While quarterback Caleb Williams has gotten all the hype, he isn’t the only Chicago Bears sophomore looking to prove himself at the NFL level. There are still lofty expectations on Rome Odunze’s shoulders after being the ninth-overall pick in 2024.
He won’t be heading into year two alone however. New wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El has been working under Ben Johnson with the Detroit Lions since 2021. Now, he is expected to take some of the magic that has made players like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams great to Chicago.
Odunze’s growth will ultimately fall on his shoulder. However, the receiver has a mighty strong advocate in Randle El. Heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, Chicago’s receivers coach admitted he had Odunze at the top of his board, via Alex Shapiro of Chicago Sports Network.
“Last year everyone had Marvin Harrison Jr No.1, then Malik Nabers,” Randle El said. “I had Rome No. 1”
New Bears WRs coach Antwaan Randle El seems very excited to work with Rome Odunze:
"Last year everyone had Marvin Harrison Jr. No. 1… then Malik Nabers… I had Rome No. 1."
— Alex Shapiro (@AlexShapiroCHSN) April 17, 2025
Rome Odunze’s rookie season with Chicago Bears
While Williams got all the buzz, Odunze was still a top 10 pick in 2024. Being the third out of three receivers to go in the top 10, he entered the NFL with a bit of a chip on his shoulder. Ultimately, Odunze’s rookie season wasn’t disastrous, but it also didn’t live up to the No. 9 overall selection hype.
He appeared in all 17 games, starting 12 of them. Odunze made 54 grabs for 734 yards and three touchdowns. He ranked third on the team in receptions and yardage and fourth in receiving touchdowns. So while Odunze’s numbers didn’t jump off the page, he was still a valued member of Chicago’s passing attack.
It’s important to note that that “attack” was more like a limp slap, as the Bears ranked second-to-last in passing offense, averaging just 181.5 yards per game. Odunze specifically had just two games where he broke the 100-yard mark. He had four games with less than 20-yards receiving.
The Bears certainly haven’t given up hope in Odunze. As Williams grows as a quarterback, the wide receiver is expected to join him as a trusted weapon. He may not have had the season Harrison and Nabers did as a rookie, but Odunze is still oozing with potential.
Room for Rome optimism
While there are plenty of things Odunze is looking to improve in his game, he wasn’t put in the best place to succeed as a rookie. For starters, the Bears saw massive turnover in their coaching staff, seeing head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron fired midseason. With coaches like Johnson and Randle El in place, there is a clear offensive vision in place.
Which will be a boost to both Odunze and Williams. The wide receiver will only go as far as his quarterback does. If Johnson can help Williams reach his No. 1 pick ceiling, Odunze would reap the rewards.
During their rookie year, the Chicago had veteran Keenan Allen on their roster. The Bears swung a trade with the Los Angeles Chargers in an effort to get Williams a veteran receiving threat. In some regards it worked, as Allen led the team with seven touchdown receptions. However, his 70 receptions and 744 receiving yards were some of the lowest totals of his career. There has been minimal buzz about a potential return.
Regardless, those targets are now up for grabs. And Odunze is a prime target to receive them. He’s poised to take on an even larger role in the offense and trusted to help lead Chicago’s revival. Randle El and Johnson have full confidence that the wide receiver has what it takes to get the job done. Now it’s up to Odunze to prove why he went No. 9 overall.
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