Tag: Matt Eberflus

Bears hint that Rome Odunze was No. 2 on their draft board

Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham may have revealed that Rome Odunze was the second-highest player on their draft board.

It’s been almost a month since the Chicago Bears made their five selections in the 2024 NFL Draft, but we are finally seeing how the sausage was made when it came to the process. On Thursday evening, the Bears released the latest installment of 1920 Football Drive, their video series that goes behind the scenes of the team throughout the year.

This latest episode focused on the draft and what led to them selecting quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze in the first round. Williams was always a certainty given the Bears had the No. 1 overall pick and had already done extensive work prior to the draft to get him up to speed, but Odunze was much more of a wild card. General manager Ryan Poles had to sweat it out while watching teams like the Los Angeles Chargers, New York Giants, and Tennessee Titans pick ahead of them, hoping they would pass on the receiver.

They lucked into a surprise when the Atlanta Falcons selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the pick in front of them, leaving Odunze ripe for the taking. After making the selection, the front office celebrated, and assistant general manager Ian Cunningham made an interesting remark as he and Poles embraced in a hug. “Number one and number two player, though.”

Did Cunningham reveal that Odunze was No. 2 on the Bears’ draft board? It certainly seems that way. The Washington standout was a top-10 player according to most draft analysts, and a few, such as NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, had him as high as No. 3. Odunze was in the same class as Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers, but his skillset and character fit what the Bears were looking for. Odunze led the FBS in receiving yards during the 2023 season with 1,640 yards and added 13 touchdowns for the Huskies during their run to the National Championship game.

It’s also possible the Bears omitted a player like Harrison, who was a near lock to go within the top-five picks and was selected at No. 4 overall. Still, Cunningham makes it sound like Odunze was always their top target going into the draft. His comment was made in the moment too, so there isn’t any sort of revisionist history after the fact. Based on the entire front office’s reaction when he fell into their lap, it’s quite believable. “We didn’t have to give up anything!” Poles remarked after the selection. “I can’t believe it,” head coach Matt Eberflus exclaimed.

The Bears seemingly found a way to land their two top players going into the draft with picks No. 1 and No. 9 and without needing to trade up. It’s a day that could be remembered for a long time if both Williams and Odunze reach their potential.

DJ Moore, Matt Eberflus talk Bears offense’s early struggles during OTAs

The Bears offense had its ups and downs through the first week of OTAs as they learn a new scheme.

The Chicago Bears’ first week of organized team activities is underway with the players working to get their minds and bodies prepared for training camp later in the summer.

In the perpetual battle between offense and defense, it seems that the defenders have the upper hand this week, tapping into that same intensity they found late last season.

The offense came into OTAs with a few disadvantages, however. They’re learning a new scheme designed by offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, and they lined up against the defense short a few starters.

Bears coach Matt Eberflus acknowledged the team’s struggles as a whole in the first stage of OTAs, but he asserts that his squad is making strides in the right direction.

“It’s not perfect right now, by any stretch of the imagination,” Eberflus said. “That’s defense, offense, special teams. Everything’s a work in progress, but we’re certainly making progress.”

Bears wide receiver DJ Moore has done this song and dance several times through his seven years in the league, and he had a level-headed response when asked about the offense’s early woes.

“It’s frustrating, but we also know that we’re learning a new system,” Moore said. “They’ve been in that system for what, like three years right now? And then they don’t make it no better that they’re out there having fun with it and we’re just frustrated because we’re not accomplishing what we want to. But on the flip side, we know that we’re still learning and coming together as an offense.”

The 2024 rendition of the Bears has yet to be molded into a product that can seriously compete this year. They have several months of sculpting to do before they’re put to the test in Week 1.

Bears aren’t holding back with Caleb Williams: ‘We’re giving him the whole offense’

Bears’ OTAs continue this week, and head coach Matt Eberflus talked about his rookie QB Caleb Williams.

The Chicago Bears played football Thursday and, while it wasn’t a regular season game in front of thousands of fans at Soldier Field, they are in the first phase of preparation for what should be an exciting year.

Organized team activities kicked off this week at Halas Hall, where many Bears starters participated in the voluntary practices, giving veterans and rookies alike their first taste of football action in months.

The 2024 rookie draft class is in the spotlight through the first few practices, with many eager to see if rookie quarterback Caleb Williams will look every bit the wildly talented passer that he was last year with USC.

While Williams had his way with the defense on the first day of OTAs, per safety Kevin Byard, the defense fought back on Thursday. The offense struggled to move the ball against a much more experienced defense, as they learn Shane Waldron’s new offense and were down two starting wide receivers and two offensive linemen.

The leap from college to the NFL is massive; most rookies struggle to make the adjustment at first. But the Bears also aren’t taking things slow when it comes to Williams’ acclimation to the offense.

“We’re not holding back,” coach Matt Eberflus said. “We’re giving him a lot of information. We’re giving him the offense and you want to be able to go through the whole offense before the offseason gets done, primarily most of it, and work it into the summer. We’ll have a plan for him there and work him into training camp and then go from there.”

It’s easy to fall into the trap of scrutinizing every throw, catch, block and tackle when the fans have extremely limited access to what goes on behind the often-closed doors of Halas Hall.

It’s important to remember that the Bears have had several months off away from football — most of them did only light workouts to stay in shape. Offseason programs such as OTAs allow the players to shake off the rust and get back into playing shape. And, in this case, learn a new offense scheme. The Bears have a long way to go before they’re ready for the 2024 season.

Bears OTAs: Keenan Allen, Montez Sweat among those not participating

A few Bears players were not present at Thursday’s OTAs, including Keenan Allen and Montez Sweat.

The Chicago Bears hit the field on Thursday for their third organized team activity (OTA) practice, but it was the first one open to the media, and a few prominent players were absent from the practice field. Wide receiver Keenan Allen, defensive end Montez Sweat, tackle Darnell Wright, guard Nate Davis, and wide receiver Velus Jones were not present. Rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze was in attendance but was not practicing due to a hamstring injury he suffered during rookie minicamp.

Missing two starting wide receivers and the entire right side of the offensive line might have played a role in the offense’s struggles throughout practice. Quarterback Caleb Williams was not sharp on Thursday, missing numerous passes and holding onto the ball too long, according to CHGO’s Nicholas Moreano. Head coach Matt Eberflus isn’t concerned with the attendance, however, and notes that everyone has been in the building at some point during the voluntary offseason program.

Thursday’s practice is the last one for the Bears this week. They will return to Halas Hall on Tuesday, May 28th.

 

How the Bears got a head start with Caleb Williams

Matt Eberflus explained how the Bears were able to get an early start with Caleb Williams during the pre-draft process.

There was never a doubt that the Chicago Bears were going to draft quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

That was evident early on, even before they officially traded Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers. And once Fields was gone, they were able to really focus on Williams’ acclimation to the NFL.

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer detailed the Bears’ pre-draft process when it came to Williams, where Chicago was able to get a jumpstart with install once it was clear he was going to be the guy at No. 1.

The Bears used three one-hour Zoom meetings, permitted during the process, to prepare Williams to operate Shane Waldron’s offense. The first one centered on teaching Williams the terminology; the second one was about installing their base (first, second down) plays; and the third one was focused on red zone and third-down plays.

“We wanted to have our install set for the OTAs, and for rookie minicamp, and we wanted to make sure he had those down during those three Zoom meetings,” head coach Matt Eberflus told Breer. “So when he came into rookie minicamp [on May 9], he was very familiar with those installs. We were very fortunate to do that, and Shane and the offensive staff have done a wonderful job of really making it friendly and learnable for Caleb.”

Now, Williams is in the middle of applying what he’s learned on the practice field with his veteran teammates during organized team activities.

It’s been clear from the start that the Bears have made this as perfect a situation as possible for a rookie quarterback. Not only were they able to get a head start on installing the offense, but Williams has an arsenal of weapons at his disposal, including DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, rookie Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet, along with an improved offensive line and top-10 defense.

There’s no denying Williams has been set up for immediate success in his rookie season.

No QB Controversy: Bears confirm Caleb Williams is the starter

Matt Eberflus made it clear Caleb Williams is the Bears starting quarterback.

The Chicago Bears made the decision to move on from Justin Fields and usher in a new era with Caleb Williams, who was selected first overall in the 2024 NFL draft.

The Bears haven’t handled quarterback development well in the past. It was why many were concerned about whether they could do right by Williams. But from everything we’ve seen so far, this time appears to be different.

Look no further than with head coach Matt Eberflus making it clear that Williams is the unquestioned starting quarterback — and he’s yet to hit the practice field with his veteran teammates.

“No conversation. He’s the starter,” Eberflus told reporters Friday ahead of rookie minicamp.

From everything we’ve seen in recent history, the Bears were content with bringing in a veteran to start while planning to sit their new rookie — including taking away valuable reps during offseason workouts and training camp.

Fields is the most recent example. After trading up to select Fields, former head coach Matt Nagy immediately declared Andy Dalton the starter without giving Fields an opportunity to compete for the starting job.

But the Bears have handled this well from the start. General manager Ryan Poles has done everything to make this an ideal situation for a rookie like Williams, including adding an arsenal of weapons (like DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and Rome Odense), shoring up the offensive line and keeping a top-10 defense in tact.

Now, as Williams hits the practice field at Halas Hall for the first time with rookie minicamp, the Bears are doing something they haven’t done before: Letting their rookie quarterback develop from the start.

Bears OT Kiran Amegadjie will not practice during rookie minicamp

The third-round rookie is still recovering from a quad injury and won’t practice during rookie minicamp or during the spring.

The Chicago Bears rookies hit the field for the first time this weekend, but one notable player will not be participating. Head coach Matt Eberflus met the media on Friday and said third-round rookie offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie will not practice during minicamp and will likely be out for future spring practices.

Amegadjie suffered a quad injury during the 2023 season while playing for Yale, and he is still recovering. Eberflus said the team was well aware of his recovery, and the plan is for him to be ready when training camp begins.

Amegadjie was selected with the No. 75 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He shined during his collegiate career at Yale and enters his career with the chance to become the team’s swing tackle. Amegadjie grew up just outside of Chicago in suburban Hinsdale and is realizing a dream come true to play for his hometown team.

Though Amegadjie won’t be on the field, he’s still in the building and will continue to learn with the rest of the rookies. The rest of the draft class, including quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze, hit the field on Friday and Saturday for the first time as professional players.

WATCH: Kiran Amegadjie reacts to getting drafted by the Bears

Kiran Amegadjie had his dreams come true when he heard he was getting drafted by his hometown team, the Chicago Bears.

A dream came true for Kiran Amegadjie on Friday night when he received the call from his hometown team, the Chicago Bears. The offensive tackle from Yale was drafted by the Bears with the No. 75 overall pick in the third round, giving the offense a long lineman who can potentially develop into a starter. Amegadjie hails from Hinsdale, a suburb just outside Chicago, and made it clear this was a dream come true.

Here is how the call went when Amegadjie spoke with general manager Ryan Poles, head coach Matt Eberflus, and president Kevin Warren.

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Poles began the call asking him the most important question: “You want to be a Chicago Bear?” Amegadjie couldn’t help but smile. “I would love to.” Eberflus then reminded him about the time they met a year ago out golfing. “A year ago, you said you were going to come to the Chicago Bears. You were right, huh?” Eberflus asked. “I told you coach, I told you,” Amegadjie said. “Tell your dad he’s got a new golf partner,” Eberflus replied.

After Warren finished the call, Amegadjie’s draft party exploded into cheers and screams. The die-hard Bears fan was coming home, and he heard it first from the team front office.

Bears front office got the groceries, now Matt Eberflus has to cook

Analysts love the Bears’ NFL draft picks. Now the coaches have to use their resources well.

Ryan Poles and the rest of the front office improved the Chicago Bears, at least on paper. Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze in the top 10 represented a huge haul for the franchise, which has made only one Super Bowl over the past 38 NFL seasons and has sorely lacked elite playmakers. The Bears appear to have addressed that acute need. Now it’s time for coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron to make use of these resources, says USA TODAY Sports NFL analyst Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz:

“GM Ryan Poles pushed back on the narrative about the Bears’ QB history by saying ‘we were hired to break a cycle.’ Too early to say mission accomplished, but it’s hard to argue with the steps that got Chicago here. Yes, much of this good fortune comes back to the Panthers’ helplessness in 2023, which provided a massive payoff to the Bears’ trade the previous offseason. But Poles enacted an impressive plan to get the right setup in place for Williams ahead of this selection. With a solid offensive supporting cast, it’s now on coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron to help Williams play on schedule while still harnessing his creativity. But all the hype is warranted for a singular player who has the poise, accuracy and arm strength to become a top NFL signal-caller in short order.”

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WATCH: WR Rome Odunze gets the draft call from the Bears

The Bears made the call to Rome Odunze and they couldn’t be happier about landing the stud wide receiver.

The Chicago Bears knew they were going to be making a call to quarterback Caleb Williams during the 2024 NFL Draft. They weren’t as certain they would be doing the same to wide receiver Rome Odunze, but everyone seemed excited that they were able to make it happen.

Chicago made Odunze their choice at No. 9 overall, pairing him with Williams to give the offense two new cornerstones as they enter a new era of football. When the call was made to Odunze, general manager Ryan Poles, head coach Matt Eberflus, and team president Kevin Warren all spoke to their newest player.

Poles kicked things off with a simple question: “You ready to roll?” he asked Odunze. “Oh yeah, let’s do it,” Odunze said. Poles says it’s going to be fun, and it’s hard to disagree with him.

When the phone got passed to Eberflus, he still seemed shocked that the Bears were able to land Odunze. “Can you believe this, man?” he said with a smile. “I could not believe that it worked out exactly like we said it would.” Eberflus mentioned how difficult it’s going to be for opposing defenses to stop him, DJ Moore, and Keenan Allen at the receiver position. “The trio of us? Oh, we’re going to make it happen now,” Odunze said.

Eberflus confirmed what Poles had said during Thursday night’s press conference: This was the plan all along. The Bears had a vision of pairing Williams and Odunze, and the plan worked to perfection. It wasn’t a surprise twist or a smokescreen. They wanted the top quarterback and one of the top wide receivers, something this organization hasn’t prioritized throughout its history.

Odunze is clearly excited to work with Williams and the other veteran wide receivers. This phone call is hopefully just the beginning of a long and prosperous career in Chicago.