Rome Odunze joins Bears as top draft pick, forging new legacy. [Image Source: CHICITYSPORTS]
The Chicago Bears selected wide receiver Rome Odunze in the first round of the 2024 NFLDraft, and one of his former teammates at Washington, fellow wide receiver Denzel Boston, is advocating to team up again at the professional level. Boston, considered a first-round prospect in the upcoming draft, spoke about his connection with Odunze and the opportunity to be picked by the Bears with Nicholas Moreano at the NFL Combine.
Boston expressed admiration for Odunze’s influence during their college years.
“He’s the one that taught me patience. He’s the one that taught me fortitude with the game and understanding what you put into the game is what you’re gonna get out of the game.”
— Denzel Boston, WR Prospect
Reflecting on the lessons Odunze imparted, Boston credited him for helping build the foundation that led to his own rise as a first-round candidate. Regarding the prospect of joining the Bears and reuniting with Odunze, Boston stated,
“I love Rome, and being with Rome would honestly just give me a sense of having a big brother on my team again. … And then get to play with Caleb Williams as well, another electric QB I got to watch play from the sidelines when I was younger, would just be a fantastic time.”
Top Draft Analysts See Boston as a First-Round Talent Within Bears’ Reach
Chicago has the 25th overall pick in the first round of the draft, putting them close to the area where ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. projects Denzel Boston to be selected as the fourth wide receiver taken. Kiper specifically forecasted Boston’s landing spot might be with the Buffalo Bills at pick No. 26 but acknowledged Boston’s skills would fill a critical need for teams seeking a lead receiver.
Kiper wrote:
“Boston’s hands, catch radius and vision would quickly make him a go-to option for quarterback Josh Allen,”
and added that Boston’s 881 yards and 11 touchdowns last season demonstrated his ability to overpower cornerbacks. Kiper noted,
Image of: Rome Odunze
“Buffalo’s receiver room has a lot of questions and lacks a true WR1, all due respect to Khalil Shakir. … So, this one seems obvious.”
Should that prediction prove true, the Bears at No. 25 would have the opportunity to draft Boston before Buffalo, giving Chicago a potential edge to reunite Odunze and Boston.
Roster Realities Make Bears Selecting Another Receiver Unlikely
Despite Boston’s appeal, the Bears face obstacles in adding another wide receiver. Last year, they invested two significant draft picks in pass-catchers: tight end Colston Loveland at No. 10 overall, and slot receiver Luther Burden III at No. 39. With Rome Odunze already part of the receiving corps, the presence of veteran wideout DJ Moore complicates roster space.
Moore, who remains a top option for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, is also considered a prime trade candidate this offseason because his $28.5 million salary cap hit in 2026 makes him the team’s highest-paid player. His combination of age and talent means the Bears could receive valuable draft capital in return for moving him.
Chicago’s more urgent roster need lies on the defensive side, particularly for edge rushers or high-end defensive tackles. Projected draft trends indicate the Bears are likely to target a defensive tackle at their 25th pick rather than a wide receiver, and it remains doubtful Boston would still be available when Chicago’s second-round pick (No. 57) comes around.
Potential Impact of Boston Joining Bears and What Lies Ahead
If the Bears manage to draft Denzel Boston alongside Rome Odunze, the receiving group would gain chemistry grounded in their collegiate bond, which could accelerate Boston’s transition to the NFL. His reunion with Odunze and connection to quarterback Caleb Williams could provide the offense with added explosive potential and veteran mentorship.
However, considering the Bears’ current depth at wide receiver and their pressing needs on defense, the chance to secure Boston depends heavily on draft-day developments and roster moves, especially the fate of DJ Moore. Chicago’s choices in the coming weeks will shape whether this hope for an Odunze-Boston tandem becomes a reality or if Boston finds his place with another team.
Bears likely won't draft Washington WR Denzel Boston, but he was one of my favorite players to talk to at the NFL Scouting Combine.
