Chicago Bears 2024 Draft Grades
Rome Odunze Draft Grade: A+
The draft board fell exactly how the Bears wanted it to, and they didn't overthink their selection at No.9, picking wide receiver Rome Odunze out of Washington. Adding Odunze to the stacked receiving room that was mentioned above only makes Caleb Williams's job easier as a rookie quarterback.
At Washington, Odunze showed excellent ball skills, body control, and route running ability. These traits helped Odunze gain 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023 and earn All-American honors.
Odunze has some of the best ball skills in the 2024 draft.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 26, 2024
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
Odunze falling to the Bears at No.9 can significantly aid his development since he isn't stepping straight into the number-one receiver role. Being able to learn the ropes in the NFL from Keenan Allen and D.J. Moore will make Odunze that much better. Odunze had already begun this process before the draft when he worked with Allen, Moore, and Willams. Working out with each other before the draft allowed Odunze and Williams to start learning an NFL offense early and helped build chemistry between everyone.
Building chemistry and fostering Odunze's skill set early could set him up to break the Bears' receiving record held by Johnny Morris. Morris had 5,059 receiving yards in ten seasons with the Bears. If Odunze reaches his full potential in the NFL, he and Caleb Willams can do special things for the Bears.