The Chicago Bears knew that if they were going to start earning more respect offensively, they’d have to add more firepower that opposing defenses would respect. Adding Keenan Allen in March was a big step in the right direction. However, GM Ryan Poles felt they needed more. After securing quarterback Caleb Williams with the #1 overall pick, the Bears turned around and selected Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze at #9. Many draft experts had him ranked as at least the second-best player at his position in the draft. A few even had him #1. Either way, it felt like Chicago got away with a minor steal.
Through the first set of practices in OTAs and minicamps, it appears the Bears defense has taken notice. Odunze hasn’t wasted time making plays against their loaded secondary. Jaylon Johnson already sees one big advantage he brings to the table, even if it might be hard to admit.
“I would say probably his contested catch is pretty good. Just showing flashes of him making plays in the air, when the ball is in the air him going and getting it and making the tough catches, I feel like that’s something he’s going to bring and add a lot of value to our team.”
While facing Odunze in practice isn’t going to be fun, one person who is thrilled he won’t play for any other team is Kyler Gordon. He was a teammate with the wide receiver at Washington in 2020 and 2021.
“I love Rome. I played two years with him. I’ve seen him do amazing things. He’s young and growing. I’ve seen him do amazing things. He’s progressed so much. He’s long, lanky, got some speed in him.”
Rome Odunze isn’t content with waiting his turn.
In such situations, the rookie would take a back seat to established veterans like Allen and D.J. Moore. While Odunze has immense respect for both players, it won’t stop him from working tirelessly to become the go-to guy in this offense. He views it as a competition. There will be no waiting for them to pass the torch. Either they work hard to hold him at bay, or they get out of his way. That is exactly why the Bears drafted him. They want competitors. His zero fear against such a talented secondary speaks to his mindset and talent.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Word out of practices thus far indicates the wide receiver group is as advertised. They’re making plays, giving the defense plenty to worry about. Keep in mind everybody is in the midst of absorbing a brand-new offense under Shane Waldron. They are still learning the scheme. It will take time before Rome Odunze has a firm grasp on his responsibilities. If he’s this effective already, there is no telling what he will accomplish once the system is ingrained in his head.
@Bob
Thanks!
@PoochPest The last player we drafted at #9 prior to Odunze was Leonard Floyd
Isn’t this why he was drafted? Incidentally, who was the last Bear drafted at #9?
Odunze seems great, but can he block?
They going to be chucking the ball all over the field. It will be like nothing we have ever seen in Chicago can’t wait!