The Chicago Bears were elated when Rome Odunze fell to them at #9 overall. He was the guy they wanted from the start after taking Caleb Williams at #1. The Washington wide receiver was not only an outstanding physical talent, but his drive, work ethic, and leadership were all huge bonuses. However, the wait was by far the most agonizing part for GM Ryan Poles. Multiple times, he considered trading up, only to be talked off the ledge by assistant GM Ian Cunningham. It turns out Poles was right to worry.
We learned over a week ago that the New York Giants probably would’ve taken Odunze at #6 if Malik Nabers wasn’t available. As it turns out, the other team from New York called, hoping to trade up. The Jets sat at #10. Giants GM Joe Schoen opted to stay put and take Nabers. It is a safe bet the Jets wanted Odunze.
Why? ESPN beat writer Rich Cimini covers the Jets. In a tweet shortly after New York took Penn State left tackle Olu Fashanu, he stated that Odunze was the guy they truly coveted. Fashanu was their backup plan. It is clear Odunze was their target.
It always seems like the former Packers quarterback keeps finding ways to haunt this franchise. For once, he didn’t get his wish. Chicago played the board perfectly. They gambled the Giants wouldn’t pass on Nabers and that Tennessee at #7 would go offensive line. Both proved correct. The wild card was Atlanta at #8, but the odds of them taking a wide receiver were remote, given their needs on defense. Of course, everybody was caught off guard when the Falcons took quarterback Michael Penix.
It didn’t matter. Rome Odunze had arrived. Even better, he’s looked like a stud from the moment training camp began. He and Williams are already giving the Bears defense plenty of problems. His size, hands, and route-running are a lethal mix. The best part is he’s unlikely to see double coverage once all year. People might be underestimating how big Odunze’s impact will be as a rookie. All we can do is thank the Giants, both for not picking him and not handing the opportunity to somebody else.
