Detroit is the host of the NFL draft beginning April 25, and Lions fans will have an in-person opportunity to see the NFC North rival Chicago Bears be the talk of Round 1.

The Bears more than make up for the fact they own only four total picks as their first two are Nos. 1 and 9. That puts general manager Ryan Poles in position to dramatically upgrade the roster of a team that finished 7-10 in 2023, five games behind the Lions.

It’s a foregone conclusion the Bears will choose USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the top pick. Poles can offset that lack of intrigue when it comes to his choice at No. 9.

Wide receiver? Offensive tackle? Edge rusher? Trade down?

In mock draft 3.0, we propose a trade down for Poles that would net the Bears a third-round selection.

1. Bears (from Carolina Panthers): Caleb Williams, QB, USC

The Bears hosted Williams on an official visit two weeks ago, and barring something totally unexpected, this selection is a fait accompli. Williams has no other known visits and the Bears were positively smitten with him coming out of his pro day workout last month. This selection inspires confidence that this mock draft will finish at least 1 for 32.

2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

The Commanders are expected to begin the Adam Peters/Dan Quinn era by selecting a quarterback, a problematic position for a very long time. Daniels’ ascent at LSU makes him a solid choice if the Commanders believe he will do a better job of getting rid of the ball and not taking as many hits, something he had a tendency to do in college.

3. New England Patriots: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

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