Malik Nabers is widely regarded as one of the top receivers available in the 2024 NFL Draft and is expected to become a top-10 pick in April. ESPN’s Jordan Reid took that a step further in his latest mock draft.

Like most analysts, Reid has the Chicago Bears taking USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick. However, he also has the Bears involved in a draft-day trade that would involve Nabers.

According to Reid’s mock draft, the Bears would trade up to the No. 5 pick where they would select Nabers to team with Williams. The addition of Nabers would provide a tantalizing group of skill players including DJ Moore and tight end Cole Kmet in Chicago.

Here’s what Reid had to say about the idea:

It’s an aggressive move for the Bears, as general manager Ryan Poles is looking to improve the supporting cast on offense. The Bears acquired DJ Moore last spring, and Nabers — who had 1,569 receiving yards last season — has similar traits and would pair nicely. He’s super explosive. The trio of Moore, Nabers and tight end Cole Kmet could really help Williams succeed right out of the gate.

According to the latest odds at DraftKings, Ohio State star Marvin Harrison Jr. is the favorite to become the first non-QB selected while Nabers has the second-best odds. That would be the case in Reid’s mock draft with a trio of QBs and Harrison headlining the first four picks. Fans can track the latest odds with SDS’s sports betting in Louisiana links.

Why it makes sense

If possible, Nabers is one of the quieter stories in the NFL Draft, per SDS’s Connor O’Gara. Though widely regarded as a top-10 pick, the lineage and production of Harrison and the Playoff run of Washington and Rome Odunze have somewhat overshadowed Nabers’ draft picture.

However, there’s no denying the potential of a player with over 3,000 career receiving yards and 21 touchdowns. That includes a career average of 15.9 yards per catch and 14 touchdowns in 2023.

Then, there’s the Caleb Williams aspect of the equation.

When Justin Fields was originally drafted, Chicago did not have the opportunity to surround the young QB with a dynamic receiver such as Nabers. The Bears helped address that situation by acquiring Moore last offseason, but the team still needs firepower (and help in other areas).

Through that lens, Nabers looks like a prototypical target for Chicago if the franchise does indeed try to develop a new QB in Williams.