The Chicago Bears got their quarterback at #1 overall. Caleb Williams is the guy. Everybody knew it was coming. The big question was what they’d do at #9. After a nervous wait, we have an answer. GM Ryan Poles has gone all in on his young quarterback, securing wide receiver Rome Odunze. Many viewed him as one of the best wide receivers in this class, even over Marvin Harrison and Malik Nabers. He’s big, athletic, a sharp route-runner, and arguably has the best hands in the draft. He now joins D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen in perhaps the most talented receiving corps they’ve ever had.
Williams has to be happy. He already had a budding relationship with Odunze before the draft. The wide receiver is a big fan of Devin Hester. His first jersey was Brian Urlacher. This feels like it was fate. It’s also a great long-term move. Don’t forget Allen turns 32 this year and he’s in the last year of his contract. Odunze gives the Bears some much-needed insurance. If Allen leaves next year, they’ll have Odunze and Moore moving forward. Just a smart decision by Poles.
The Chicago Bears sent a message with this move.
In years past, they almost certainly would’ve taken a defensive player at #9. That is always how they’ve operated. Not this time. Poles isn’t messing around. He drafted an offensive tackle last year with his first-ever pick in the 1st round. Now, he uses his next two to go quarterback and wide receiver. This Bears regime has a clear understanding of where the NFL is today. If you can’t score points, you aren’t going to win championships. They now have a top 10 tackle, a #1 overall quarterback, and a top 10 wide receiver on the roster. It’s hard not to get excited.
While some people might be nervous about the defense, remember Matt Eberflus runs the show. It’s still a talented group, and he is an excellent coordinator. They should be fine for a year as they get Williams situated. Don’t be surprised if they turn around next year and go defense early. Whatever the case, this team looks as good on paper as it has in a long time.
Going from college to the pros can be dicey, but universally accepted accomplished college players, with good attitudes give you a far better chance to overcome any bad or mediocre coaching. Great coaching with players like this can make for dynastic, long term contention. I’m curious to see what Waldron and company can do with the most promising players he’s ever had to work with. If he’s a “mad genius” he has some outside and inside routes to work with beyond solely his tight end history. Congrats and let’s see how the draw it up and coach it. Also curious… Read more »
@TGena, Well said. As I’ve stated before, I scroll down immediately in these comments and then inch up from the bottom so if I have an opinion, I can cast it on merit and not on a preconceived prejudice of the poster. Funny, I knew the last 2 posts were you because of the stagnant tally. I have respect for an honest opinion. P.S. I still wish Joe Alt would have made it to 9, but my head knew he wouldn’t clear the gauntlet of the Chargers, Giants and especially the Titans. Excited for Odunze though as I felt he… Read more »
Ryan Poles just got 2 “cornerstone” and 2 “every game playmakers!”
Rather than trying to prove he’s an NFL draft “genius” — Ryan Poles finally did the consensus-approved “right thing’ — twice!
Let Kevin Warren go back to bed.
Really good picks at #1 and #9 — Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze.
There is no guarantee that any player entering the league will be a success.
But Ryan Poles finally selected players that were ranked equal or above where each was selected (Caleb at #1; Rome ranked at #6, selected at #9).
Congratulations, Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears!
Now, let’s continue on this new course of action — reasoned selections of the BPA; and more focus than ever on UDFAs and future roster cuts of the top NFL teams.
Wow, just wow. Odunze and Williams get to mature together in the NFL. Proud of the job Poles has done this year. Michael Penix Jr. is an awesome player. He has pulled himself up from the ashes of a lot of injuries. But #8, at that “Pace”, they should have drafted JJ to sit behind a guy of similar talents. Oh and Atlanta is on “Pace” to waste another opportunity to take someone who will actually help the team in the coming season. Another stretch for the HOF GM-wannabe. He’s not GM in Atlanta, but he is the top personnel… Read more »