Who is the one prospect you hope the Bears select in the 2024 NFL Draft?
It’s draft week! The Chicago Bears will be on the field in three days, so we asked a few of our players to respond to a series of roundtable questions. Because the first name we’ll hear is undoubtedly USC quarterback Caleb Williams, he wasn’t a candidate for this initial topic. Who is the one prospect you hope the Bears select at the draft? I added another proviso by informing them that they did not have to respond with the ninth overall pick in mind, but that is where most of us are focused. Here is what we had to say.
Josh Sunderbruch:
It has to be Rome Odunze. He is precisely what Chicago requires in their receiving corps in terms of being a real X. He’s a quarterback’s closest friend since he wins contested catches and appears to be a cool guy. He grew up admiring Devin Hester and comes across as a true team player.
Aaron Leming:
Man, that’s a difficult one… I believe that the Bears finding a way to acquire one of the top three receivers would be a huge win for the present and future, but adding another pass rusher or two to this defense could pay dividends in the short run. I adore Xavier Legette, but unless the Bears can secure a mid-second-round choice, I don’t see him as a possibility for them. From a practical standpoint, Rome Odunze is perhaps the name I’m most attached to.
Mason West:
There’s just Rome. You don’t often get the opportunity to select a legitimate WR1 prospect who might perhaps be the first WR picked in recent rounds. It’s simply that Harrison Jr. and Nabers are in his way. Honestly, I like Odunze to Nabers. He is more well-rounded, has a higher floor, is a true X, and exudes Bear as a personality. In the NFL, a strength rapidly becomes a weakness, and while I like the Allen deal, too many factors could lead to the Bears needing a receiver soon. Go grab him while you can.
Lester A. Wiltfong Jr.:
I get pumped whenever I see Odunze ridiculed by the Bears at nine. I’d be fine with any of the top three wideouts, but Odunze appears to be the one who falls to Chicago the most. His skill set and body type compliment DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, making the Bears a deadly trio. Plus, combining a promising rookie receiver with Caleb Williams and allowing them to develop together would be excellent.