1.12 | Rome Odunze, WR - Washington
Remember, Lance Zierlein is predicting the Chicago Bears trade down from 9 to 12 with the Denver Broncos. The Broncos took J.J. McCarthy with the Bears' pick at 9 and Ryan Poles is rewarded for risking the opportunity to take Rome Odunze three picks sooner. We don't know what the Broncos gave up to move up from 12 to 9, but as I mentioned earlier, they don't own a second-rounder. I'm going out on a limb here and assuming their 2024 third-rounder is involved. Not bad.
The Jets took Taliese Fuaga (OL) at 10 and the Vikings took Dallas Turner (EDGE) at 11. To think that the Chicago Bears can move down from their pick at 9 to land a wide receiver many expect to be off the board within the top 7 picks is absolutely fantastic — a dream scenario.
From a confidence standpoint, drafting both Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze should lead to an immediate Super Bowl. They both exude a high belief in one's self. I find that arrogance can be a problem at times (see Anthony Miller), but many players need to have that sense of self-worth to become stars in the NFL.
From a draft analysis standpoint, adding Rome Odunze to the WR room would be a fantastic pairing with DJ Moore. They make a strong compliment to one another. Odunze isn't a blazing-fast receiver and isn't going to add a large number of yards after the catch (YAC). His specialty is using his body to create separation and win 50/50 balls. He has proven to be exceptional at contested catches. His catch radius is elite and his route tree is solid for a guy his size. Landing him at 12 would be a steal.
It's going to be a busy offseason.