September 19, 2024

With the Bears hiring Shane Waldron as their offensive coordinator, Ryan Poles was left with a tough decision about Justin Fields’ future

The thing about mock drafts is that even when the regular season is over, any change, however slight, may alter the direction an organization moves toward. Movements within teams’ coaching staffs could indicate which positions or, more specifically, what players become prioritized.

The Chicago Bears hired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, so is that an indication that incumbent quarterback Justin Fields remains or that Chicago is leaning toward drafting a signal caller?

The Titans released former head coach Mike Vrabel and replaced him with former Bengals’ offensive coordinator Brian Callahan. So, will Tennessee shift its focus toward an offensive draft prospect, possibly reflecting Callahan’s vision for the team?

Check out this week’s mock, and consider for yourselves if these current alterations best reflect where your favorite team(s) draft interests are focused.

1. Chicago Bears (via Carolina): QB – Caleb Williams, USC

What Caleb Williams' teammates and opponents had to say about the USC  quarterback

Chicago’s recent hire of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron might be an indication that incumbent quarterback Justin Fields could be throwing passes for another organization next season. Speculatively speaking, Waldron may favor having an opportunity to coach and mold a player less exposed to other NFL coaching systems.

Waldron is an experienced offensive coordinator who was highly sought after by several teams. It’s possible his main stipulation for taking the job might be a desire to coach an unblemished talent, as opposed to veteran quarterbacks like he dealt with in Seattle.

2. Chicago Bears (via New England): WR – Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State

Marvin Harrison Jr. Explains Legacy He Wants to Leave at Ohio State Beyond  Stats

Taking a page from the Houston Texans draft playbook, Bears general manager Ryan Poles potentially devises a trade package that could position Chicago into the third overall spot. New England is last in a competitive AFC Eastern Division dominated by pro bowl caliber quarterbacks (Josh Allen, Aaron Rodgers and Tua Tagovailoa). The Patriots’ new head coach (Jarod Mayo) has a veteran unit with 19 unrestricted free agents this year and 20 slated for 2025.

It’s possible Poles sense New England’s need to win now and trades quarterback Justin Fields, Chicago’s ninth pick in the first round and its sixth-round pick in 2025. In return, the Bears receive New England’s third overall pick, its 103rd pick (4th), and 2025’s third and fifth-round spots. When the dust settles, Chicago triumphantly selects Marvin Harrison Jr., envisioning an offense with him receiving passes from Caleb Williams.

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