We now know what the Chicago Bears had planned going into the 2024 NFL draft. Their first decision was an easy one: take USC quarterback Caleb Williams at #1 overall. Based on their evaluations and meeting him in person, he was the best quarterback in the class. The real challenge for GM Ryan Poles was deciding what to do with the #9 overall pick. The Bears had multiple directions they could go. They could give Williams another weapon at wide receiver, give him more protection with an offensive tackle, or boost their defensive line with another pass rusher.
Poles split his scouts up into teams and had them debate which positions and players deserved the highest consideration. After a spiriting back and forth, the department reached the conclusion that the wide receiver group was too good to ignore. Based on their projections, the one who fit their profile the best was Rome Odunze of Washington. The problem was other teams ahead of the Bears had needs at the position as well. There was a reasonable possibility Odunze would be gone. Poles had to determine what he would do if that became the case.
We finally learned what that would’ve been, thanks to the new episode of The Pick Is In on Roku.
He knew the Bears’ situation. They had only four draft picks, which is far lower than normal for any team. Depending on how far they dropped, trading down would’ve netted them at least two more. It is a reasonable assumption they would’ve targeted a defensive lineman in that scenario. Five of them came off the board between #15 and #21. Thankfully, it ended up not mattering. The way was largely clear once Odunze got past New York at #6, who took LSU receiver Malik Nabers. Tennessee was focused on offensive line help, while Atlanta wanted a successor for Kirk Cousins.
One can understand why Ryan Poles expressed relief when Odunze was there. He wouldn’t have to work the phones trying to find a deal to move down. The Bears got the stud receiver they wanted. Now, they don’t have to worry about the possibility of Keenan Allen leaving next year. If the veteran star chose to do so, they would have the perfect successor to team with D.J. Moore in the long term. It is yet another reminder of how wild and unpredictable the draft can be.
