With training camp fast approaching, I’m breaking down some of the key Bears players to watch. Let’s dive in.
Drafted 9th overall in 2024, Rome Odunze played in all 17 games as a rookie as the WR3 behind DJ Moore and Keenan Allen.
**Rookie Stats:**
Receptions: 54
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Yards: 734
Yards/Rec: 13.6
Touchdowns: 3
Targets: 101
YAC: 201
Contested Catch Rate: 73.3% (10/13)
First Downs: 30
Despite a struggling offense, a brutal O-line (Caleb Williams was sacked 68 times), and limited targets, Odunze showed glimpses of star potential.
With Keenan Allen gone and Ben Johnson taking over as head coach, Odunze is poised for a bigger role in 2025. Johnson’s track record of maximizing receiver production (see Amon-Ra St. Brown in Detroit) bodes well for Odunze.
**Projected Stats:**
Receptions: 70–85
Yards: 1,000–1,100
Touchdowns: 6-8
Targets: 100-115
Odunze’s versatility—working both outside and from the slot—plus a full offseason with Williams should help him make a leap. He’s a breakout candidate in a system built around timing, spacing, and precision.
Training Camp Storylines
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As the Bears start training camp on July 22, keep an eye on these key areas for Odunze:
**Chemistry with Williams:** Look for more rhythm in the red-zone, on third-downs, but most importantly the deep ball.
**Slot Usage:** With Allen gone and Luther Burden competing for inside snaps, Odunze could take more slot reps.
**Physical Development:** Odunze added upper body strength this offseason. He just looks bigger. It will be fun to watch one on ones vs. Jaylon Johnson.
**Route Discipline:** Johnson’s system requires attention to detail. Coaches will look for consistency in his routes and timing during drills.
**Target Share Battle:** With Moore, Burden, Kmet, Loveland and others in the mix, Odunze needs to stand out to earn volume in a deep skill group. However, it is clear that Williams already trusts his fellow draft classmate.
Odunze must prove he can be a go to target in a loaded offense. DJ Moore is still WR1, Burden is a rising threat in the slot, and tight ends Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland will command attention. Add RB D’Andre Swift to the mix, and targets won’t come easy.
If he struggles in camp, he risks being overshadowed but that is very unlikely.
**Offensive Spark:** After finishing last in passing yards in 2024, the Bears need Odunze to help open up the field and give Williams more reliable options. The revamped offensive line will definitely help.
**Mismatch Weapon:** His ability to line up anywhere and win contested catches adds flexibility to Johnson’s scheme.
**Future Core Piece:** At 23, Odunze is a long term building block. A breakout season would help solidify Chicago’s young offensive core.
Rome Odunze enters 2025 with breakout potential. After a solid rookie season in a somewhat limited role, a new offense, better protection, and more opportunity could launch him into stardom. Training camp will reveal if he’s ready to take the next step—and if he can help push the Bears back into playoff contention.
