Bears Fans Hope this WR Falls To No. 9

We recently polled Chicago Bears fans over which wide receiver the fan-base would like to see slide to No. 9 overall between LSU’s Malik Nabers and Washington’s Rome Odunze. The poll results were incredibly close with Nabers slightly edging out Odunze by the finest of margins. This insinuates Bears fans are extremely high on both pass-catching prospects. Complete poll results can be viewed below.

#Bears fans: Which WR (not named MHJ) do you hope falls to 9?

— Bears Talk (@TheBearsTalk) March 21, 2024

It’s a foregone conclusion that Bears general manager Ryan Poles will select USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick. That clarity has made the discussion surrounding the ninth pick particularly more intriguing and mysterious.

Drafting a receiver at No. 9 is no longer a guaranteed necessity after Poles acquired Keenan Allen from the Los Angeles Chargers through a blockbuster trade. The aging Allen is entering a contract season however, so it’s within the realm of possibility that Poles still drafts Odunze or Nabers at No. 9 to be D.J. Moore’s long-term running mate.

Nabers and Odunze possess differing skill-sets, which means Poles likely has a preference. Nabers is an electric route runner with explosive run-after-catch ability. Odunze is a big-bodied vertical playmaker who’s more dominant at the catch point.

If neither Nabers nor Odunze is available, Poles could alternatively consider an offensive tackle or pass rusher. The Bears are hosting Alabama outside linebacker Dallas Turner on an in-person visit. Our latest poll results indicate Nabers or Odunze would be a popular pick.