Other NFL Teams Admitted Kiran Amegadjie Was A Steal By The Bears
The Chicago Bears had already given their offense two massive pieces to their offense with Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze in the 1st round. Everybody expected GM Ryan Poles to shift his focus to the defensive side of the ball when they went back on the clock in the 3rd round. They still needed a pass rusher. This was likely their last chance to get anybody decent. Instead, the Bears hatched a minor surprise when they selected Yale left tackle Kiran Amegadjie. While investing in the offensive line is never bad, the timing was odd.
Chicago already has a proven left tackle with Braxton Jones. The only viable benefit Amegdjie could have for their 2024 season was competition with Larry Borom for the swing tackle spot. However, there is always a deeper story to a pick like this. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Bears were planning to address the defensive line at that spot. The problem is that Amegdjie was the highest player on their board, and they knew his value was much higher than where he’d fallen.
If they passed on him there, he’d be gone a few picks later.
The Bears’ two first-round picks (Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze) were all about splash, but the third-round pick will be dear to general manager Ryan Poles’ heart.
Poles is a former Boston College offensive lineman whose first high pick at the position, last year’s first-rounder Darnell Wright, has star potential.
The selection of Yale tackle Kiran Amegadjie at No. 75 overall in 2024 has high upside. Multiple scouts say Amegadjie could have been a top-45 pick if not for a quad injury that thwarted his participation in the Senior Bowl.
The Bears considered defensive line with the selection but bet big on the highest player on their board, knowing he’d be gone a few picks after if they didn’t act. The Raiders and Colts both selected offensive tackles shortly after Chicago did.
Kiran Amegadjie could uphold a deep legacy in Chicago.
People often consider Ivy League players second-rate compared to the bigger programs. They don’t realize such schools have given the Bears some outstanding players over the years. Sid Luckman went to Columbia. Pro Bowl defensive backs Mike Pyle and Gary Fencik both went to Yale, like Amegdjie. So did former head coach Dick Jauron, who authored that unforgettable season in 2001. Don’t look down on Ivy League players. There are many examples of them excelling at this level over the years.
Based on what Fowler was told, many around the league believe Kiran Amegadjie can do the same. His talent is tremendous. His size, athleticism, length, and power pop off the tape. If he can grasp the technique and fundamentals required for this level, there is no limit to what he can accomplish. The toughest part is learning to handle the massive jump in competition he’ll see. NFL pass rushers are in a different league than what he encountered in college. The Bears are ready to give him that opportunity.