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Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze had a modest rookie season, but the sky's the limit for him now that new head coach Ben Johnson is calling the shots.
Odunze, drafted ninth overall in the 2024 NFL draft, totaled 54 receptions for 734 yards and three touchdowns as the third receiver behind veterans DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. Still, Odunze's potential was evident, and he's impressed Johnson already at this point of the offseason.
Johnson had high praise for Odunze as a second-year player, calling him a "seasoned pro" with how he approaches all aspects of football. He also believes assistant head coach and wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El and assistant receivers coach Robbie Picazo will help maximize his potential.
"I'm extremely impressed," Johnson said of Odunze. "To be a second-year guy, you would expect a little bit more inconsistency. And yet, the way he approaches the meeting room, the walk-throughs, the on-field, the drill work, it's very much like a seasoned pro, some of the best that I've been around. He's still learning. I know there's a lot of information that's is getting thrown his way. Coach Randle El and Picazo, they're doing jobs with him right now. I think we're going to see a lot of growth from him, not just in the springtime, but once we get to camp."
With Allen departing in free agency, Odunze is set to take on an expanded role in this new offense, where he'll likely be a favorite target for fellow 2024 draft mate, quarterback Caleb Williams. Odunze was the third receiver selected in last year's draft, but he might just have the highest ceiling.
The Bears haven't even scratched the surface with Odunze. But if there's anyone who can get him there, it's Johnson and Randle El.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears HC Ben Johnson on what's impressed him most about Rome Odunze
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Odunze, drafted ninth overall in the 2024 NFL draft, totaled 54 receptions for 734 yards and three touchdowns as the third receiver behind veterans DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. Still, Odunze's potential was evident, and he's impressed Johnson already at this point of the offseason.
Johnson had high praise for Odunze as a second-year player, calling him a "seasoned pro" with how he approaches all aspects of football. He also believes assistant head coach and wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El and assistant receivers coach Robbie Picazo will help maximize his potential.
"I'm extremely impressed," Johnson said of Odunze. "To be a second-year guy, you would expect a little bit more inconsistency. And yet, the way he approaches the meeting room, the walk-throughs, the on-field, the drill work, it's very much like a seasoned pro, some of the best that I've been around. He's still learning. I know there's a lot of information that's is getting thrown his way. Coach Randle El and Picazo, they're doing jobs with him right now. I think we're going to see a lot of growth from him, not just in the springtime, but once we get to camp."
With Allen departing in free agency, Odunze is set to take on an expanded role in this new offense, where he'll likely be a favorite target for fellow 2024 draft mate, quarterback Caleb Williams. Odunze was the third receiver selected in last year's draft, but he might just have the highest ceiling.
The Bears haven't even scratched the surface with Odunze. But if there's anyone who can get him there, it's Johnson and Randle El.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears HC Ben Johnson on what's impressed him most about Rome Odunze
Continue reading...
