BREAKING: Ryan Poles revealed the team that he feared would take Rome Odunze.
The NFL draft may be a stressful event for a general manager. This is because the majority of it is outside your control. Despite your best efforts, players you’re interested in can wind up on another team’s squad. Ryan Poles understands this well. He’s seen it happen to his squad numerous times since becoming a scout and personnel man. Going into the 2024 draft, the Chicago Bears’ general manager was confident he would select his quarterback first overall. The difficult part was waiting to see what transpired with his ninth pick. Poles had planned up several scenarios based on what happened after #1, but he was certain of one thing.
The Bears really wanted Rome Odunze.
It was felt that the Washington wide receiver had all the attributes they looked for in a great player: size, speed, route- running skill, and an insatiable work ethic. Getting him would enhance their passing attack to a level Bears fans hadn’t seen in at least a decade. Unfortunately, it was a long wait between #1 and #9. There was a very real possibility Odunze could be gone before Poles had a chance to get him. One team in particular made him the most nervous. He revealed who it was on Waddle & Silvy for ESPN 1000.
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Ryan Poles knew he had his guy after New York.
The Giants signing Malik Nabers was intriguing. They already had a receiver on the roster, Jalin Hyatt, who was capable of covering a large amount of ground quickly. Some suggested that he would have been better paired with a strong, big-bodied target like Odunze. New York went for the more bombastic choice. When that happened, Poles knew his chances of landing Odunze had significantly enhanced. Everyone knew the Tennessee Titans were nearly guaranteed to add offensive line depth. They had already secured their receiver by signing Calvin Ridley in free agency. Most people believed Atlanta would play defensive. Of course, they surprised the entire league by signing Odunze’s quarterback from Washington, Michael Penix Jr.
Patience had paid off. Ryan Poles got his guy. Odunze would join D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen to forge arguably the most formidable wide receiver trio in Bears history. He already has a budding friendship with Caleb Williams. Former Pro Bowl wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh insists the kid is destined to be a star. The fact Poles took him the 1st round despite coming from a front office that avoided doing so for years, tells you everything you need to know.
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