As Ben Johnson steps into his new role as head coach of the Chicago Bears, he is expecting all of his receivers to be playmakers. However, of the group, Rome Odunze arguably is entering the 2025 campaign with the biggest chip on his shoulder.
Odunze was overshadowed by fellow rookie Caleb Williams’ arrival in Chicago. However, the receiver was still a top 10 pick. The Bears still have high expectations for Odunze and are expecting him to take a giant step forward during year two.
While he hasn’t worked the receiver long, Johnson is liking what he sees from Odunze. As the Bears continue their offseason program, the head coach is expecting Odunze to only further develop and continue staking his claim in the new-look offense, via the Marquee Sports Network.
“I’m extremely impressed,” Johnson said of the receiver. “To be a second year guy, you would expect a little bit more inconsistency. And yet, the way he approaches the meeting rooms, the walkthroughs, the on the field drill work, it’s very much like a seasoned pro. Some of the best that I’ve been around.”
“He’s still learning,” Johnson continued. “There’s a lot of information that is getting thrown his way. But Coach [Antwaan] Randle El and [Robbie] Picazo are doing great jobs with him right now. I think we’re going to see a lot of growth from him. Not just in springtime but once we get to camp.”
“I’m extremely impressed.”
Ben Johnson is liking what he sees from Rome Odunze. pic.twitter.com/W8VvXkrPHc
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) May 21, 2025
Chicago Bears’ Rome Odunze gearing up for breakout campaign
During his rookie season, Odunze caught 54 passes for 734 yards and three touchdowns. He ranked third in receptions and yards and fourth in touchdowns. However, Keenan Allen was ahead of him in all categories. With the veteran leader on his way out, many of his targets – and team-leading seven touchdown grabs – could go Odunze’s way.
Still, the biggest gripe against a true breakout would be the Bears simply having too many cooks in the kitchen. Alongside Odunze, DJ Moore and Luther Burden are on the roster, not to mention tight ends Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland.
While the Bears won’t be one-for-one copies of the Detroit Lions in 2025, it at least shows what Johnson’s offense is capable of at max capacity. And in 2024, both Amon-Ra St. Brown (1,263) and Jameson Williams (1,001) topped 1,000 yards. That was with tight end Sam LaPorta gaining 726 yards of his own.
Overall, Johnson is looking to employ a much more dynamic passing scheme in Chicago. It wouldn’t take much for the Bears to improving on their second-to-last (181.5 yards per game) finish from a season prior. Still, once the offense is fully acclimated to their head coach’s new scheme, the Bears are expecting fireworks whenever they have the ball.
Odunze will play a large role in that. Chicago fell in love with his playmaking ability before the draft. Now, with a year playing with Williams under his belt, the pair’s chemistry should only improve. And with an actual offensive gameplan in place, both Williams and Odunze had solid ground to launch from.
It may just be OTAs, but Johnson is impressed with the sophomore season thus far. Continuing his strong play into training camp would be the quickest way for Odunze to ensure passes keep heading his way in 2025.
© David Banks-Imagn Images
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