New interesting video footage shows the Chicago Bears trying to pull off a blockbuster trade at this year’s NFL Draft with an NFC rival.
No NFL Team had a more exciting draft than the Chicago Bears. They used the first overall pick of 2024 (obtained via the Carolina Panthers in the Bryce Young trade) on can’t-miss USC quarterback Caleb Williams.
And then with the No. 9 pick, Chicago found another prized prospect in Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze, who racked up 92 receptions for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns in his last season of college football.
Some interesting new video footage of Bears general manager Ryan Poles attempting to make a trade with Atlanta Falcons GM Terry Fontenot during round one has surfaced.
Poles wanted to move up to the No. 8 spot to ensure he could select Odunze, and he offered the No. 9 pick plus a future fourth-round pick. Atlanta decided to stay in the eighth spot and select Washington QB Michael Penix Jr., Odunze’s college teammate:
@MySportsUpdate This is interesting. pic.twitter.com/86TDtVLn6A
— AM Show (@AriMeirovShow) June 14, 2024
So it all worked out for the Chicago Bears, who got their man in Odunze anyway. Atlanta’s decision to draft Penix Jr. came as a major shock to many (including Cousins himself), considering they had just handed Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins $180 million in free agency.
Rome Odunze with the sweet footwork drill being coached by DJ Moore. #DaBears
pic.twitter.com/pnMECHTCjr— Ben Devine (@Chicago_NFL) June 12, 2024
Chicago Bears Are A Sleeper Team In 2024
The Bears finished 7-10 last season, marking their third consecutive losing season. The franchise also hasn’t won a playoff game since the 2010 season, when they beat a 7-9 Seattle Seahawks club in the Divisional Round.
But the Bears have the pieces to be a surprise playoff contender in 2024. Williams, Odunze, Keenan Allen, DJ Moore and D’Andre Swift round out a promising offensive nucleus, while the Montez Sweat, Tremaine Edmunds and Jaylon Johnson-led defense can only get better after showing some improvement from 2022.
The Bears will open their 2024 season at home against the Tennessee Titans on Sept. 8.
