The Athletic

● By Adam Jahns
Welcome to Mock Draft Season, and as we put together our pre-combine edition, it’s pretty straightforward at the top for the Chicago Bears. Last winter, we didn’t expect the Bears to pick No. 1 overall. Our two mocks before general manager Ryan Poles’ trade included our own projected trades, including one with the Panthers. We never really considered Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud, and the Bears, by the second week in March, were ready to move forward with Justin Fields at quarterback. This time around, it seems different. This quarterback class is different, starting with USC’s Caleb Williams. Fields’ contract situation makes it more difficult to keep him if you’re unsure about him, and the Bears have not committed to him. When the combine gets going next week in Indianapolis, everything could change — or things could crystallize over what everyone seems to be projecting.