The Chicago Bears completed their offensive skill-position depth chart on Day 1 of the NFL Draft by selecting quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze.
Friday, in the second round, they addressed the offensive line by grabbing Yale offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie with the 75th pick. It’s a homecoming for the 6-foot-5, 323-pounder, who is a Hinsdale native and Hinsdale Central graduate.
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‘The Beast’ breakdown
Odunze ranked No. 87 in Dane Brugler’s top 300 big board. Here’s what Brugler had to say about him in his annual NFL Draft guide:
“A three-year starter at Yale, Amegadjie lined up at left tackle the last two seasons in Yale’s multiple run scheme. After not playing football until midway through high school, he put himself on the NFL radar with his ascending play in the Ivy League, although his season-ending injury in 2023 was disappointing — he missed half of his final season and NFL scouts were unable to see him face better competition at the Senior Bowl.
“From a size and athletic standpoint, Amegadjie pops on film, because of his rare length, light feet and smooth body control to mirror pass rushers or create momentum as a run blocker. Though he does a great job repositioning his hands and feet, his inexperience is also apparent when it comes to timing and adjustment fundamentals.
“Overall, Amegadjie is a raw prospect who needs technical and strength work before he sees live NFL reps, but his physical ingredients and competitive drive are the foundational elements that pro coaches want to develop. He projects as a backup left tackle as a rookie who has all the tools to gradually develop into an NFL starter.
Scott Dochterman grades the pick
Bears general manager Ryan Poles is known for addressing the offensive line, so it’s no surprise he did so with this pick. But with glaring holes at defensive tackle and defensive end, he went for boom or bust. Amegadjie has left tackle arm length (36 1/8) was a two-time All-Ivy League offensive lineman despite playing only four games in 2023 with a torn left quad. This might have been a reach at this point.
Grade: C-minus
The Hinsdale native is comin’ home 🏠
Let’s get it, @the2kkiran5! pic.twitter.com/Z0AMkXBEkG
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 27, 2024
Check back shortly for more analysis of the Amegadjie pick.
(Photo by Williams Paul / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
