Mock Draft: Bears add Saquon Barkley, Giants get Caleb Williams, Raiders trade for QB
By Hunter Haas
The first round of the NFL playoffs is almost in the books, painting a clearer picture of what the NFL Draft board will look like this spring. In today’s mock draft, several teams find new starters at quarterback, while some instant-impact defenders fly off the board in the middle portion of the exercise.
Mock Draft: Bears acquire Saquon Barkley, Giants land Caleb Williams, plus a shocking Raiders trade
With upwards of a dozen franchises searching for potential upgrades behind center, a few fan bases will undoubtedly be left hanging. Expect the Bears to listen to all offers for the No. 1 overall pick, with others in the top 10 also fielding interest for a trade-up.
Elsewhere on offense, wide receiver and offensive line dominate this mock draft. After all, the trenches are vital to the success of any quarterback, as are the weapons they are surrounded by. Both positions will be highly coveted in the first round.
Defensively, the class doesn’t have a blue-chip level prospect on paper. It wouldn’t be shocking to see the event open with 9-10 offensive players taken. But that presents teams picking in the teens with a rare opportunity at the best defenders in the class.
Without further ado, let’s get this first-round mock draft underway. The order will change as the playoffs continue, but Tankathon offers an up-to-date look at where each team stands as of today. Chicago, you are on the clock! Well, about that…
A trade kicks off NFLMocks’ latest mock draft
Bears Send:
•No. 1 overall (2024)
Giants Send:
•RB Saquon Barkley (Tag & Trade)
•No. 6 overall (2024)
•No. 39 overall (2024)
•Future 1st round pick (2025)
•Future 2nd round pick (2026)
Rumors indicate that the Bears could receive a similar package to what they acquired last draft season. In a deal that included superstar wideout D.J. Moore, Chicago emulates that move by adding an All-Pro running back to the fold.
Saquon Barkley is ready for a hefty payday, and it’s unlikely the Giants meet his asking price. And tagging Barkley would prove costly if he remains on the roster. So, the best outcome for both parties is a tag, trade, and extension. That also brings in multiple first and second-round picks to the Windy City.
Giants tab Caleb Williams as the Daniel Jones replacement
No. 1: New York Giants (via CHI) — Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Caleb Williams has nearly every trait necessary to ascend league ranks at quarterback. In New York, Williams will team up with head coach Brian Daboll to craft a new system around the USC alum. He isn’t a perfect prospect, but he is well worth the No. 1 overall selection due to his game-changing arm talent.
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