Hear from Bears scouts analyzing Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft originally appeared in NBC Sports Chicago
Ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft in late April, Bears the scouts were tasked with providing GM Ryan Poles with their analysis on every player in the draft – including the two they ultimately selected.
In a new episode of “1920 Football Drive,” the Bears go behind the scenes and document scouts giving their analysis on Caleb Williams, who the Bears drafted No. 1 overall, and Rome Odunze, who the Bears selected with the No. 9 pick.
Here’s what scouts said about Williams in the video.
“So as a person, very good personal character, a supportive family,” said Reese Hicks, an area scout. “And he also has a good team around him. You know, despite all the praise, he remains steadfast, very humble for everything he has achieved.
“Very hard worker and his teammates love this guy. Great reviews from players he played with at USC and Oklahoma. What stands out to me most about this kid from a makeup standpoint is just his competitiveness. He hates losing He does whatever he needs to do to win, whether it’s work ethic or bringing guys with him.
“As a player, the same thing. I mean, he’s rare in terms of a lot of things in the passing game. You know, the arm strength, the accuracy, the high level. What stands out to me is just the instincts and just the ability to make plays when things go off schedule. Very good athlete, can escape and get out of trouble and then make plays on the field.
“This is the prototypical new-age quarterback who is a high-level competitor. Flashes of rare arm talent,” said Bears Senior National Scout Francis St. Paul. “Able to make throws from multiple arm angles at all three levels. He could play inside or outside the pocket.
“Very good touch and accuracy at all three levels. Dangerous runner who can pick up first downs with his feet consistently. This guy comes in, he’s going to be an eventual top-five QB in the league. His combination of skill, competitiveness and the desire to win makes it rare.”
The Poles then asked their scouts to analyze Odunze. Here’s what they said about him.
“Rome is a great kid. He ticks all the boxes as a person and also from a football character standpoint,” Hicks said. “He has good energy. Favorite in the locker room, mature, everything you want. A very good runner with very good size. What catches my attention are his skills with the ball and his hands. Good speed to take the top. , but does well in contested catch situations.”
“Very good hands. Excellent ball skills,” St. Paul said. “Even when he’s not open, the kid is open. Just throw it close to him, he’ll go up and get it. Natural pass catcher. You like him with the ball in his hands. His size, ball skills and contested reception capacity makes it an option on all basses, on all three levels. I really like this player. [Moore] He’s going to be great.”
It’s obvious the Bears fell in love with Williams and Odunze. Their emphasis on each of their characters is evident in the way they observe the players.
It’s also notable how much confidence they have in Williams, as the Bears’ claim that he is a “generational talent” across the league is admitted.
