Caleb Williams recognizes that his influence over the Chicago Bears’ decisions in the 2024 NFL draft is limited. Nevertheless, when asked which player he’d like to see join him for his NFL debut season, he didn’t hesitate to name Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu.
During a press conference in Detroit on April 24, just a day before the draft, Williams expressed his preference for Fashanu, citing his reliability and dedication to protecting his teammates. He also hinted at the possibility of selecting one of the top three wide receivers available at the ninth pick.
Fashanu’s potential selection by the Bears would bring an interesting dynamic to their roster. The young left tackle boasts an impressive record, having not surrendered a single sack and allowing only one quarterback hit in his two seasons with the Nittany Lions. Additionally, his prior success alongside Williams at Gonzaga College High School adds a compelling narrative.
While the Bears currently have Braxton Jones as their starting left tackle, investing in the position further could be on their agenda as they seek to fortify their offensive line to support their new franchise quarterback.
As the draft day unfolds, speculation looms over the Bears’ decision with the ninth overall pick. Among the potential options, selecting one of the top wide receivers in the class, such as Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, or Rome Odunze, stands out. Pairing a high-caliber playmaker with their new quarterback could be a strategic move to bolster their offensive firepower.
Alternatively, the Bears may opt to address their need for an edge rusher, considering the importance of solidifying their defensive line. Prospects like Dallas Turner, Jared Verse, Laiatu Latu, and Chop Robinson have all garnered attention from the Bears during the pre-draft process.
However, there’s also speculation about a less conventional approach, with the Bears potentially targeting a defensive tackle like Byron Murphy from Texas. Despite having talent in the defensive tackle position, the departure of Justin Jones in free agency leaves a gap in the Bears’ defensive lineup, making Murphy an intriguing prospect for their scheme under Matt Eberflus.
