We already heard today that the Bears are bringing in LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers for a “top 30” visit this Wednesday. Now, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic informs us that Chicago plans to host Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and Texas speedster Xavier Worthy, as well. Both wideouts are set to be at Halas Hall tomorrow and will be joined by UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu. 
The Bears’ most pressing concern for the 2024 NFL Draft is obviously at quarterback. With only Tyson Bagent and Brett Rypien on the roster at the position, it has become a foregone conclusion that the Bears will use the first of their two top-ten picks (and the first overall selection of the draft) on USC passer Caleb Williams. This week’s visitors, though, provide a bit of insight into what the team is planning to do with their second pick of the draft, the ninth pick.
Nabers makes sense as a target if the team intends to sit pat and select in the ninth position after drafting Williams. There’s a chance he may not make it that far, but with a run of quarterbacks expected in the first four picks and teams in the next four picks having needs that aren’t wide receiver, it’s not insane to believe that Nabers may drop to ninth overall. Harrison, on the other hand, will not be around that long. As the top wide receiver available in this year’s draft, according to nearly every ranking, Harrison likely won’t be available after the fifth or sixth pick. If Chicago is seriously considering adding Harrison to the team, they will need to trade up to get him.
Targeting Worthy and Latu provides the alternate opportunity to the Bears. Both players are seen as mid- to late-first-round picks, so it could actually really benefit the team to trade back, as Chicago may have two top-ten picks, but their next selection after that doesn’t come until the 11th pick of the third round. Adding a top receiver or edge rusher with a second first-round pick while bringing in a bit more draft capital by trading back could be a perfect storm for the Bears.
It’s clear that adding a third wide receiver is a priority in Chicago, though. With top returning receiver D.J. Moore now paired up with Keenan Allen, a third top wideout could give the Bears their best receiving corps in a very long time. Both Nabers and Worthy would provide a level of speed to the passing attack that could easily take the top off any defense already covering Moore and Allen. Harrison hasn’t been officially timed, but there are few (if any) facets of his game that are a demerit on his draft stock. Latu, on the other hand, with 23.5 sacks in his final two collegiate seasons, could pair nicely opposite Montez Sweat in their efforts to meet at the quarterback.
Trading up for Harrison would be difficult but could be worth it to bring in a potentially generational talent at receiver. Staying pat won’t cost them any more than they’ve already given, and adding Nabers would be a great compliment to their current corps. And trading back while still being able to add a day one contributor like Worthy or Latu could work wonders for their pick totals. Regardless, it’s clear that the Bears are making an effort to bring in even more weapons for their presumed 2024 starter under center, Williams.
Don’t see how they can pull off getting Williams and Harrison Jr, but that would be amazing if they did.
They might be able to trade up from 9 to 4 or 5 but it would cost them a lot. Really not necessary in my opinion. Personally I think Nabers is slightly better and Odunze is not far behind. And frankly WR isn’t even our most pressing need. We should probably be drafting an Edge there but I would be fine with one of those three WRs if they fall.
Bears almost have to trade back. They have so many holes and almost no picks. Let’s draft two savior skill position players and not improve the trenches where the games are won and lost… This is why bad teams stay bad.
I wouldn’t say they have too many holes. After they draft Williams, they need LT and DLine. They already have Moore, Allen, a decent TE and good RBs.
It’s a young O Line that got significantly better last year with the addition of Darnell Wright. And Poles signed two promising Vets who will compete at Center. There’s definitely room for improvement but I don’t think it’s as glaring as it was before this past season.
I think Edge, IOL, Left Tackle, and WR are all relatively minor holes that could use an addition. But I think Edge is the most pressing.
Allen’s contract is up after this year and Moore after 2025. Adding to the core just makes good sense.
If the Bears draft another WR who turns out to be as useless as Kevin White was the whole scouting department should be trashed.
Kevin White was drafted in 2015 which was under a different regime, so I have no clue why you brought him up.
White hasn’t played in the NFL since 2022 for New Orleans.
I would be more worried about drafting Williams than a WR because I believe the Bears would be better suited to trading back getting more picks and drafting another QB instead.