The Chicago Bears have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft via the Carolina Panthers and it is all anyone can talk about. Will they use it on USC quarterback Caleb Williams? Will they consider one of the other top prospects with that pick? Would they consider trading it for a haul and keeping Justin Fields? Any of those scenarios is possible.
They also have their own selection at No. 9 overall and there are sure to be some really good options for Chicago when they come up and select again. One person they might consider who should be available is Rome Odunze, the wide receiver coming out of Washington.
Coming into the year, Odunze was thought to be a late first- or early second-round pick in the 2024 Draft. However, after a strong season, he is now projected as a top-15 pick. He might even end up being drafted inside the top ten. If the Bears take him at No. 9 overall, it should not shock anyone.
Odunze stopped by to chat with Josh Schrock of NBC Sports Chicago at Super Bowl Radio Row this week to chat about the Bears, from growing up watching them to a potential fit with the current team. Odunze said that he modeled his game after Devin Hester, who played most of his career with the Bears and is now headed for the Hall of Fame. “I was a big fan of Devin Hester growing up. That was my favorite player,” he said. Odunze feels that he can help this team have success again, as it did during those days of Hester flying around.
He also believes that he could thrive with either Justin Fields or Caleb Williams under center. Odunze talked about how much he likes Fields as a quarterback. “I think his ability to extend plays is what glares at a lot of people who watch him. It’s rare that he gets taken down in the backfield,” Odunze said. “He can play with his feet, and then he can make a play with his feet and get the ball in the air. To be so versatile in a league that has such great pass rushers, I think he’s got a unique skill set.” He knows that he can make plays that would help him grow in the NFL.
He also played against Williams last season (a 52-42 win for Washington over USC) and saw firsthand how good he can be. “He’s special player. It would be exciting to play with him.” Odunze knows that having a guy like that would make this transition into the league easier. Coming in at the same time would be very cool for the now-former PAC-12 stars.
We’ll see if the Bears go through with it, but it is good to know he is confident no matter what decision they make. A player that is all in no matter what is never a bad thing.
