NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero recently reported news that has enormous implications for the Chicago Bears’ draft plans with their two first-round selections. He noted that highly-coveted draft prospect Rome Odunze was working out and catching balls from the consensus No. 1 pick Caleb Williams along with Bears star wideouts Keenan Allen and D.J. Moore. This development raises questions about how it might impact the Bears’ draft decisions come Thursday.
Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze didn’t just take the same flight to Detroit for the draft: I’m told Odunze recently caught balls from Williams … who also was throwing with #Bears WRs Keenan Allen and D.J. Moore.
Chicago owns the Nos. 1 and 9 picks, and hosted Odunze on a visit. pic.twitter.com/Axc4PBzlSe
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 23, 2024
Huge Draft News Signals Bears Intentions On Drafting Caleb Williams And Rome Odunze
Why Pairing Caleb Williams And Rome Odunze In Chicago Makes Sense
Although the Bears traded for Keenan Allen and have D.J. Moore on the roster, they lack depth at the receiver position outside of those two. Drafting a wideout like Rome Odunze allows him to thrive and learn under two of the best wide receivers in the league. Ryan Poles recently said he is “looking to add talent around the quarterback (Caleb Williams).” Not only that, but Allen isn’t a long-term solution. He’s 32 years old, and his contract is up after the 2024-25 season.
Adding Rome Odunze to the mix would give the Bears one of the best wide receiver trios in the NFL, if not the best. Odunze has a solid build at 6’3″ and 215 pounds. His ability to make contested catches and use his strong hands makes him a formidable threat on the field. It’s not just his physical gifts that make him special; it’s also his technical ability to run precise routes and haul in passes with his body control. Odunze has all the makings of becoming the NFL’s next DeAndre Hopkins or Davante Adams.
Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze’s Connection
Both Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze have gotten closer since the Scouting Combine. The two recently flew on the same flight to Detroit for the NFL Draft and had a positive exchange of words on X. This could have been a coincidence or a strategic move by Bears General Manager Ryan Poles. Adding the two to Chicago will help both draft prospects thrive and develop; it also gives the Bears all the talent in the world on offense.
From formal rivals in the Pac-12 to close friends, Caleb Williams recently stated he’s a “big fan” of Rome Odunze. Odunze also had some kind words about potentially teaming up with Williams.
“I got to see Caleb first hand. I got to see his talents and abilities. So definitely, I know he’s a student of the game and someone who brings a lot of passion and a lot of desire to the game. So, of course, to be paired up with him would be something special.”
Bears General Manager Ryan Poles’ Comments On Limited Draft Picks
There were reports that the league views the Bears as a team wanting to trade down from the ninth pick to accumulate draft picks. It makes sense since the Bears have the fewest draft picks in the league, with four. However, Ryan Poles doesn’t believe it’s a necessity to trade down. In fact, he’s pleased with where the team is at right now. From a personal standpoint, it’s hard to think that the Bears will be in a position to draft one of the top talents in the future, but it appears Poles wants to stay at pick nine. All signs point to Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze becoming the newest Chicago Bears.
Read More: Are The Chicago Bears Playoff-Bound Next Season?
Main Image: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
