The Chicago Bears secured the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft last week thanks to the Carolina Panthers' Week 17 loss – the Bears own the Panthers' first-round pick this year. However, the number 2 pick was not selected until the final day of the regular season.
That spot belongs to the Washington Commanders, who capped a season-ending eight-game losing streak with a 38-10 setback against the Dallas Cowboys. Because the 4-13 Commanders have had an easier schedule this season, they receive a higher pick in Round 1 than the other two 4-13 finishers: New England and Arizona.
Picks 1-18 have now been determined. The remaining spots, Nos. 19-32, will be determined by the end of the playoffs.
(*determined by playoff finish)
1. Chicago Bears (from Carolina)
2. Washington Commanders
3. New England Patriots
4. Arizona Cardinals
5. Los Angeles Chargers
6. New York Giants
7. Tennessee Titans
8. Atlanta Falcons
9. Chicago Bears
10. New York Jets
11. Minnesota Vikings
12. Denver Broncos
13. Las Vegas Raiders
14. New Orleans Saints
15. Indianapolis Colts
16. Seattle Seahawks
17. Jacksonville Jaguars
18.Cincinnati Bengals
19. Green Bay Packers*
20. Pittsburgh Steelers*
21. Los Angeles Rams*
22. Miami Dolphins*
23. Philadelphia Eagles*
24. Houston Texans (from Cleveland)*
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers*
26. Arizona Cardinals (from Houston)*
27. Kansas City Chiefs*
28. Detroit Lions*
29. Buffalo Bills*
30. Dallas Cowboys*
31. San Francisco 49ers*
32. Baltimore Ravens*
What Chicago could do at the top
A month or two ago this decision was easier. Justin Fields had a rocky start to the season but then got injured and the Bears were headed toward their own potential top-five pick. Then Fields returned, showed improvement, the defense improved with the addition of Montez Sweat, and the Bears won five of seven games.
Now Ryan Poles is in an envious position. He could pull away from No. 1 — again — and continue to build with a lead around Fields, a fan favorite who has received support in the locker room. Alternatively, the Poles could see the opportunity in front of him: pairing Caleb Williams (or whatever QB is on his board) with receiver DJ Moore, a top-five defense and an above-average O-line. In the latter case, Fields would likely become the league's highest-profile trade chip this offseason.
For the second year in a row, all eyes will be on the Poles until he makes that decision.
What does it mean for the commanders to have chosen number 2?
Of all the QB-needy teams over the last five years, Washington has been by far the most patient (if “patient” is the right word).
Depending on how you want to look at things, that patience will pay off in the form of a chance at Williams or North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye. If Chicago sticks with Fields, Washington's new ownership group (and likely a new coaching staff) will have the chance to choose between two of the best college QB candidates of the last decade. Williams and Maye are both talented enough to quickly improve an offense.
They are more than talented enough to build on. This is huge for Washington.
What does it mean for the Patriots to pick No. 3?
Things are a little more difficult for the Patriots than for the Commanders, although similar successes are possible here. New England could also be on the verge of starting over with a coaching staff — and if that happens, without Bill Belichick, of course.
There may not be a better time for owner Robert Kraft to reevaluate everything in his organization, hire the right people and then draft his next franchise quarterback. Even at number 3, he might be able to do anything this year.
However, Chicago has a little wild card here. The Bears can do three things with the top pick: sign Marvin Harrison Jr. to pair with Fields, sign a quarterback to replace Fields, or trade down to further expand an already talented young roster. If the Bears trade the pick or take a quarterback, New England's consolation could be Harrison or the top tackle in the draft (either Penn State's Olu Fashanu or Notre Dame's Joe Alt).
Required reading
(Photo by Justin Fields: Patrick McDermott / Getty Images)