2024 NFL Draft: How the Bears picks on offense impact the depth chart

The Chicago Bears made three of their five selections in the 2024 NFL Draft on the offensive side of the ball. They are quarterback Caleb Williams, wide receiver Rome Odunze, and offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie. All three players will drastically impact the Bears’ depth chart heading into the 2024 campaign.

Let’s examine the changes made.

CALEB WILLIAMS | QUARTERBACK

I mean, duh? Selecting Caleb Williams at No. 1 overall immediately makes him Chicago’s most exciting rookie quarterback in franchise history. Williams should immediately rewrite the record books. Mitch Trubisky’s pathetic rookie single-season passing yards record (2,193) is especially in danger, as is Charlie O’Rourke’s (1942) rookie single-season passing touchdowns record of 11.

MORE: Jim McMahon offers AWESOME advice to Caleb Williams

Sophomore quarterback Tyson Bagent will continue functioning as the No. 2. Bagent will face competition throughout training camp from veteran signal-caller Brett Rypien and undrafted free agent Austin Reed out of Western Kentucky. They’ll contend to back up Williams.

ROME ODUNZE | WIDE RECEIVER

How Rome Odunze impacts the depth chart makes for the most fascinating conversation. With Odunze joining D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen, the Bears now arguably have the best receiving trio in franchise history. Allen and Moore will likely dominate 12 personnel sets, but drafting Odunze could mean new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron is more comfortable in 11 personnel.

The Bears are going to be a pass-happier offense with Williams at quarterback. Odunze is versatile enough to play both the boundary and the slot, but he’ll likely play on the outside in three receiver sets, with Allen taking up his most familiar position in the slot. Odunze pushes Tyler Scott to WR4 and Velus Jones Jr. to WR5.

KIRAN AMEGADJIE | OFFENSIVE TACKLE

The Bears showed consistent interest in Kiran Amegadjie throughout the pre-draft process. He’s a raw offensive tackle with desirable measurables and traits. Amegadjie is an easy mover with 36 inch arms.

Amegadjie is expected to contend with Braxton Jones to start at left tackle. Given his inexperience, it may be premature for Amegadjie to outright win that battle in training camp. Jones will likely function as Williams’ Week 1 blindside protector, but the competition could remain fluid as the season progresses if Jones’ play isn’t meeting expectations. Pro Football Focus credited Jones with allowing two sacks last season.

Amegadjie pushes reserve offensive tackles such as Larry Borom even further down the depth chart.