Bears Rumors: Execs in 'Pods' to Debate No. 9; Scout Would Be 'Shocked' If Not Traded | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

The Chicago Bears are taking a unique approach to the 2024 NFL draft when it comes to figuring out which player they want to select with their second first-round pick at No. 9 overall.

Per ESPN's Courtney Cronin, the Bears have sectioned their coaches and personnel staff into "pods" that will allow them to debate which position they want to address with the ninth pick.

Wide receiver, offensive tackle and defensive end were cited as the position groups Chicago's staff is deciding between.

One area scout for another NFC team told ESPN's Jordan Reid they would "be shocked" if the Bears actually make the pick at No. 9.

"[Bears GM Ryan] Poles loves to move around and build through the draft, and that roster still needs help in some spots," the scout said.

Cronin previously reported after each pod evaluates its position group, the entire group will reconvene to figure out "the best short-term and long-term play" for the organization.

At this point, it would be a shock if the Bears didn't use the No. 1 pick on Caleb Williams. Even though the club has two of the first nine picks, they don't have a lot of draft capital overall to use.

The Bears only have four picks total, with their final two coming rounds three (No. 75) and four (No. 122). They could attempt to trade out of the ninth spot to accrue more assets, but general manager Ryan Poles told Cronin "it doesn't" cause them any stress if they stick with the picks they have.

"The way this is set up and [with] some of the draft capital we've been able to create in the first two years, I feel pretty comfortable about it. It'll be boring if we don't do any trades, but I feel pretty good about where we're at," Poles said.

If the Bears do stay at No. 9, it's not a surprise to know they are trying to deciding between a receiver, offensive tackle or defensive end. They need another pass-rusher opposite Montez Sweat, but they could also use a left tackle with Braxton Jones currently penciled in as the starter.

Wide receiver would be a bit of a luxury pick because D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen are already on the roster, but Allen will turn 32 on April 27 and is in the final season of his contract.

If the Bears have the ability to get one of the big three receivers—Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze—it might be very difficult to pass up on pairing a potential blue-chip pass-catcher with Williams.