Draft steals are usually picks from later rounds who become stars, but sometimes a big player can be just as unexpected and Chicago Bears proved this with wide receiver Odunze. Chicago Bears find a surprise steal in wide receiver Rome Odunze.
ESPN’s Field Yates put together a list of the “best picks” and “top steals” in every round of the 2024 NFL draft, mentioning Odunze as the first player. Both Odunze and quarterback Caleb Williams , selected by Chicago, are valuable together.
“Getting Williams and Odunze in the first round is a dream scenario for Chicago,” said Yates. “Odunze was my sixth-ranked prospect, and having a strong supporting cast for a talented young quarterback like Williams is crucial. The addition of Odunze to the Bears’ receiver group enhances their offensive strength. He’s great at running routes, and Williams will benefit from his ability to catch contested passes.”
Bears Declined Multiple Trade Offers to Pick Rome Odunze 9th Overall
GettyWide receiver Rome Odunze of the Chicago Bears.
Additionally, general manager Ryan Poles told the Pat McAfee Show that numerous teams wanted to trade for the 9th pick to get Odunze, but Chicago turned them down.
“Rome was our top choice. There are certain players you can’t pass up on, and Rome is one of them,” Poles stated on May 1. “It’s tough to find someone with Rome’s size and talent, who is also a great person. We were firm about keeping Rome.”
It’s unclear which teams made offers and what they offered. Chicago could have potentially traded back a few picks, addressed a position of need, and gained at least a second-round pick in exchange for the 9th pick and Odunze. This shows how much the Bears value Odunze, placing him above multiple players with high first-round and second-round worth.
By not taking that chance, the Bears demonstrated their high regard for Odunze, considering him more valuable than two players with mid-first round and second-round value, respectively.
Value of Rome Odunze Boosted by Talent on Bears’ Roster
GettyChicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore.
One must also consider Odunze’s value not only in relation to his new quarterback, but also to the potent offense in Chicago.
Pro Bowl Keenan Allen and DJ Moore will be other key players in the receiver room, along with pass-catching threats in tight end Cole Kmet and running back D’Andre Swift.
Odunze may often face favorable matchups against opponents’ third-best coverage defenders, which should be a challenge for defensive coordinators trying to contain the 6-foot, 3-inch and 215-pound wideout who led the FBS last season with 1,640 yards gained by receiving the ball.
