One stat to know about each Bears 2024 draft pick

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 18: Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans passes the ball during the first half of a game against the UCLA Bruins at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 18, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

While he was in college playing for USC, Williams hit the highest of highs, particularly when he took home the 2022 Heisman Trophy after passing for 4,537 yards, 42 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Part of that success had to do with how lethal he is when it comes to third downs.

According to The Athletic's Bruce Feldman, Williams' touchdown-to-interception ratio was 16-to-0. Even more, that ratio in the red zone was 46-to-1 during his two seasons at USC. Williams was on the money in critical situations, and that should serve him well at the next level. Taking care of the ball is important, but doing so on third down and in scoring position is even more important.

Read our full Williams profile

Nov 18, 2023; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) makes a catch in the end zone for a touchdown while being defended by Oregon State Beavers defensive back Jaden Robinson (4) during the first half at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears got a steal in Odunze at ninth overall, giving their rookie quarterback a true playmaker to develop with over the next several years. While Odunze would've been considered the top wide receiver in this draft class in another year, there's one area where he excelled above all others: Contested catches, where even NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah said he's the best contested catch guy in this draft class.

According to Pro Football Focus, Odunze had a 75 percent contested catch rate during the 2023 college football season. Odunze is already a speedy playmaker in his own right. But giving Caleb Williams another player he knows can come down with those contested balls — especially as the competition kicks up at the NFL level — should go a long way in his development.

Read our full Odunze profile

Oct 16, 2021; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Yale Bulldogs offensive lineman Kiran Amegadjie (72) blocks Connecticut Huskies defensive lineman Lwal Uguak (98) during the first half at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

When it came time to protect the quarterback while at Yale, Amegadjie accomplished that goal and then some. During his time as a Bulldog, he allowed just one sack and five QB hits over the course of three seasons, according to Windy City Gridiron's Jacob Infante. That one sack also came back in Week 11 of the 2021 season, according to PFF, meaning it's been over two years since Amegadjie allowed a defender to take down his quarterback.

New #Bears OT Kiran Amegadjie allowed just 1 sack and 5 QB hits in his three seasons at Yale.

For a small-school pick, you want them to dominate on tape. Kiran did exactly that. He looked like a man among boys out there.

— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 27, 2024

Keeping the quarterback clean means everything to an offensive line, and Amegadjie made it known that he has Williams' back if and when he's called into action. "He won't get touched behind me, I promise you that," he told FOX Chicago at his draft party. Amegadjie may have to sit behind veterans Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright for now, but it sounds like he won't let the opportunity pass him by when he gets into a game. His college production is proof of that.

Read our full Amegadjie profile

Iowa's Tory Taylor (9) punts during a NCAA football game against Ohio State, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.

221022 Iowa Ohio St Fb 021 Jpg

Taylor punted the ball a ton in college, so naturally, his yardage totals were astronomical. But his leg never seemed to tire out, considering how strong his averages were. Over the course of his collegiate career, Taylor averaged 46.3 yards per punt, also an NCAA record. His averages actually improved in 2023, when he went from 45.4 to 48.2, despite punting nearly 100 times.

Those totals are a welcome addition to the Bears, who were dead last in net yards per punt with 38. Taylor should boost those numbers in his rookie season.

Read our full Taylor profile

Kansas State senior quarterback Will Howard (18) is sacked by Kansas redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Austin Booker (9) during the fourth quarter of Saturday's Sunflower Showdown inside David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

Booker was not only a standout on the Kansas Jayhawks, but he was making noise across the Big 12 as a whole. He ranked third in the conference in sacks, trailing only UCF's Tre'Mon Morris-Brash (10) and Houston's Nelson Ceaser (nine). Booker was tied for third with UCF's Malachi Lawrence with eight, according to FOX Sports.

It's worth noting, however, that he eclipsed all three players in solo tackles with 40. Even while he was taking down quarterbacks, Booker was still able to make plays in the run game and chase down ball carriers. Those are traits that head coach Matt Eberflus loves in his defenders.

Read our full Booker profile