Chicago Bears Get Their QB Another Dynamic Weapon With 9th Pick
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.