The Chicago Bears felt they were getting a potential star when they drafted Rome Odunze 9th overall last year. While the 2024 season wasn't a full breakout by any means, the rookie still had some major flash moments. It was felt that with more work and a better offensive system, the wide receiver could become a stud in 2025. Three games into the season, those projections look accurate. He already has four touchdowns and is leading the team in yards. Every sign points to a player who has flipped the switch.
Advanced stats lean into this, too. Check out Odunze's splits against man coverage and zone coverage this year.
Vs. Man
- 8 targets
- 6 catches
- 86 yards
- 2 TDs
- 149.0 rating
Vs. Zone
- 14 targets
- 8 catches
- 137 yards
- 2 TDs
- 130.1 rating
It's almost identical. There isn't anything defenses can do to stop him. He understands how to beat both. That wasn't the case last year. Odunze struggled against man, catching only 48% of the 33 passes thrown to him, including three drops. That strategy no longer works. He has answers for anything defenses try.
Rome Odunze is succeeding where many others failed.
People talk about the Bears' woes at the quarterback position. They don't mention how nearly as bad it's been at wide receiver. The franchise has misfired several times with high draft picks in recent years. You had David Terrell, Mark Bradley, Juaquin Iglesias, Kevin White, Anthony Miller, and Velus Jones. Even bright spots like Alshon Jeffery didn't last too long. Rome Odunze feels like the first player in years who might have actual staying power. He's big, strong, fast, and has a clear mastery of how to run routes. Add the relentless work ethic, and you get somebody who figures to have a long, productive NFL career. Ryan Poles gets plenty of grief from fans, much of it deserved. This is one pick he deserves credit for making happen.
