Analyst proposes 'surprise' big-name playmaker for Bears

Patrick McAvoy

Analyst proposes 'surprise' big-name playmaker for Bears image

The Chicago Bears made not just one, but two great picks in the first round of the 2024 National Football League Draft.

Chicago obviously selected Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick and followed it up by selecting wide receiver Rome Odunze with the No. 9 pick. Both showed flashes in 2024 and there's no reason to believe that both won't be better in 2025.

Last year's receiver room featured Odunze, DJ Moore, and Keenan Allen. Allen is no longer with the team and is currently a free agent. It could make sense to bring in another playmaker and Pro Football Focus' Dalton Wasserman floated Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka as a potential "surprise" option.

"No. 10. Chicago Bears: WR Emeka Egbuka," Wasserman said. "Emeka Egbuka’s pro comparison in the PFF Draft Guide is Amon-Ra St. Brown. If Ben Johnson shares that evaluation, he could target Egbuka to boost a Bears offense that ranked 29th in slot receiving grade last season. Egbuka would also bring value as a willing blocker in Chicago’s retooled ground game."

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If the Bears are going to add a receiver, it would be pretty surprising if it was Egbuka because of the fact that ESPN currently has him ranked as the No. 4 receiver in this draft class behind Tetairoa McMillan, Matthew Golden, and Jayden Higgins.

He racked up 81 catches for 1,011 yards in 2024 to go along with 10 touchdowns in 16 games played. There's a lot of buzz around him. It would be somewhat surprising to see him go this early, but he could help the Bears offense if they like him.

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Patrick McAvoy

Patrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sportswriting across baseball, football and basketball. He has provided coverage for the Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, New York Mets, Philadelphia Eagles and Boston Celtics throughout his career. 

Outside of journalism, Patrick also has received a Masters of Business Administration Degree from Brandeis University and studied communication and business at Merrimack College where he earned his Bachelor's Degree.