Former Bears All-Pro Voices Concerns Over Chicago’s First-Round Draft Approach
When the Chicago Bears chose QB Caleb Williams and WR Rome Odunze in the first round of the NFL draft, it received widespread praise from Bears fans, opposing fans, draft analysts, and most media members. However, some have pointed out that the team had other pressing needs, such as edge, defensive tackle, and potentially left tackle. Former Bears All-Pro and current media member Olin Kreutz shares that opinion and believes the Bears may have made a mistake with their selection at number 9.
“I like [Rome] Odunze. He’s awesome,” Kreutz told Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune “But I don’t know how you don’t take the left tackle with the problems they’ve had.”
Kreutz makes a fair point, but Rome Odunze’s talent is exceptional and hard to overlook. He would likely be the top wide receiver in most draft classes if not for Marvin Harrison Jr. being in the same class. While Malik Nabers is also talented, Odunze is comparable as a prospect.
Additionally, the Bears’ new franchise quarterback, Caleb Williams, pounded the table strongly for Odunze, which no doubt influenced the team’s decision to draft him at nine. While the Bears couldn’t address every need in the draft, they did create a top five wide receiving corps, thanks to Ryan Poles and the front office. This move also shows the confidence they have in Braxton Jones is very real. He will be the left tackle for at least another season and that is more than viable.