If we’ve learned anything about GM Ryan Poles over the past three off-seasons, it’s that he has a keen understanding of how to manipulate the media to his advantage. Leading up to the 2024 draft, there were serious rumblings about the Chicago Bears having an interest in trading down from #9. It made sense. They only had four picks, which is far below average. Besides, the odds were good Poles would still be able to land a quality pass rusher later in the 1st round. However, once again, the Bears GM had everybody fooled. When the time came to make a move, Chicago stayed put and took Rome Odunze.
Poles was asked about it during his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. He made it clear that the Bears had a select few names on their board that were categorized as blue or “elite.” Odunze was one of them. If the Washington wide receiver reached #9, the team had zero intentions of moving down. All the way up until the decisive moment, Poles felt it was a 50/50 chance the receiver would be there. He was such a great combination of size, speed, and character. Once he got past Tennessee at #7 and Atlanta at #8, the Bears didn’t need any time to deliberate.
The Bears didn’t let inner voices win on Rome Odunze.
It would’ve been so easy to trade down. The allure is always there. More picks equals more chances to find good players, right? However, there comes a time when the talent on the board is too good to pass up. Odunze draws regular comparisons to Larry Fitzgerald and Davante Adams. If he ends up achieving even 70% of what those two superstars have, the pick will be considered a massive home run. Poles understood this. Sure, he would’ve liked more picks, but his goal is to find great players. Everything told him Odunze was destined to become one.
This is another reminder that the Bears GM isn’t a slave to any singular philosophy. He approaches each draft differently based on the talent available, where his team picks, and what might be coming down the pipeline in the next year or two. Poles knew he had nine picks waiting for him in 2025, including three in the first two rounds. It’s not like his coffers were completely empty. If ever there was a time to go after top-tier talents, it was now. Rome Odunze fits that category.
There’s been a significant and vocal contingency here that said that if Rome was available at #9, you take him and don’t look back. Glad to see Poles is in that camp. Blue chip players are the difference between 0-1 playoff wins a year and long playoff runs.
Trading down and taking the best DL would have helped make the Bears better next year. Staying put and taking Rome will help make the Bears great for the next several years.
Yada Yada
I have championed Caleb Williams for a long, long time. But man, I was even more hyped and excited as the Rome pick was being announced. Thank god we didn’t trade back just to take some interior OL who didn’t even come off the board until the second round. Take premium talent when it’s staring you in the face. I’m literally getting a Rome jersey lol. Two Year Plan, baby. The top talent this year (Caleb and Rome), and the support next year (OL and DL). This team will be fun this year, great next year. Just excited to watch… Read more »
This article provides me with greater confidence in Poles and other Bears’ decision-makers. No trade down! No hesitation to select Odunze! Now, how about a counterfactual moment: what if Caleb had pounded the table for LT Fashanu, then which player would have been selected? Doubtful, but we will never know for sure. Thanks again TJ for your masterplan.
Groundhog Day