Frequently Asked Questions
How did Ryan Poles get the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft?
Poles traded the Bears' 2023 first overall pick to the Carolina Panthers, receiving DJ Moore and future draft picks including Carolina's 2024 first-round pick. The Panthers ended up having the worst record in 2023, giving Chicago the first overall pick to select Caleb Williams.
What lucky breaks helped the Bears draft both Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze?
The Texans beat the Colts in the final week of 2022 to give Chicago the worst record, Carolina finished worst in 2023 after the trade, the Bears finished just bad enough to pick in the top ten with their own pick, and the Falcons surprisingly drafted Michael Penix instead of Odunze at eighth overall.
Who did the Bears select with their two first-round picks in 2024?
The Bears selected quarterback Caleb Williams first overall and wide receiver Rome Odunze ninth overall. Both picks came from trades and lucky circumstances that fell perfectly for Chicago.
What past draft disasters is Ryan Poles' recent luck making up for?
The Bears previously drafted busts like Shea McClellin over Chandler Jones, Mitchell Trubisky over Patrick Mahomes, missed Aaron Donald by one pick in 2014, and saw promising pick Kevin White's career ruined by injuries.
How did Lovie Smith help the Bears get the first overall pick in 2023?
Smith, who was coaching the Texans in 2022, led Houston to a last-second victory over the Colts in the final week of the season. This win gave the Bears the worst record in the NFL and secured the first overall pick in the 2023 draft.