The Chicago Bears made a decisive move on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting three offensive players with their picks in rounds two through four. The selections signal a clear commitment to revamping the unit under first-year offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, whose play-calling and scheme design will now be tested with personnel he helped shape.
With the 39th overall pick, Chicago chose Rome Odunze, a wide receiver from Washington known for his size and contested catch ability. Later in the second round, at pick 62, they selected Austin Booker, an edge rusher from Kansas who projects as a versatile pass rusher capable of lining up in multiple fronts. In the fourth round, with the 105th pick, the Bears added Kyle Kennard, an offensive tackle from Wisconsin praised for his footwork and pass protection technique.
All three players were viewed as fits for Johnson’s offensive philosophy, which emphasizes vertical passing, play-action concepts, and protecting the quarterback through disciplined line play. Odunze’s physicality at the point of attack aligns with Johnson’s preference for outside receivers who can win in one-on-one situations, while Booker’s explosiveness off the edge could create favorable matchups in sub-package defenses. Kennard’s readiness to contribute early in pass protection addresses a lingering concern from last season’s offensive line struggles.
Evaluating the Fit: How the Picks Align with Ben Johnson’s Scheme
Ben Johnson, hired in February after serving as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, brought a reputation for innovative, quarterback-friendly schemes that maximized Jared Goff’s efficiency in Detroit. His system relies on pre-snap motion, tight finish involvement, and creating vertical seams through receiver routes that stress defensive coverage.
Odunze’s 6-foot-3 frame and 4.45-second 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine make him a prototype for Johnson’s ideal outside receiver — one who can stretch the field and win in traffic. According to NFL.com’s draft profile, Odunze averaged 15.2 yards per reception in his final college season, a metric that reflects his ability to generate explosive plays.
Booker, though primarily evaluated as a defensive end, has drawn interest for his ability to drop into coverage and rush from multiple alignments — traits that could allow Johnson to deploy creative pressure packages without sacrificing run defense. His 10.5 sacks in 2023, per Sports Reference, came against Power Five competition, suggesting a smooth transition to the NFL level.
Kennard started 38 consecutive games at Wisconsin and allowed just two sacks in his final season, according to Wisconsin Athletics. His experience in a pro-style offense and familiarity with complex protection schemes could accelerate his integration into Johnson’s offensive line groupings.
Context: The Bears’ Offensive Needs and Johnson’s Challenge
Chicago’s offense ranked 28th in points per game and 26th in yards per play in 2023, per Pro Football Reference. The unit struggled with consistency in the passing game, particularly when facing pressure, and lacked a true No. 1 receiver capable of commanding double teams.
Johnson inherits a quarterback room led by Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick, whose improvisational ability and arm talent have drawn comparisons to elite dual-threat passers. Maximizing Williams’ potential will require not only protection but also playmakers who can create separation and win contested throws — areas where Odunze and Kennard could contribute immediately.
The selection of three offensive players on Day 2 represents one of the most aggressive offensive rebuilds in recent Bears history. It also places significant early responsibility on Johnson to demonstrate that his scheme can elevate talent quickly, especially given the heightened expectations surrounding Williams’ rookie season.
What to Watch Next
Training camp battles will determine how quickly these newcomers integrate into the starting lineup. Odunze will compete for snaps alongside established receivers like D.J. Moore and rookie Rome Odunze, while Booker will vie for a role in a defensive line rotation that includes Montez Sweat and Yannick Ngakoue. Kennard’s path to playing time may depend on the health and performance of incumbent tackles Braxton Jones and Larry Borom.
Johnson’s first preseason game plan will offer early clues about how he intends to deploy these players. Whether he leans on Odunze as a primary target, uses Booker in hybrid roles, or trusts Kennard in critical pass-protection situations will shape early evaluations of his coaching impact.
The true test will come in September, when the Bears open the regular season and begin to show whether this offensive investment translates into on-field production. For now, the message is clear: Chicago is betting on Ben Johnson to unlock the potential of its newly drafted offensive core.
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