2024 NFL mock draft round-up: Way-too-early predictions for Bears

Fansided’s Cody Williams has Chicago landing an edge rusher and wide receiver in back-to-back first-round picks.

Round 1, Pick 10 (via CAR): EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State

A transfer from Albany, you have to wonder how badly FCS opponents felt after playing against Jared Verse given that he came to Florida State and immediately dominated, despite the jump in competition.

Verse returned to the Seminoles instead of declaring in 2023, though, which the Bears are thankful for with this pick. After adding some upside on the defensive line in this year’s draft, they can now get a dominant edge presence, which Verse is as an elite pass-rusher with the ability to win in a variety of ways.

Round 1, Pick 11: WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State

Picking back-to-back thanks to the Panthers trading up to the first pick, the Bears now fill a massive hole on the other side of the ball by getting Justin Fields another weapon, one from his alma mater too. Emeka Egbuka might get overshadowed by Marvin Harrison Jr., but he’s a stud in his own right. The 6-foot-1 pass-catcher had 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns on 74 grabs a year ago. As smooth as they come, he can be a star opposite of D.J. Moore.