Analytics Experts Believe Chicago Bears Finally Have Their Star

The Chicago Bears haven't been great at finding good wide receivers in the draft. Actually, they've been terrible. Each of their previous two top 10 picks at the position, David Terrell and Kevin White, was a bust. That didn't dissuade the team from taking their chances with Rome Odunze last year. They felt the Washington standout had a terrific mix of size, strength, speed, and route-running skills to become an instant contributor. As a rookie, he did, at least to a degree. He eclipsed 700 yards with three touchdowns. It wasn't great, but it was a sign that Odunze could play in this league.

Things look even better to start 2025. Through two games, Odunze has 165 yards and three touchdowns. He is on track for 1400 yards, which would put him in the top five for best seasons in Bears history. It gets even better once you dig into the advanced stats. Dataroma and Matt Harmon of Yahoo believe the signs are growing that Odunze is morphing into a true #1 wide receiver. His talent is blossoming, and the new coaching staff is using him in all the right ways. Never mind his obvious connection with Caleb Williams.

The terrifying part is the Chicago Bears haven't seen him lock in yet.

Odunze had two unfortunate drops in that game against Detroit, where he finished with 128 yards and two touchdowns. The Chicago Bears are about to face a Dallas Cowboys defense this Sunday that is 29th in the NFL against the pass. Malik Nabers and Wan'Dale Robinson scorched them for 309 yards combined. If their pass rush can't unsettle Williams, Odunze may pop off for even more than last week.

More than anything else, it's a relief to see the young receiver developing into what many expected him to be. He's a true go-to guy. Once he gets the drops issue under control, he will be somebody opponents must game plan for. Together with Williams' steady progress, the Bears' offense may finally have something cooking. The points should come in bunches if they can find any semblance of a running game.