Mel Kiper insists Chicago Bears take Rome Odunze at No. 9 if available

The Chicago Bears will be getting two bites at the apple in the Top-10 of the 2024 NFL Draft. With the thought being that they’re going with QB Caleb Williams at No. 1, the question at No. 9 has a simple answer, depending on what’s available, to ESPN’s Mel Kiper.

Kiper made his pick for the Bears in his fourth mock draft during a SportsCenter Special last week. Assuming he’s still there like he is in Kiper’s mock, the draft expert says Chicago shouldn’t think twice about taking Washington WR Rome Odunze.

“I can’t believe he’ll be there,” said Kiper. “If he is, the Bears? Do not consider trading down! Take Rome Odunze.”

Now, if he’s not there, Kiper suggests that the Bears make a deal since they don’t have a second-round pick as they won’t select again until No. 75 in the third round. However, if he’s there, he says Chicago shouldn’t overthink it and take one of the draft’s top receivers.

“If Rome Odunze is gone, you don’t have a second-round pick because of the Montez Sweat trade? Then you consider moving down. But, if Rome is there? Uh uh,” said Kiper.

Over four years as a Husky, Odunze caught 214 passes for just under 3,300 yards and 24 touchdowns. That included this past fall where he had a career year with 92 receptions for 1,640 yards, which set a school record, and 13 touchdowns.

That resumé has him firmly in the mix at the position with Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers. With Harrison Jr. slightly ahead in those rankings, Kiper made it clear that he has Odunze right there with Nabers as the second-best receiver in the draft.

“Like I said, the only reason I went with Nabers over Odunze is speed and explosiveness but they’re neck and neck,” said Kiper.

Chicago has already made several roster additions to help Williams out heading into his rookie season. That includes trading for Keenan Allen and signing D’Andre Swift to go along with other pieces like DJ Moore.

Still, adding another young, talented prospect at receiver like Odunze would only further improve Williams’ circumstances. That’s why Kiper is proposing they do so with the second of their two Top-10 picks.

“Rome is the pick,” said Kiper. “He would be a steal if available at number nine.”

“What a pick it would be at number nine if he’s still on the board,” Kiper said.