Bears WR Rome Odunze is already looking like a 'seasoned pro' based on the early reviews out of OTAs heading into his second season
Even though organized team activities just started this week for the Chicago Bears, returning players have been in the building working with the new staff for weeks.On April 7th, the returning players reported back to the facilities for the start of the offseason program, and some even reported back earlier than that.When head coach Ben […]
Even though organized team activities just started this week for the Chicago Bears, returning players have been in the building working with the new staff for weeks.
On April 7th, the returning players reported back to the facilities for the start of the offseason program, and some even reported back earlier than that.
When head coach Ben Johnson was hired back in January, players such as Caleb Williams, DJ Moore, Cole Kmet, and Rome Odunze were at Halas Hall for Johnson's first press conference to meet their new coach.
Odunze, specifically, has been turning Johnson's head based on the work he's been putting in this offseason heading into his second season.
"Extremely impressed. To be a second-year guy, you expect a little more inconsistency. And the way he approaches the meeting room, the walk-throughs, the on the field drill work, it's very much like a seasoned pro," Johnson explained on Wednesday while speaking with reporters.
Getting in extra work and going above and beyond to learn this new scheme is going to be critical for all offensive players, not just Odunze. Seeing him have this kind of mindset early in his career is a promising sign for the upcoming season.
Odunze will have a much prominent role in 2025 as the team's WR2 behind DJ Moore. As a rookie, Odunze finished third on the team in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. With Keenan Allen not coming back, his share will see an uptick.
During the 2024 season, there were still a few hiccups for Odunze. He had 37 over-thrown or under-thrown targets, according to ESPN's Ben Solak. He also had some rookie mistakes on running certain routes and sticking in holes.
"He's still learning," Johnson added. "There's a lot of information that is getting thrown his way. Coach [Antwaan] Randle-El and Coach [Robbie] Picazo are doing great jobs with him right now. I think we're going to see a lot of growth from him."
Having a full season and now another offseason to work with his quarterback is going to help too. Odunze and Williams have a close bond and being able to get that connection going on the field will help this offense take off.
I'm excited to also see how Ben Johnson, one the most innovative play-callers in the league, looks to expand Odunze's role and route tree in 2025 as well from what we saw last year. All these things should have him in line for a more consistent sophomore season.
