According to most evaluations, the Bears concluded the 2024 NFL Draft with a sense of bright anticipation for their future. They secured Caleb Williams as their franchise quarterback with the top pick and then landed Rome Odunze, a highly regarded wide receiver, with the ninth pick. ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller particularly praised these selections, ranking them among his favorites from the draft pool of 100 prospects.
The Bears are confident in their draft choices, but not everyone shares their enthusiasm. The Athletic gathered insights from unnamed NFL executives regarding each team’s draft performance, including the Bears’.
“Chicago already has solid tackles, so selecting a lineman in the top 10 who will initially play guard instead of opting for a polished wide receiver, a proven playmaker at a position commanding high salaries, makes me lean towards Odunze as well,” one executive commented to The Athletic.
The Bears previously drafted Darnell Wright and Braxton Jones for their offensive line, indicating their comfort with their tackle positions. Additionally, they added depth with the selection of Amegadjie.
Drafting Odunze adds immediate promise to the Bears’ receiving corps, potentially forming a formidable trio alongside DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. However, one executive suggested they would have preferred the Bears to trade back in the draft to address other team needs.
Another executive expressed concerns about the Bears’ draft strategy, particularly in aligning Williams’ playing style with the team’s offensive approach. They emphasized Williams’ tendency to hold onto the ball in college, suggesting potential challenges in adapting to a quicker passing game in the NFL.
Despite differing opinions, the Bears are optimistic about their draft outcomes, believing they have secured key contributors for the upcoming season. However, they acknowledge that drafting is a continuous process, not a quick solution.
