The Chicago Bears have two picks in the top 10 of tonight’s NFL Draft, with USC quarterback Caleb Williams set to be their choice at No. 1 overall.
Chicago’s second selection is No. 9 overall, where most experts think they will either pick Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze or a defensive lineman.
Asked by reporters on Wednesday who he would choose if he had the opportunity, Williams singled out a former high school teammate.
“If I was able to choose, and if I was picked No. 1 by the Bears, I’d probably go [Penn State offensive tackle] Olu Fashanu because I know he’d put his life on the line for me, protecting me,” Williams said. “And then, I’d probably go one of the top three wide receivers, whoever’s there at 9.”
You can watch Williams’ entire media session from Wednesday below.
There’s a good chance Fashanu will be on the board at No. 9, and he’d make sense for Chicago if the Bears view him as an upgrade to 2022 fifth-round pick Braxton Jones at left tackle.
Odunze, who seems to have settled in at WR3 in this year’s class behind Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers, would complete what could be a deadly triple threat at wide receiver alongside D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen.
We’ll find out what direction the Bears are going in just a few hours.