It was hard to convey how fortunate the Chicago Bears were to get both Caleb Williams at #1 overall and Rome Odunze at #9. No team had ever selected a quarterback and wide receiver together in the top-10 in modern NFL history. Both players received glowing marks from the draft community. Each is viewed as a potential superstar at the next level. What Bears fans want to see is how they handle professional defensive backs. Well, we got a taste of it on Thursday.
The team released a new clip of Williams casually flicking a pinpoint pass over the outstretched arm of Tyrique Stevenson to Odunze for a touchdown.
There is so much to like about the clip. Start with Williams. There isn’t a single ounce of hesitation in his process. He gets the snap, reads the coverage, turns, and fires the ball to Odunze once he sees it is man-to-man. The accuracy is perfect, just far enough for the receiver to get it without Stevenson getting a hand in the way. Odunze also gets credit for creating separation on the route and making a tough catch in confined space. That was a trademark of his in college.
Caleb Williams didn’t do this against a no-name reserve.
Stevenson is a starting cornerback in the NFL. A pretty good one. He had four interceptions last season. This isn’t somebody with a poor track record. For Williams and Odunze to beat him like that isn’t easy to dismiss. The cornerback had good position. It’s not like he blew the coverage. The route and throw were just that good. Two rookies pulling it off is beyond exciting. Many felt the chemistry between Williams and Odunze was strong from the start. We’re already seeing glimpses of it.
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It is also nice to see the young receiver healthy. His rookie minicamps stint ended early due to a hamstring strain. It’s clear that is no longer an issue. Caleb Williams’ confidence also doesn’t appear at all shaken after his tough afternoon against the defense last week. This shouldn’t be a surprise. Mental toughness was said to be one of his strengths. Kevin Byard said the defense would help the young quarterback get better. It appears the lessons are already taking root.
They say extreme repetition is a good thing for the challenged to facilitate remembrance. So, at #9 2024 NFL draft: (A) LT Alt; (B) WR Odunze; (C) LT Fashanu. Now we can focus on the 2025 NFL draft which will be deeper and more plentiful for defensive players–just what the Bears need.
My new Odunze Bears Jersey is out for delivery today. Great day to be a Bears fan!!
*Claw*