Tag: Rome Odunze

How Ryan Pace helped his former Bears team in 2024 NFL draft

The Bears received some help in the 2024 NFL draft courtesy of their old GM Ryan Pace, who’s now in the Falcons front office.

The Chicago Bears have come a long way since Ryan Poles took over for Ryan Pace as general manager. Things have been looking a lot better since the change was made.

Pace had a plan and stuck with it which is respectable but it just didn’t work out. Now, Poles seems to have this franchise pointed in the right direction. In just three offseasons, Poles has this team poised to contend for the playoffs.

Pace has been with the Atlanta Falcons front office since 2022, where he’s currently the director of player personnel. Pace found a way to help his former team during the 2024 NFL draft. They had a chance to select wide receiver Rome Odunze with the eighth overall pick, but they elected to go in a different direction.

Despite signing veteran quarterback quarterback Kirk Cousins to a massive four-year, $180 million deal (with $100 million guarantee), Atlanta shocked everyone by drafting Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8. It was a very odd selection for the Falcons.

And it played right into Chicago’s hands as the Bears snagged Odunze at ninth overall. It might have made them a worse team. Only time will tell how much the Falcons helped the Bears, but it feels like they helped them a lot at the surface. And perhaps Pace gets a little credit.

Former NFL exec predicts huge rookie season for Panthers’ Xavier Legette

A two-time Super Bowl-winning exec predicts Panthers first-rounder Xavier Legette will lead all rookie receivers in touchdowns and yards per catch.

We just witnessed one of the most prolific receiver classes in recent memory come off the board last weekend. But which of that group’s prospects will eventually rise above the rest in 2024?

On a new episode of NFL Total Access, former New York Giants executive and current NFL Network analyst Marc Ross made an awfully bold prediction as to which rookie wideout will do exactly that. And when we say it’s “bold,” we mean it . . .

Xavier Legette’s journey to the first round of the 2024 NFL draft was a pretty exceptional one—as he wasn’t on many, if any radars prior to this past year.

Over his first four seasons at the University of South Carolina, he totaled just 423 yards and five touchdowns on 43 receptions. He’d then have the breakout of all breakouts in 2023, reeling in 71 grabs for 1,255 yards and seven scores en route to a second-team All-SEC selection.

So, yeah, forecasting that kind of rookie campaign for a relatively raw prospect in a very raw offense is quite the statement—especially amongst the likes of Marvin Harrison Sr., Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze.

But hey, that’s why it’s bold.

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ESPN believes the Bears had the two best picks in 2024 NFL draft

The Bears’ duo of Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze is a slam dunk.

The Chicago Bears came out winners following the 2024 NFL draft, where they welcomed what general manager Ryan Poles called an “impact” draft class of five players.

Let’s be honest, Chicago’s high marks began and ended with their pair of top-10 selections of quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze (although they also landed some solid players on Days 2 and 3).

ESPN’s Matt Miller ranked the best 100 picks in the NFL draft, and it’s no surprise that Williams and Odunze were on the list. In fact, they occupied the top two spots.

Odunze, who would’ve been the top wideout in another draft class, topped the list at No. 1 — which makes sense given the value Chicago got landing an elite wideout at ninth overall.

Chicago’s second pick of the first round was my favorite of the entire draft for a few reasons. Not only was this a great value for Chicago — a difference of six spots in ranking vs. slot inside the top 10 is huge — but it’s also smart to help your rookie quarterback with a star rookie wide receiver. It also helps that Caleb Williams (said QB) and Odunze have been working out together since the 2023 college season ended. Odunze led the nation in receiving last season (1,640 yards) and fills out a potentially really good offense.

Williams, who was a lock to land in Chicago for weeks, wasn’t far behind his new teammate. While it wasn’t a difficult choice to make, the Bears got the best quarterback in this draft.

The Bears go back-to-back here for me. Maybe it’s cheating to say the No. 1 overall pick in the draft ranks this high, but the Bears didn’t overthink this and landed a potential star at quarterback to turn things around. Plus, they’ve dedicated efforts throughout the process to building a system around Williams in which he can thrive. In a year with six quarterbacks selected in the top 12, the Bears didn’t have to move around the board and drafted the best passing prospect of the past decade.

But Williams and Odunze weren’t the only picks to make the list for Chicago. Edge rusher Austin Booker, who the Bears traded back into the draft to land in the fifth round, clocked in at No. 41.

Chicago was out of draft picks after selection No. 122 but traded back into the fifth round to get Booker. A developmental pass-rusher with just over 500 snaps in college, Booker put out tape against Illinois and Texas that made you think he would be a top-75 pick. His rawness led to a fall, but he’s a great understudy for Montez Sweat and offers similar upside as a rusher.

The Bears might’ve only had four (now five) draft picks, but Poles certainly made the most of those selections and has what looks to be an impact draft class.

Bears announce dates for 2024 rookie minicamp

Caleb Williams’ first practice in a Bears uniform will be here before we know it.

Caleb Williams’ first time in a Bears uniform will be here sooner than you think. The Bears are set to hold their rookie minicamp from May 10–11, giving Williams, Rome Odunze, Kiran Amegadjie, Tory Taylor, and Austin Booker a chance to hit the practice field for the first time as professionals.

Joining the five players from this year’s draft class are numerous undrafted free agents, including Illinois standout defensive tackle Keith Randolph Jr. and Western Kentucky quarterback Austin Reed. A mix of signed players and invitees will hit the field, hoping to make a strong first impression. Undrafted free agents such as linebacker Jack Sanborn and quarterback Tyson Bagent used this opportunity to earn a spot on the 90-man roster, eventually becoming key contributors in the regular season.

For all the intrigue about the players who went undrafted, the spotlight will be on Williams and Odunze as they get their first official team reps together. Next weekend will hopefully be the start of a long connection in Chicago.

Bears GM Ryan Poles says Rome Odunze was too good to pass on

Bears GM Ryan Poles said nothing was going to stop the Bears from selecting Rome Odunze at No. 9 in the NFL draft.

The Chicago Bears have been declared winners following the 2024 NFL draft, and that has a lot to do with the selections of quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze in the top 10.

While Williams was a lock to land in Chicago at No. 1, things couldn’t have worked out better for the Bears as Odunze — who would’ve been the top wideout in another draft class — fell into their lap at No. 9.

There are some who wondered whether Chicago contemplated trading out of that spot, considering they had just four draft picks heading into the draft. But any potential consideration changed when Odunze was still on the board at No. 9.

During an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” general manager Ryan Poles said nothing was going to stop the Bears from selecting Odunze at ninth overall.

“Rome was at the top of our list,” Poles said. “… There’s certain guys you don’t pass up on. Rome’s one of them. It’s hard to find a guy that is that big and that talented at the receiver spot. On top of that being an unbelievable human being, as well. There was no moving off Rome at all.”

Poles confirmed that Odunze was one of the blue-chip players on their draft board who they weren’t sure would be available at No. 9. In fact, Poles revealed during his post-draft press conference that assistant GM Ian Cunningham had to hold him back from trading up to grab Odunze.

Odunze joins a receiver group that already features two of the best in DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, giving Chicago an explosive passing offense — with Williams as the general.

Dane Brugler believes Bears had the best NFL draft class

There’s no denying the Bears were among the biggest winners following the 2024 NFL draft.

The Chicago Bears welcomed five new rookies to the roster during the 2024 NFL draft, a group that prompted general manager Ryan Poles to call this an “impact” draft.

That starts with the selection of quarterback Caleb Williams at first overall, giving Chicago their best quarterback prospect maybe ever. But then the Bears also managed to snag an elite wide receiver in Rome Odunze at ninth overall, pairing this young quarterback and receiver together for the foreseeable future.

Chicago then shored up key positions along the offensive line with tackle Kiran Amegadjie (Round 3), pass rush with Austin Booker (Round 5) and even landed a generational punter in Tory Taylor (Round 4).

Draft experts agree that the Bears were among the biggest winners following the draft, and The Athletic’s Dane Brugler actually ranked them higher than any other group.

Brugler’s favorite draft pick was, of course, Williams — although he did also consider Odunze. Amegadjie also got a shout-out.

Obviously, teams with multiple early-round picks have a decided advantage for this exercise over those with fewer selections. But the Bears aren’t No. 1 merely because they had two top-10 picks. They’re here because of what they did with those picks — and I went back and forth on my “favorite” between Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze. The answer, though, has to be the quarterback who can be a franchise-changing player for Chicago. I am also a fan of third-round OT Kiran Amegadjie, who has the talent to be Chicago’s left tackle of the future.

As for a player he believes could surprise, Brugler singled out Booker, who Chicago traded back into the draft to land as a piece of their defensive line.

Chicago only had two Day 3 choices, and I’m not going to pick the punter (Tory Taylor). The Bears used a 2025 fourth-round pick to trade back into this draft (at No. 144) and scoop up Booker, who easily could have been drafted on Day 2. Although he isn’t ready for a meaningful role as a rookie, Booker has the promising pass-rush savvy to be a steal when we look back at this selection in two or three years.

When looking at this 2024 draft class, the Bears landed two elite prospects in the top 10 to help take their offense to the next level. Adding Williams and Odunze to a group that already includes playmakers like DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, D’Andre Swift and Cole Kmet was a slam dunk.

Even with the addition of Booker, there are still some concerns about the defensive line. Will DeMarcus Walker and Booker prove to be a viable tandem opposite Montez Sweat? Is it Gervon Dexter’s time to shine at three-technique? Will they add another edge rusher and/or defensive tackle?

There are still moves to be made this offseason. But it’s shaping up to be a promising year.

Chicago Bears rookie analysis: WR Rome Odunze

The Bears selected WR Rome Odunze with the ninth pick in the NFL draft. Here’s a quick rundown on Odunze:

The Chicago Bears selected Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. Here’s a quick rundown on Odunze:

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 212 pounds
Age: 21
From: Las Vegas, NV

Breakdown: Odunze’s physicality and ability to win contested catches make him an ideal target in the red zone and on third downs. His strong hands and body allow him to make difficult catches in traffic, providing a reliable option for the quarterback when the play breaks down. Odunze’s size also makes him an effective blocker in the running game, which is crucial in Waldron’s scheme, which relies heavily on the outside run. — Nate Atkins

Dane Brugler’s scouting report: “A three-year starter at Washington, Odunze primarily lined up outside in former offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb’s spread scheme (75 percent wide, 25 percent slot over his career). His production improved each season, including an All -America 2023 campaign with an FBS-best 1,640 receiving yards and an elite first down/touchdown rate (80.4 percent). Odunze is field fast with fluid route running and above-average tracking/adjustment skills to secure catches in high-trafficked areas or create explosive plays downfield (32 catches of 20-plus yards in 2023, second most in the FBS). His body control at the catch point has always been a strength, but he took major strides in 2023 with his ability to play through contact and use focused concentration to win 50 -50 balls. Overall, Odunze is an above average height/weight/speed athlete with the pass-catching instincts and competitive focus to be a playmaking NFL receiver. He projects as a true X receiver and has the skill level to elevate his quarterback’s play (stylistically similar to Drake London).”

Lance Zierlein’s scouting report: “A team captain with good size and elite ball skills, Odunze consistently dominated his competition. While most receivers look to open separation windows with speed or route running, Odunze seems to relish jump balls and contested catches. He shines in all aspects of ball skills, including positioning, body control, hand strength, timing and mid-air adjustments. He has a tendency to cruise through routes rather than working with attention to detail and pacing. He was a decorated high school sprinter, so speed should not be an issue in the pros. He’s a high-volume target on the next level that play-callers can utilize to mismatch finesse cornerbacks. Elite ball skills are often the secret sauce for top NFL receivers, so it should not surprise if Odunze is a Day 1 starter who becomes a top-flight WR1.”

They said it: “Man, I don’t know where to start with that guy. First of all, a human being, what a great guy. Work ethic, just blue collar in the way he goes about things. But as a receiver, he can line [up] anywhere: inside, outside. You love his ability to finish in contested situations. Plays strong, plays big, run-after-catch is very good. He’s a punt returner as well. I mean, the kid’s just put time in and he got better and better every single year and he’s a winner. He can impact the game at any moment. If you’re at quarterback, and you’re in doubt, you want to just go give a guy an opportunity to go finish, he’s your guy. He’s done that consistently.” — GM Ryan Poles

RAS card

Highlights

2024 Top-10 fantasy football rookies

2024 was the Year of the Quarterback. It was not the Year of the Running Back.

Seven rounds later in Detroit and the NFL draft seeded teams with rookies. Rosters are relatively set, other than a few free agents that have yet to land. How did this draft compare to previous seasons?

Quarterbacks


An NFL-record six quarterbacks were selected over the first twelve picks and then none until the 5.15 pick for another record gap. The fury over picking signal callers suggests this may be a challenger to the famous 1983 class. But 2021 saw five taken in the first 15 selections and three years later, only Trevor Lawrence is still a starter from that entire draft class. This set of quarterbacks are expected to remake the landscape of the NFL within a few years. Or just become 2021 all over again.

Running Backs


Fantasy football loves rookie running backs. That’s about the end of affection for the position that continues to be devalued despite their contributions each season. A new NFL record was set when only Jonathon Brooks was drafted from the position over the first two rounds. And he’s fresh off a torn ACL six months ago. This was considered a weak class and the NFL treated it as if they were just adding special teamers instead of every-down contributors.

Tight Ends


Brock Bowers carries the only realistic fantasy hopes for a rookie tight end to matter. Only two tight ends were selected until the fourth round as a sign that the position carried minimal importance for 2024 outside of Bowers. He is the Sam LaPorta in this draft.

Wide Receivers


There was plenty of interest in wide receivers for the pass-happy NFL. The seven taken in Round 1 tied the record set in  2004. Three wideouts went over the first nine picks and there’s a lot of optimism about the first dozen selected. Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers and Keon Coleman landed in spots where there is an immediate opening to become the No. 1 wideout.

Overall, the draft was weak for rushing but infused a ton of talented youth into the passing game.

Top 10 fantasy rookies

  1. WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
    Arizona Cardinals 1.04, 6-3, 209 pounds, 4.35 est. 40-time
    Oddly, the top fantasy rookie is usually a running back but that changes this year. Harrison brings the complete elite package to Arizona where the next best wideout is Michael Wilson. The rookie has minimal competition for targets and a quarterback in Kyler Murray who is capable of a 4,000-yard season. The top wideout lands in perhaps the most advantageous situation of any receiver.
  2. RB Jonathon Brooks, Texas
    Carolina Panthers 2.14, 6-0, 216 pounds, 4.45 est. 40-time
    Fantasy loves rookie rushers and for good reasons. Brooks was the only back taken in the first two rounds. He was a first-round grade but comes off a torn ACL last November. He’s expected to be healthy for training camp and joins a rebuilding Panthers as their clear primary back.
  3. WR Keon Coleman, Florida State
    Buffalo Bills 6-3, 213 pounds 4.61 40-time
    The ex-Seminole was only the eighth wideout drafted but like Harrison, lands in an ideal spot with the Bills remaking their receivers and should turn into their No. 1 wideout soon if not immediately. Bills just lost 241 receptions from last year with Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis gone. Not a burner, but Coleman should become the immediate possession receiver and a friend in the end zone.
  4. WR Brian Thomas, LSU
    Jacksonville Jaguars 1.23, 6-3, 209 pounds, 4.33 40-time
    The Jaguars needed to replace previous No. 1 wideout Calvin Ridley and turn to the speedy Fighting Tiger that led the nation with 17 receiving scores last year. He’ll slide into the No. 2 behind Christian Kirk and carry the expectation of being the No. 1 sooner than later. Paired with a healthy Trevor Lawrence should produce fantasy starter stats.
  5. RB Trey Benson, Florida State
    Arizona Cardinals 3.02, 6-0, 216 pounds, 4.39 40-time
    While Benson is not the immediate starter, he joins an improving Cardinals team that has relied on James Conner for three seasons with mostly moderate results. Conner is in his final contract year and Benson brings a much-needed speed element to the backfield. Conner is a 233-pound power back who always misses a few games. Benson will contribute from Day 1, fill in when Conner is hurt again, and angle to be the primary by 2025 at the latest.
  6. WR Malik Nabers, LSU
    New York Giants 1.06, 6-0, 200 pounds, 4.35 40-time
    There is no argument that Nabers is an elite talent that any team would benefit from using. That said, five years of Daniel Jones has produced ZERO 1,000-yard wideouts. Nabers drew the short straw and suffered the pain of being so good, that he was available to the worst teams. Nabers will improve the Giants, probably, but he’s landed in what has historically been the NFL Siberia for wide receivers.
  7. QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
    Washington Commanders, 6-3, 210 pounds, 4.35 40-time
    C.J. Stroud was the rare rookie quarterback that became a fantasy starter. And Caleb Williams was the 1.01 pick with the standard ridiculous skills and proven production. But Daniels lands in Washington, where the offense was upgraded and Daniels was the premier running quarterback in this draft. That looms huge as a rookie who will otherwise have to learn to read NFL defenses and synch up with his receivers. Or just run the ball as he did at LSU, where he gained 1,134 yards and ten touchdowns as a rusher last year.
  8. TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
    Las Vegas Raiders 1.13, 6-3, 243 pounds, 4.5 est. 40-time
    Not many analysts saw the Raiders grabbing Bowers, but he fell to the 1.13 despite being one of the best prospects at the position for many years. Bowers was the top receiver in Georgia for all three seasons. He just flattened Michael Mayer‘s career arc, but should offer fantasy startability for a Raiders’ offense that sports a weak backfield and only Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers as weapons when they pass.
  9. WR Xavier Worthy, Texas
    Kansas City Chiefs 1.28, 5-11, 165 pounds, 4.21 40-time
    The chance that Xavier Worthy will be overvalued in fantasy drafts is right at 100%. Even faster than Tyreek Hill, Worthy will have fantasy value in Year 1, and may surprise matched up with Patrick Mahomes. But he becomes just another option for an offense that also has Travis Kelce, Marquise Brown, Rashee Rice (maybe) and Kadarius Toney (for the two games that he lasts).  Worthy is smallish for any heavy workload and will need time to reach his potential. But have to think there are a handful of very deep scores waiting to happen.
  10. WR Ladd McConkey, Georgia 
    Los Angeles Chargers 4.13, 6-0, 186 pounds, 4.39 40-time
    Many other rookies could end up this good, but McConkey gets the advantage of landing with the Chargers where they stripped out their starting wideouts and McConkey could easily carve out a starting spot if not end up as the No. 1 receiver this year. But the wet blanket here is new HC Jim Harbaugh importing a run-heavy approach that threatens to significantly blunt the passing offense.

Top 10 dynasty rookies

  1. WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI)
  2. RB Jonathon Brooks (CAR)
  3. QB Jayden Daniels (WAS)
  4. WR Keon Coleman (BUF)
  5. QB Caleb Williams (CHI)
  6. WR Brian Thomas (JAX)
  7. WR Malik Nabers (NYG)
  8. WR Rome Odunze (CHI)
  9. RB Trey Benson (ARI)
  10. WR Xavier Worthy (KC)

Bears GM Ryan Poles barely hid a laugh when asked about the Falcons drafting Michael Penix Jr.

The Falcons are the joke of the NFL right now.

In the NFL, there is nothing like making a perceived mistake league-wide. Truly, when it comes to going against the grain of the common consensus — if it rains, it pours. The Atlanta Falcons are learning that the hard way after they shockingly drafted former Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Beyond the Falcons stunning their own fans, it seems pretty clear their Penix pick also took other NFL general managers off guard.

RELATED: Why the Falcons might have drafted Penix. 

Take Bears general manager Ryan Poles, for example. When explaining his thought process after seeing receiver Rome Odunze drop to Chicago at No. 9 overall, Poles was asked about his thoughts on Atlanta’s quarterback pick just before. He could barely stifle a laugh before composing himself and delivering an appropriately professional answer.

While the charitable (and likely) interpretation is that Poles mainly appreciated Atlanta opening the door to Odunze wearing a Bears uniform, his immediate slip reaction said it all — he apparently found the Falcons’ evaluative draft process leading them to Penix very amusing.

You can find the exchange starting at the 11:05 timestamp in the video below, courtesy of the Bears:

The Falcons can only hope that anyone who reacted to the Penix pick like this comes to regret their laughter in due time. For the time being, though, they are the convenient (and understandable) piñata of the league.

Featured image courtesy of the Chicago Bears. 

Rome Odunze was stunned to learn the Bears’ all-time receiving yard record (and is ready to break it)

The Bears’ offensive records are embarrassingly low.

On paper, Rome Odunze is likely the most talented receiver prospect the Chicago Bears have ever had the pleasure of drafting. Odunze is so good, in fact, that he was previously (blissfully?) unaware of Chicago’s all-time receiving yards record.

Gifted playmakers like him simply don’t understand the offensive futility the Bears have been mired in for years.

RELATED: Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze are an incredible buddy duo already. 

In an interview with Chicago radio station 670 The Score, Odunze was told that the Bears’ all-time leading receiver is Johnny Morris, with an extremely meager 5059 yards. When Odunze heard the figure out loud, he literally had to clarify that it was achieved over the course of an entire Bears career.

Most importantly, the talented rookie vowed that he’s prepared to break it someday:

I don’t know about you, but telling doe-eyed Bears offensive rookies the franchise records for their respective positions would be incredible content. Call it a hunch, but Odunze wouldn’t be the only shocked person. For example, does Caleb Williams know a Bears quarterback has never thrown for at least 4000 yards and/or 30 touchdowns in a single season?

And does he know why? (Tugs collar)

Needless to say, Odunze (and Williams) are joining the Bears with the potential to blaze so many trails.