4 Takeaways from the Chicago Bears selecting Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze in 2024 NFL Draft

The Chicago Bears had what many Bears fans would describe as a dream-turned-reality first-round haul in the 2024 NFL Draft with QB Caleb Williams and WR Rome Odunze selections. Williams has been the consensus top prospect in this year’s draft since the start of the 2023 college football season, while Odunze’s physical traits and work ethic made him a universally approved top-10 pick.

Here are the biggest takeaways from the Bears’ first-round haul.

It’s a new era in Chicago

Bears fans aren’t used to this feeling. It’s a feeling of overwhelming, justifiable optimism. It’s incredible what a generational quarterback prospect can do for a team’s outlook, and when paired with a first-round receiver who’s been compared to Larry Fitzgerald during the pre-draft cycle, the ceiling on what Chicago’s offense can accomplish… doesn’t exist.

This team has no ceiling, not with Williams, Odunze, DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Cole Kmet, and D’Andre Swift. It’s an offensive skill group that feels more like a fantasy team than a real-life roster. The Bears needed a little luck to get here (or maybe it was just GM Ryan Poles playing chess last year this time), but they’re here now. And it’s a new era.

Williams and Odunze are already fast friends

Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze being in the same draft class is incredible. But the fact they’ve already formed something of a bond over the last few days makes it even more special.

How it started ?? How it’s going pic.twitter.com/O3MDMYNEjz

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 26, 2024

Positive relationships are critically important for a young quarterback to succeed in the NFL. Williams already has that with Odunze, who’s almost as important to the long-term upside of the Chicago Bears offense as Williams is.

Get ready to hear a lot of “Williams to Odunze, touchdown!” over the years.

Excitement in Chicago is at an all-time high

It goes without saying that Chicago Bears fans are excited about Caleb Williams’ arrival, and they’re putting their money where their mouth (and heart) is.

Williams’ merchandise sales broke the Fanatics record for draft night purchases, so much for that loyalty to Justin Fields.

The quarterback curse feels like it’s broken

It’s over, Bears fans. The quarterback curse is over.

Normally, my superstition would stop me from writing such a thing. But this time, it’s different. Caleb Williams is different. Surrounding him with Rome Odunze is different.

And the results will be different, too.