radar
              • Try PFF's mock draft simulator: You can trade picks and players and draft for your favorite NFL team.
              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication
              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                The author has multiple conflicts of interest on the topics provided. The article discusses specific quarterbacks and wide receivers that are likely to be picked in the first round by certain teams. However, there is no disclosure of any financial ties or personal relationships between the author and these players or teams.
                • The article mentions Caleb Williams as a potential top pick for multiple teams including Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings.

                73%

                • Unique Points
                  • . The offseason quarterback carousel has been in constant motion with Kirk Cousins moving from Minnesota to Atlanta.
                  • . I project six trades
                  • The mock includes six trades
                • Accuracy
                  No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
                • Deception (30%)
                  The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that the Bears traded for Caleb Williams but does not mention anything about a trade with the Commanders. Secondly, it mentions significant negotiations were had with other teams about moving down and even talks of a three-way deal involving multiple teams without disclosing any details or sources. Lastly, it states that there is no public or private consensus on whether Daniels or Drake Maye is the better prospect which contradicts previous statements made in the article.
                  • It states that there is no public or private consensus on whether Daniels or Drake Maye is the better prospect which contradicts previous statements made in the article.
                  • Significant negotiations were had with other teams about moving down and even talks of a three-way deal involving multiple teams without disclosing any details or sources.
                  • The Bears traded for Caleb Williams but does not mention anything about a trade with the Commanders.
                • Fallacies (85%)
                  The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by stating that Caleb Williams is the most talented player in the draft without providing any evidence or reasoning for this claim. Additionally, there are several instances of inflammatory rhetoric used throughout the article such as 'nothing has changed' and 'significant negotiations were had'. The author also uses a dichotomous depiction by stating that Caleb Williams is in an ideal situation while Jayden Daniels is not.
                  • Caleb Williams, QB, USC
                  • Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
                • Bias (85%)
                  The article is biased towards the idea that teams in need of a quarterback are willing to pay a huge price. The author uses language such as 'jockeying for the top quarterbacks remains this year's buzziest topic.' and 'teams in need of a QB were willing to pay a huge price.' This implies that there is some sort of urgency or desperation around drafting QBs, which may not be entirely accurate. Additionally, the author uses language such as 'nothing has changed the near-consensus evaluation' and 'significant negotiations were had with other teams about moving down', implying that there is a consensus among experts on who will be selected in the top 10 picks. This could also not be entirely accurate.
                  • The Justin Fields trade was inevitable, but it officially puts the Bears in position to draft a quarterback.
                  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                    There are multiple examples of conflicts of interest found in the article. The author is a group of NFL beat writers who have financial ties to teams and players they cover.
                    • Dan Pompei has covered the New England Patriots for years and may be biased towards them.
                    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                      None Found At Time Of Publication