With the NFL season officially under wraps, all eyes focus on the NFL combine, Pro Days, and the NFL draft that takes place on Apr. 27 through Apr. 29.
The Bears are officially on the clock and they have a big decision to make in regards to using the No. 1 selection or trading down to pick up future compensation. The team found their quarterback in Justin Fields two years ago but they need to upgrade the defense. Their options will include Will Anderson from Alabama and Jalen Carter of Georgia.
In this latest mock draft, they choose the former option and trade back to No. 4 and put the Colts on the clock.
Pick 01.01: Bryce Young, Alabama Crimson Tide
In Todd McShay’s latest mock (subscription required), he has the Indianapolis Colts trading with the Chicago Bears to take former Alabama quarterback Bryce Young.
What McShay Says…
New Colts coach Shane Steichen got Justin Herbert up to speed when he was the Chargers’ offensive coordinator during Herbert’s rookie season, and then helped turn Jalen Hurts into one of the league’s top quarterbacks over his two years with the Eagles. Indianapolis has plenty of playmakers already on the roster, but Steichen now needs a signal-caller to build around.
Young’s combine measurements will be important, considering his slender frame (listed at 194 pounds), but he’s my top prospect right now thanks to elite poise in the pocket, good mobility and great field vision. Nothing seems to rattle him, and he can hit all of the NFL-level throws. The Colts must clean up the offensive line to protect him, but Young has a very high ceiling and could help turn the organization around quickly.
What We Say…
In our latest mock draft from Friday, we projected the Colts would trade up to No. 1 to land a quarterback but it was C.J. Stroud and not Young. At the top of the draft, it comes down to your flavor of ice cream. Which quarterback do you feel best fits what you want to accomplish on offense?
Young might be undersized by some standards but that shouldn’t prevent a team from making the former Heisman Trophy winner from going No. 1 overall. He played at a high level with the Crimson Tide and led the team in some big moments, including a national championship in 2020-21.
Next, we look at the second pick of the draft.