Future Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams — who’s expected to be selected at first overall in the 2024 NFL draft — and draft mate receiver Rome Odunze were on the same flight to Detroit on Tuesday.

It’s certainly noteworthy as Odunze has been a name connected to Chicago and is certainly among the players the Bears could consider drafting at ninth overall. But also for another reason.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Odunze recently caught balls from Williams during a pre-draft workout. That session also happened to include a pair of Williams’ soon-to-be teammates — Bears wideouts DJ Moore and Keenan Allen.

As Bears fans are well aware, Chicago holds both the first and ninth overall picks — and there’s a chance they could walk away with both Williams and Odunze on Thursday night.

Back at the NFL Scouting Combine, Odunze was asked about the possibility of playing with Williams at the next level.

“I got to see Caleb first hand,” Odunze said. “I got to see his talents and abilities.”

Odunze went on to say that being paired with Williams would be “something special.”

But there’s no guarantee Odunze makes it to the Bears at No. 9. If Odunze is still on the board just before Chicago’s selection, there’s always the risk that a receiver-needy team could trade up with a team willing to move down and acquire additional draft capital. You never know with the draft.

Bears fans don’t have to worry about the team’s direction with the first overall pick. But there’s increasing intrigue and drama now surrounding that ninth selection just a couple days out from the draft.