I realize that we both know this is all just bullshit, but that is not what the OP's question was...
No offense to the OP but his question/scenario is dumb. As others have already said in this thread the team can finish 1-15/2-14/whatever while still having individual young players show promise. It's not some either or type thing.
In all likelihood a 1-15 or 2-14 finish means the team is lost, it will have a negative impact on FA. Jeffery will likely go elsewhere, White likely is declared a bust. RB Core has zero confidence. So yes I would rater have the young guys all take the next step becoming better players and us to get a little worst draft pick...
I'm sorry but this is just ridiculous logic. Jeffery will go wherever shows him the money. If the Bears pony up the cash I guarantee you he will give 0 fucks that the team just finished 1-15 or whatever. Let's be real here, a 1-15 season isn't going to send White, Floyd, Howard, etc into some tailspin depression putting them on suicide watch and ruin their careers. These are adults playing to get paid, not 12 year old children playing "for the love of the game" or whatever other bullshit you want to believe in.
If you're truly interested in seeing these young players "take the next step" the best thing that can happen for them is giving them the top rated QB in the draft. A guy that might actually be one of those rare players that elevates those around him to play better.
We sure as hell don't have that type of guy with Cutler. What we currently have is a guy that's made little to no self improvement in 11 seasons, inspires no confidence, and seemingly doesn't give 2 shits whether he wins or loses. You don't think that type of attitude isn't infectious? I'd argue that 8 years of having your team lead by that type of "leader" has done FAAAAAAAR greater damage than a single losing season resulting in the #1 pick ever could.