AP mock NFL draft: Bears keep the No. 1 pick, take USC star QB Caleb Williams

The Chicago Bears passed up C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young last year because they had Justin Fields.

Now, they’ve got a shot at Caleb Williams.

They can’t miss another chance at a franchise quarterback.

The Bears traded away the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft to the Carolina Panthers, who used it to select Young. They ended up with the top pick again this year because Young struggled and the Panthers flopped.

Fields, who was picked 11th overall in 2021, is 10-28 in three seasons in Chicago. He finished strong, leading the Bears to a 4-3 record over their final seven games last season.

But Williams is the future for Chicago.

The first edition of the news agencies’s 2024 mock draft says the Bears keep the top pick and take Williams.

1. Chicago Bears: CALEB WILLIAMS, QUARTERBACK, USC

Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner, didn’t work out at the NFL’s scouting combine in Indianapolis. He didn’t have to. He’s the consensus No. 1 pick and the Bears finally may have a long-term answer at the most important position.

2. Washington Commanders: JAYDEN DANIELS, QUARTERBACK, LSU

The Commanders choose the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner over Drake Maye, giving new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury a dual-threat QB to build his offense around. Daniels has the ability to make big plays with his arm and legs while also taking care of the ball. He threw 40 touchdown pass and just four interceptions last season.

3. New England Patriots: DRAKE MAYE, QUARTERBACK, NORTH CAROLINA

It’s a new era in New England with Bill Belichick gone. Jerod Mayo took his place as head coach but the Patriots still haven’t found a QB to replace Tom Brady. Mac Jones, a first-round pick in 2021, fizzled after a solid rookie season. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound Maye stood out at the combine with Williams and Daniels electing to not participate. He’s been one of the best college QBs over the past two seasons and has what it takes to be a franchise player.

4. Arizona Cardinals: MARVIN HARRISON, JR., WIDE RECEIVER, OHIO STATE

Hall of Fame receiver Marvin Harrison’s son is considered the best overall prospect in the draft. He has all the physical tools and skills to follow in his dad’s footsteps and become one of the NFL’s dominant receivers.

5. Los Angeles Chargers: JOE ALT, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, NOTRE DAME

New Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh has made it clear the team must protect QB Justin Herbert and the offense has to run the ball efficiently. The 6-9, 321-pound Alt is an athletic, versatile player widely considered the best blocker in a strong draft class. His father, John Alt, was a two-time Pro Bowl left tackle in Kansas City.

6. New York Giants: MALIK NABERS, WIDE RECEIVER, LSU

The Giants haven’t had a 1,000-yard receiver since Odell Beckham Jr. in 2018. Naber gives them a physical receiver with elite ball skills and explosive route-running ability. He caught 89 balls for 1,569 yards and 14 TDs last season.

7. Tennessee Titans: TALIESE FUAGA, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, ORGEON STATE