The Chicago Bears were already in a great situation at wide receiver when they traded for Keenan Allen. He and D.J. Moore should become an outstanding duo for new quarterback Caleb Williams. However, GM Ryan Poles wanted more. He felt there was an opportunity to give his young quarterback a bevy of weapons. It didn't take long to realize Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze could become something special. So when he slipped to the Bears at #9 in the 1st round, Poles didn't think twice.
Odunze has made it clear that he has every intention to compete for playing time and targets. Like any self-respecting athlete, he wants to play. However, he also knows who he's competing with. Moore and Allen are arguably two of the ten best receivers in football. Rather than make the relationship adversarial, the rookie has chosen to become their student. He wants to learn everything possible on how to play the position at a high level. He admitted to the media this past week and nothing prepared him for how much knowledge they possessed.
“It’s not even measurable the impact they can make on my career,” Odunze said. “Just being in the room with them for four weeks, I’ve already learned so much. So to be in a room with them throughout a whole season, learning from them in training camp, it’s just going to take my game to the next level and something I’m super excited about because it’s not often that you get to come on to the wing of a Hall of Famer and a soon-to-be Hall of Famer.”
Rome Odunze should learn a variety of things from those two.
Allen is a pristine route runner. His ability to sell fakes and change direction without losing speed is an art. Moore is a strong route runner in his own right, but he's even more dangerous after the catch. From him, Odunze can learn how to become a threat once the ball is in his hands. Don't be content with simply getting your hands on the football. That is what could make Odunze so exciting. He has more size and strength than Moore does. If he can harness that mentality, defenses won't know what to do.
It is important to remember this trio may not be around long. Allen is a free agent in 2025. Current odds don't favor him staying in Chicago due to financial challenges. Rome Odunze must use the time they have together wisely. Peppering the 31-year-old with questions is a wise decision. Even one year spent together can be an invaluable education. Allen could end up in the Hall of Fame one day. You don't always get a chance to learn from those guys. It is nice to see the rookie is approaching things the right way.
