Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski/USA TODAY Sports

Bears War Room: Ian Cunningham Held Ryan Poles Back from Trading Up for Rome Odunze

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Ron Luce | Last updated 4/26/24

The Chicago Bears ultimately got their guys on Day 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft. Caleb Williams was the sure-fire No. 1 pick , and Rome Odunze slipped to the ninth pick for the Bears to snag. However, Bears general manager Ryan Poles had to be held back from trading up for the former Washington receiver.

According to Poles, Ian Cunningham had to tell him to relax and not trade up for Odunze, noting everything would work out. Sure enough, staying put was the right move as the Bears got their guy and didn't have to trade any additional assets.

Ryan Poles said Ian Cunningham needed to hold him back from not trying to trade up for Rome Odunze.
— Brendan Sugrue (@BrendanSugrue) April 26, 2024

Although it might have been tongue-in-cheek, Poles' comment is humorously revealing. It appears Cunningham is earning his new deal, which he signed earlier in the week.

Had the draft fallen differently in picks two through eight, there's certainly a chance the Bears might've explored trading with either the Tennessee Titans or Atlanta Falcons to secure Odunze. Fortunately for Chicago, the other teams stood pat and addressed different positions of need, allowing Poles to get his guy without giving up additional capital.

After making two top-10 picks on Thursday, Chicago has two picks remaining in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Bears have some additional picks in 2025, so they could use one of those future selections to move into Friday's second round. However, they're currently locked into the 75th pick on Friday and the 122nd pick on Saturday.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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