Bears' speedy new receiver excites fans, analysts — and new QB
The Chicago Bears selected Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze with the No. 9 overall pick in the NFL Draft on Thursday night.
The speedy receiver had a monster senior season, posting career-highs of receptions (81), receiving yards (1,428) and touchdowns (13) as the Huskies played for the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship.
Here is how social media reacted to the newest weapon for top pick and fellow first-round selection, quarterback Caleb Williams:
The analysts love this pick
NFL Insider Field Yates used a baseball reference on teaming No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams with a new wideout, noting it is an "incredible night for Chicago."
"Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze is a grand slam for the Bears," Yates wrote.
A diehard Bears fan and Barstool Sports personality Dan 'Big Cat' Katz is very excited for the 2024 Bears offense. Katz pointed out that Williams will be throwing to Odunze, DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and Cole Kmet.
"This is incredible," Katz wrote. "What a night"
Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III, who is a current ESPN analyst, used the acronym "HBO" — HELP A BROTHER OUT — when describing Odunze as a wide receiver.
"Rome Odunze is the definition of a HBO Wide Receiver," RGIII wrote. "Throw it anywhere near him and he will HELP A BROTHER OUT. His body control, ability to track the ball down field and desire to win every rep will make Caleb love him."
Caleb Williams loves the pick
The Bears social media accounts
Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze poses after being selected by the Chicago Bears. picked up video of Williams reacting to the pick of his future teammate. The No. 1 overall pick, seen drinking a bottle of water, was so excited with the selection he was heard saying he "wanted to spike this water, but we got cameras."
"We got our guy," Williams said, smiling. "We got our guy."
The two later posed together for a photo while bearing bear claws, posted by the Bears social media team with the caption "Big Bear Down"
Welcome to Chicago, Caleb and Rome
Chicago Blackhawks rookie sensation and No. 1 overall pick Connor Bedard had a video posted on the Blackhawks account on Twitter. He greeted the new draft picks to the Windy City.
"Welcome to Chicago," Bedard said. "We're super pumped to be watching this season. Chicago is best city with the best fans, no question. Congrats."