WCG’s lead draft analyst looks at the Bears’ new rookie wide receiver.
With the No. 9 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears have selected Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze.
A consensus All-American in 2023 and a back-to-back member of the first-team All-Pac-12 team, Odunze was a popular choice among Bears fans with their second Round 1 selection, but there were doubts as to whether he would be available at No. 9. He was, and general manager Ryan Poles stayed put and acquired another phenomenal offensive prospect.
Odunze is the next step in Chicago’s transformation on offense. They selected USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick they received from the Panthers earlier on Thursday night. They traded for wide receiver Keenan Allen, and they signed running back D’Andre Swift and tight end Gerald Everett in free agency. That’s on top of wide receiver DJ Moore, whom they acquired in the aforementioned Carolina trade, and tight end Cole Kmet.
I took to the tape to break down Odunze in a Twitter thread.
THREAD: The #Bears just drafted a potential superstar WR in Rome Odunze.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 26, 2024
Odunze has some of the best ball skills in the 2024 draft.
His body control and tracking ability when the ball’s in the air is top-notch. He’s the type of WR you can trust to go up and get the ball. #Bears pic.twitter.com/LeUnJqA9hh
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 26, 2024
Odunze is a natural pass-catcher with very good physicality at the catch point.
At 6’3” and 212 pounds, he’s a well-built WR who boxes out very well at the catch point. He’s physical in tight windows and makes grabs away from his frame easily. #Bears pic.twitter.com/Jv7cgOJqWb
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 26, 2024
Odunze is a crafty route runner with a very high football IQ.
His route disguising ability is very good, he uses his hands well at the top of his route to create separation, and he knows how to exploit soft spots in zone coverage to work himself open. #Bears pic.twitter.com/p7B4W4lpEM
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 26, 2024
Odunze is a versatile weapon who can create separation outside or in the slot.
I like him best as an ‘X’ receiver, but his athleticism and crafty separation ability could make him a nightmare to guard out of the slot. #Bears pic.twitter.com/2hiWlPpTJR
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 26, 2024
Here’s Rome Odunze’s RAS card.
Elite athlete with fantastic WR size and great speed who can jump out of the gym. One of the best physical specimens in the 2024 draft. #Bears pic.twitter.com/gBv3QFDQkP
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 26, 2024
Rome Odunze was the No. 4 prospect on my board. I had him as WR2 in the class over Malik Nabers. He has elite potential and Day 1 contributor ability.
The #Bears can do whatever for the rest of the draft. After getting Odunze and Caleb Williams, I give this draft an A+ grade.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 26, 2024
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