Getty Former UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu led the FBS with 21.5 tackles for loss in 2023.
The Chicago Bears have begun filling up their calendar with top 30 visits in preparation for the 2024 NFL draft at the end of the month, including more than a few first-round prospects who could steal their attention on April 25.
The Bears — along with every NFL team — are allowed to host up to 30 players at their team facilities for official visits during the pre-draft process, which is where the term “top 30 visit” originates. The visits can include anything from on-field workouts and drills to formal meetings with the coaching staff and key members of the franchise. They also typically include a physical and other medical tests to rule out any red flags.
The Bears have just four total draft picks in 2024 with two selections in the first round (Nos. 1 and 9 overall), one in the third round (No. 75) and one in the fourth (No. 122). Even still, they are going to visit with 30 prospects to better figure out their plan of attack in the draft and potentially rule out prospects who do not fit their vision.
Here is a list of every reported top 30 visit for the Bears during the 2024 pre-draft process:
Caleb Williams, QB, USC
GettyFormer USC quarterback Caleb Williams
Key measurements: Height (6-foot-1); Weight (214 pounds); Arms (32 inches); Hands (9 3/4 inches)
2023 stats: 266-of-388 passing (68.6%) for 3,633 yards, 30 touchdowns and five interceptions with another 142 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns in 12 games
Prospect summary: Many draft analysts consider Williams the top quarterback in the 2024 class, but more important is how much attention the Bears have shown him during the pre-draft process. They sent a huge contingent to watch him throw at USC’s pro day on March 20 after spending two days with him in Los Angeles beforehand. Both general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus have also glowed about him, both as a player and as a person, in interviews since then. At this point, he seems to be a shoo-in as the Bears’ selection with the No. 1 overall pick, but he still must undergo medical testing for the team during his upcoming pro day.
Top 30 visit source: Poles
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
GettyFormer Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
Key measurements: Height (6-foot-3); Weight (203 pounds); Arms (31 7/8 inches); Hands (9 1/2 inches)
2023 stats: 67 receptions for 1,211 yards with 15 total touchdowns in 12 games
Prospect summary: Harrison is one of the top overall prospects in the draft for a reason. He is a long, big-bodied receiver who wins off his routes and glides gracefully around the field, making him a premium target for any quarterback. The curious thing about the Bears visiting with him is, due to his prestige, he is unlikely to still be on the board at No. 9 overall. Chicago could simply be doing their due diligence, especially after he did not work out at either the NFL Combine or Ohio State’s pro day, but perhaps his visit signals the team is eyeing a potential trade-up in the first round.
Top 30 visit source: The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
GettyFormer Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze.
Key measurements: Height (6-foot-3); Weight (212 pounds); Arms (32 1/4 inches); Hands (9 1/4 inches); 40-Yard Dash (4.45 seconds)
2023 stats: 92 passes for 1,640 yards (FBS lead) and 13 touchdowns in 15 games
Prospect summary: Odunze has bullied his competition in the college game and heads into the NFL with excellent size and a willingness to fight for contested balls despite having the speed and route-running finesse to win in other ways. He is also an elite athlete who has scored a ridiculous 9.91 relative athletic score, ranking him 29 out of 3090 wide receiver prospects going back to 1987. He would be a dreamboat selection for the Bears even after trading to acquire six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen from the Los Angeles Chargers. The temptation for the Bears to pair a hotshot rookie receiver with their new rookie quarterback — likely Williams — will be great, that is if Odunze is still available about the first eight picks of the draft.
Top 30 visit source: ESPN’s Brady Henderson
Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
GettyFormer LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers.
Key measurements: Height (6-foot); Weight (199 pounds); 40-Yard Dash (4.35 seconds)
2023 stats: 89 receptions for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns in 13 games
Prospect summary: Like Odunze, Nabers was one of the most electric pass-catchers in college football during the 2023 FBS season, proving to be explosive off the line of scrimmage and more than capable of leaving defenders in his dust. He knows how to manage his speed to confuse his competition at all three levels and tracks the ball well in the air, using his quick burst and strong hands to make plays. Nabers fits into the same category as Odunze in that he might be gone before the Bears pick at No. 9, but he would be an immediate contributor for a Bears offense that leveled up this offseason.
Top 30 visit source: ESPN’s David Kaplan
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
GettyFormer Georgia tight end Brock Bowers.
Key measurements: Height (6-foot-3); Weight (243 pounds); Arms (32 3/4 inches); Hands (9 3/4 inches)
2023 stats: 56 receptions for 714 yards and six touchdowns in 10 games
Prospect summary: Bowers is, hands down, the top tight end prospect in the class and might even be better than a good portion of the wide receivers after showing a proclivity for pass-catching in various alignments during his time with the Bulldogs. The Bears are looking good at tight end with Cole Kmet signed through 2027 and Gerald Everett joining the fold on a two-year deal, but Bowers’ ability to work out of the slot could — maybe — justify the Bears taking him with their No. 9 overall pick. Either way, it makes sense to bring him in and see him for themselves given the rave reviews.
Top 30 visit source: Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline
Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
GettyFormer Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner.
Key measurements: Height (6-foot-3); Weight (247 pounds); Arms (34 3/8 inches); Hands (9 7/8 inches), 40-Yard Dash (4.46 seconds)
2023 stats: 53 tackles (28 solo) with 14.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, one pass deflection and two forced fumbles in 14 games
Prospect summary: Turner makes a strong case for being the first defensive player selected in the 2024 NFL draft. He is fast, lengthy and fierce as a pass rusher and would make an excellent long-term pairing for veteran Montez Sweat on the other side of the line, even if there is room to improve as a run defender. Given the Bears’ enduring need for another pass rusher, Turner could be at the top of their list for the No. 9 overall pick — if he lasts long enough to reach them.
Top 30 visit source: NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero
Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
GettyFormer UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu.
Key measurements: Height (6-foot-5); Weight (259 pounds); Arms (32 5/8 inches); Hands (9 5/8 inches); 40-Yard Dash (4.68 seconds)
2023 stats: 16 sacks, 21.5 tackles for loss, 49 total tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles in 12 games
Prospect summary: Latu also makes a strong case to be the first pass rusher drafted in April. He finished the 2023 season as one of the most productive edge defenders in college football, notching 21.5 tackles for loss (most in FBS) and 16 sacks (tied for third) over 12 performances. The concern, however, is Latu’s injury history. He did not play in 2020 or 2021 due to a neck injury, one that forced him to medically retire from football before he made his comeback in 2022. It is smart for the Bears to bring in Latu for that exact reason. If their team doctors make an evaluation and determine his neck is no longer a major concern, he could rocket up their draft board for Pick No. 9.
Top 30 visit source: The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain
Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
GettyFormer Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy.
Key measurements: Height (5-foot-11); Weight (165 pounds); Arms (31 1/8 inches); Hands (8 3/4 inches); 40-Yard Dash (4.21 seconds, a new NFL Combine record)
2023 stats: 75 receptions for 1,014 yards and five touchdowns and 22 punt returns for 371 yards (16.9 average) and one touchdown in 14 games
Prospect summary: Worthy is on the smaller side but is also speed incarnate, which he demonstrated at the NFL Combine when he broke the all-time 40-yard dash record. The separation he creates could be an asset in the slot for a team like the Bears, who have two highly productive veterans in Moore and Allen to play on the boundary. He is also an explosive punt returner, having led the FBS with 371 return yards in 2023. Worthy is more likely a target for the Bears if they trade down further in Round 1 (or if they pick up a second-round pick in the process of moving down on the opening night).
Top 30 visit source: The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain
Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
GettyFormer Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson.
Key measurements: Height (6-foot-3); Weight (254 pounds); Arms (32 1/2 inches); Hands (9 1/8 inches), 40-Yard Dash (4.48 seconds)
2023 stats: 15 tackles (12 solo) with 7.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in 10 games
Prospect summary: Robinson is an extraordinary athlete, earning an impressive overall 9.66 relative athletic score (RAS) with “elite” thresholds for his speed. He fires off the line, makes the most of his flexibility and refuses to let up when engaged with a blocker. While his production is lower than the other top edges in the class, he could become an impact player in his first year with proper refinement. NFL teams with a clear No. 1 edge rusher on their roster — such as the Bears with Sweat — could cut him loose and see how his physical traits manifest for their defense.
Top 30 visit source: ESPN’s David Kaplan
JC Latham, OT, Alabama
GettyFormer Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham.
Key measurements: Height (6-foot-6); Weight (342 pounds); Arms (35 1/8 inches); Hands (11 inches); Wingspan (84 3/4 inches)
2023 stats: Allowed two sacks, three quarterback hits and nine hurries on 443 pass-blocking snaps and earned a 79.6 run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus.
Prospect summary: Latham is a bruiser, one who drives defenders back and helps create holes for the run game. His exceptional length is also something likely to appeal to both Poles and Eberflus given their tendencies for offensive linemen. That said, Latham played exclusively at right tackle over his final two seasons with the Crimson Tide, and the Bears just used a top-10 pick in 2023 on right tackle Darnell Wright. Could they be considering moving Wright to the left side? Would Latham instead have a chance to battle Braxton Jones on the left side? Both situations feel like gambles.
Top 30 visit source: ESPN’s Adam Schefter
Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
GettyFormer Oklahoma offensive tackle Tyler Guyton.
Key measurements: Height (6-foot-8); Weight (322 pounds); Arms (34 1/8 inches); Hands (10 1/4 inches), 40-Yard Dash (5.19 seconds)
2023 stats: Allowed zero sacks, three quarterback hits and nine hurries on 355 pass-blocking snaps over 10 games, playing nearly all of his career snaps at right tackle.
Prospect summary: Guyton has the physical traits to be an imposing pass protector at the NFL level, regardless of whether he plays left or right tackle, but he needs work on making the most of his athleticism. NFL teams might also reasonably have concerns about his durability after he missed time with the Sooners due to injuries and started just 14 games at offensive tackle over his final three collegiate seasons (one at TCU). The Bears have offensive tackle needs, but it is a little odd to see them devote one of their visits to Guyton, who has the bulk of his experience at right tackle. Chicago has a long-term starter at right tackle in Darnell Wright, the No. 10 pick in the 2023 draft.
Top 30 visit source: Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer
Graham Barton, OL, Duke
GettyFormer Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton
Key measurements: Height (6-foot-5); Weight (313 pounds); Arms (32 7/8 inches); Hands (9 3/8 inches)
2023 stats: Allowed two sacks, zero quarterback hits and nine hurries on 258 pass-blocking snaps over nine games, playing 2,134 career snaps at left tackle.
Prospect summary: If the Bears are seeking a new left tackle, Barton is a far more intriguing prospect than Guyton. He played more than 2,000 snaps at left tackle over the past three seasons and, despite a smaller frame, was far more effective than Guyton at imposing his will physically in the trenches. He packs a powerful punch but controls it well in pass protection and has the instincts and speed to quickly get to the second level as a run blocker. The Bears might have other left tackles — such as, Notre Dame’s Joe Alt or Penn State’s Olu Fashanu — higher on their boards, but Barton could emerge as a legitimate option if they trade back further into the first round.
Top 30 visit source: The Draft Network’s Ryan Fowler
Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
GettyFormer Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson
Key measurements: Height (6-foot-3); Weight (328 pounds); Arms (32 1/4 inches); Hands (9 7/8 inches); Bench Press (30 reps)
2023 stats: Allowed no sacks or hits and just one hurry in 829 snaps at center, earning a 90.6 pass-blocking grade and 85.6 run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus
Prospect summary: Powers-Johnson is undeniably the best center in the draft after lockdown first season as a full-time starter for the Ducks in 2023. He is a mean and powerful blocker in the trenches who embarrasses overeager or undersized pass rushers and possesses enough speed and ferocity to get upfield and do damage in the run game. His impressive efforts earned him unanimous All-American honors and won him the Rimington Trophy given to the nation’s top center each year. (He was also a finalist for the Joe Morrow Award handed out to the best overall offensive lineman in the FBS). The Bears added veteran experience to the center position this offseason, but Powers-Johnson has the potential to be a long-term interior starter. He can also play at guard, making him a versatile and enticing option for a team still trying to solidify its trenches.
Top 30 visit source: Jackson Powers-Johnson’s April 8 Instagram story
Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia
GettyFormer West Virginia center Zach Frazier, left.
Key measurements: Height (6-foot-3); Weight (313 pounds); Arms (32 1/4 inches); Hands (10 7/8 inches); Bench Press (30 reps)
2023 stats: Allowed zero sacks, three quarterback hits and three hurries on 359 pass-blocking snaps at center, getting a 83.8 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus.
Prospect summary: The Bears appear to have found their new centers after trading for a fifth-round to Buffalo for Ryan Bates and signing Coleman Shelton in free agency, but Frazier could offer them a long-term solution if they are willing to take a chance on his shorter length. He logged more than 2,500 snaps at center for the Mountaineers and allowed four total sacks during that three-season span. He is also a strong run blocker who uses a blend of power and sturdiness to open up holes for his running backs. If he is still there at the top of the third round, don’t be surprised if Chicago gives him a look.
Top 30 visit source: Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer
Kamren Kinchens, SAF, Miami
GettyFormer Miami safety Kamren Kinchens.
Key measurements: Height (5-foot-11); Weight (203 pounds); Arms (31 1/4 inches); Hands (9 3/4 inches); 40-Yard Dash (4.65 seconds)
2023 stats: Allowed 28 receptions for four touchdowns on 34 targets over 10 games and added 52 tackles, five interceptions, one pick-six and five pass deflections
Prospect summary: Kinchens is not the fastest or longest safety, but he possesses outstanding ball skills and instincts in coverage that allowed him to pick off 11 passes and break up another 11 over his final two seasons at Miami. The Bears signed veteran Kevin Byard to a two-year contract to replace Eddie Jackson as their starting free safety and added Jonathan Owens for depth on another two-year deal, but more safety depth — especially a playmaker like Kinchens — could be enticing for the Bears. For what it’s worth, Kinchens had his best season (six picks, six pass deflections, one touchdown) in 2022 when Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson was still playing cornerback for Miami.
Top 30 visit source: Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer
Kiran Amegadjie, OT, Yale
GettyFormer Yale offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie.
Key measurements: Height (6-foot-5); Weight (323 pounds), Arms (36 1/8 inches), Hands (9 5/8 inches); Wingspan (85 1/2 inches)
2023 stats: Allowed zero sacks, zero quarterback hits and five hurries on 128 pass-blocking snaps over four games, earning an 89.5 overall grade from Pro Football Focus
Prospect summary: Amegadjie has a beastly physical profile after putting up some excellent measurables at the NFL Combine. While a quad injury cut his 2023 season short, he allowed just one sack and five quarterback hits over 24 career games for the Bulldogs, doing so while playing both left tackle (919 snaps) and left guard (669 snaps). The Bears have a pair of starting tackles in Braxton Jones and 2023 first-round pick Darnell Wright, but targetting a versatile tackle such as Amegadjie would fortify their room. He could be an option for them with their third-round pick (No. 75 overall).
Top 30 visit source: The Draft Network’s Justin Melo
Nehemiah Pritchett, CB, Auburn
GettyFormer Auburn cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett, left.
Key measurements: Height (6-foot); Weight (190 pounds); Arms (31 5/8 inches); Hands (8 3/8 inches), 40-Yard Dash (4.36 seconds)
2023 stats: 12 receptions for 134 yards and a touchdown allowed on 26 targets while logging 22 tackles (four solo), one interception and three pass breakups in nine games
Prospect summary: Another long defender, Pritchett learned how to make the most of his length in pass coverage during his final season with the Tigers, allowing a career-low passer rating of 58.8. He is better in zone than man coverage but has the skills to be effective at both in the right NFL system. The Bears have clear starters at all five spots in their secondary with solid rotational pieces (Terell Smith, Josh Blackwell, Jonathan Owens), but Pritchett could be an intriguing addition to keep the position strong. He also could be a kick return option, having averaged 31.3 yards on 10 career returns.
Top 30 visit source: The Draft Network’s Justin Melo
Elijah Jones, CB, Boston College
GettyFormer Boston College cornerback Elijah Jones.
Key measurements: Height (6-foot-1); Weight (185 pounds); Arms (31 1/2 inches); Hands (9 1/4 inches), 40-Yard Dash (4.44 seconds)
2023 stats: 13 receptions for 194 yards and one touchdown allowed on 40 targets while logging 25 tackles, five interceptions and eight pass deflections in nine games
Prospect summary: Jones had a career season for the Eagles in 2023, reaching career-high marks in both interceptions (five) and passer rating allowed (48.3) and showing off his impressive ball skills in coverage. The downside to Jones is that he is already 26 yards old after playing six seasons in college, making his long-term value more questionable than some of the younger cornerbacks. Bears fans might not be eager to see them take a risk on another older prospect after essentially whiffing with 2022 third-round pick Velus Jones Jr., but this Jones is more than just a gadget player and could provide quality depth at cornerback for the Bears, more so than Prichett.
Top 30 visit source: The Draft Network’s Ryan Fowler
Jha’Quan Jackson, WR, Tulane
GettyFormer Tulane wide receiver Jha’Quan Jackson.
Key measurements: Height (5-foot-9); Weight (188 pounds); Arms (30 7/8 inches); Hands (8 7/8 inches), 40-Yard Dash (4.42 seconds)
2023 stats: 26 receptions for 439 yards and four touchdowns, five rushes for 51 yards and nine punt returns for 110 yards (12.2 average) in 10 games
Prospect summary: Jackson is another speedster pass-catcher, but he is about two inches smaller than Worthy and does not have nearly the same caliber of production. His best season at Tulane came as a true sophomore in 2020 when he caught 31 passes for 425 yards and a career-high eight touchdowns, but he caught just eight more scores over the following three seasons and enters the pros with several big question marks. Still, the Bears need more receiving depth and could also view Jackson as a candidate to return punts for them. The Bears have pulled a few gems out of Tulane in the past, such as Matt Forte and Darnell Mooney; although, Jackson made less of an impact in college.
Top 30 visit source: The Draft Network’s Ryan Fowler
Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame
GettyFormer Notre Dame cornerback Cam Hart.
Key measurements: Height (6-foot-3); Weight (202 pounds); Arms (33 inches); Hands (9 3/8 inches)
2023 stats: 15 receptions for 137 yards and zero touchdowns allowed on 28 targets while logging 21 tackles, three tackles for loss and three pass deflections in 12 games
Prospect summary: A bigger cornerback than Pritchett or Jones, Hart has the build and agility to entice NFL teams who are willing to invest in his long-term growth. He is is particularly good at using his size and aggression to impose his will in press coverage; though, he could stand to improve how well those same skills apply to his run defense. At his current size, Hart would be the biggest cornerback on the Bears’ roster, but that is not a bad thing. With a strong visit, he could be in play for them on Day 3 if they want to add more depth at the position.
Top 30 visit source: The Draft Network’s Justin Melo
Andru Phillips, DB, Kentucky
GettyFormer Kentucky cornerback Andru Phillips, right.
Key measurements: Height (5-foot-11); Weight (190 pounds); Arms (31 1/4 inches); Hands (8 3/4 inches); 40-Yard Dash (4.48 seconds)
2023 stats: Allowed 39 receptions for 438 yards and four touchdowns on 58 targets and notched 48 total tackles and five pass deflections in 12 games
Prospect summary: Phillips has speed and relatively swift reactions, but he is not the longest cornerback in the class and got picked on in coverage during his final two years in Kentucky. Still, the Bears have devoted numerous Top 30 visits to corners who could be mid-to-late-round picks, signaling their interest in adding more depth to the room behind starters Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson and Kyler Gordon. If they feel there are developable skills in Phillips, perhaps they will consider giving him a shot.
Top 30 visit source: The Draft Network’s Ryan Fowler
Dylan Laube, RB, New Hampshire
GettyFormer New Hampshire running back Dylan Laube.
Key measurements: Height (5-foot-10); Weight (206 pounds); Arms (29 3/8 inches); Hands (9 1/4 inches); 40-Yard Dash (4.54 seconds)
2023 stats: 161 carries for 45 yards (4.6 yards per carry) and nine touchdowns along with 68 receptions for 708 yards and seven touchdowns on 88 targets in 10 games
Prospect summary: Laube did it all for the small-school Wildcats, racking up yards and touchdowns in a variety of ways against FCS competition that could appeal to the more creative offensive minds in the NFL. He is not the quickest or most elusive ball-career, but his solid footwork and route-runner ability have created his opportunities. He also got action as both a kick and punt returner in college, scoring four career touchdowns. While Laub could potentially go undrafted, the Bears seem to think he is versatile enough for a closer look — maybe as Travis Homer‘s replacement on teams?
Top 30 visit source: AtoZSports’ Sophie Weller