The Chicago Bears were set on their draft picks in the 2024 cycle despite rampant trade speculation
Their affinity for quarterback Caleb Williams and conviction about him as the No. 1 overall pick was clear in their approach to the pre-draft process. General Manager Ryan Poles has since made it clear just how elated they were to land wide receiver Rome Odunze with the No. 9 overall pick.
Their handling of the situation only underscores those sentiments. It also shows how highly thought of Odunze is around the league, not just in Chicago.
Bears Fielded Trade Calls From Broncos, 2nd Team for No. 9 Pick
Ryan Poles Was Set on Rome Odunze Amid Trade Calls
?The sense around the league is the Jets were pretty set on Penn State tackle Olu Fashanu at No. 10 overall … unless Washington receiver Rome Odunze was available. The people I’ve talked to believe the Jets would have jumped at Odunze, though they correctly figured Chicago was taking him there,? ESPN?s Jeremy Fowler wrote on May 7.
?The Bears heard from Denver and one other team while on the clock at No. 9.”
Odunze has since spoken about growing up a Bears fan. This only adds to the sense of destiny around his availability and ultimate selection at No. 9 overall rather than the Bears looking to trade back.
He and Williams had already hit it off, teasing fans during their flight to the draft.
That relationship continued once they touched down, with the two posing for a social media post from the NFL. They also got to revel in their in-flight chats as two of the few prospects invited to attend the draft in person.
Bears’ Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze Turn Heads at Chicago Sky Game
Williams has a pre-existing relationship with Keenan Allen. He is building that bond with all of his teammates. Williams impressed DJ Moore with his anticipation and timing.
He, Allen, and Odunze turned heads by popping out in support of the Chicago Sky.
Williams? situation is widely regarded as one of the best ever for an incoming rookie. Time will tell if it all pays off. But the Bears also made hay in the latter rounds of the draft. That is key with only five selections at their disposal, one of which they had to trade for.
Bears Draw Positive Reviews for 3rd Round Draft Pick
?The selection of Yale tackle Kiran Amegadjie at No. 75 overall in 2024 has high upside. Multiple scouts say Amegadjie could have been a top-45 pick if not for a quad injury that thwarted his participation in the Senior Bowl,? Fowler wrote. ?The Bears considered defensive line with the selection but bet big on the highest player on their board, knowing he’d be gone a few picks after if they didn’t act.?
Offensive tackles came off the board in two of the next four selections after the Bears took Amegadjie. Offensive linemen were selected with five of the next 11 selections.
Amegadjie is not expected to put pressure on anyone right away. But his versatility to play guard or tackle could mean he eventually pushes starters in left tackle Braxton Jones and left guard Teven Jenkins. Starting right guard Nate Davis also dealt with various injuries and other absence-forcing issues last season.
Amegadjie?s development could be something to monitor long term.
