It’s almost a given that the Chicago Bears will choose quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall choice in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, there is a lot of curiosity about what general manager Ryan Poles can accomplish at No. 9 overall.
The Bears are almost certain to select two blue-chip players with their first two picks, regardless of Poles’ choice to select the best offensive tackle available to help keep Williams upright, move back to acquire future draft capital and select the best pass-rusher to pair opposite Montez Sweat, or even hold steady and select the best wide receiver available in a loaded class at the position.
However, Mike Tannenbaum, a former general manager of the NFL, presents an utterly absurd scenario that would position the Bears to contend for the NFC North very quickly.
Tannenbaum has former Ohio State standout Marvin Harrison Jr. falling to No. 9 overall, and he also has a generational wide receiver prospect in Tannenbaum.
Tannenbaum comments for ESPN, “Chicago has a really solid set of playmakers and just traded for Keenan Allen.” But how are you going to beat Harrison at number nine? He reminds me of Larry Fitzgerald because, despite being 6-foot-3 and 209 pounds, he has exceptional hands, is great in contested catch situations, and executes his breaks with ease. He just finished his second season in a row with over 1,200 receiving yards (1,211) and 14 touchdown receptions. What better way to set Caleb Williams for success than to assemble a strong supporting cast?
Is the Chicago Bears able to select both Marvin Harrison and Caleb Williams in the NFL Draft?
With all due respect to Tannenbaum and his tenure as the front office manager of the New York Jets, Jerry Rice is more likely to be on the field in September and be in position to catch passes from Williams than Harrison Jr.
Look, there’s a point in the pre-draft process every year when overanalytical paralysis sets in. This seems to be the turning point.
For at least a year, Harrison has been the undisputed top receiver prospect in this class and may be the best prospect overall. Even though it’s always possible for four quarterbacks to go off the board in the first five picks, the Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Chargers, New York Giants, and Tennessee Titans are still teams that could use a playmaker like Harrison in their receiving corps.
Not to mention dozens of teams pounding on doors and severing phone connections in an attempt to trade up for Harrison Jr.
Listen, feel free to buy Bears Super Bowl futures in the upcoming seasons if Poles can leave Detroit with Caleb Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr. in tow. He can also start etching his name on the Executive of the Year Trophy right away.
The idea that the Poles may choose Harrison Jr. by holding onto their ninth pick is almost absurd.
