Eight picks after selecting their quarterback of the future, the Chicago Bears made yet another move in their offensive makeover. The Bears snagged Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze, giving them two of the best prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. He joins a stacked skill-position group that includes Keenan Allen, D.J. Moore, D’Andre Swift, and Cole Kmet.
Odunze caught 214 passes for 3,272 yards and 24 touchdowns in four seasons with the Huskies, totaling 40 games and 30 starts. How will the 2023 AP All-American’s game translate to the next level?
What Made Rome Odunze a Premiere Prospect?
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Odunze’s stock shot to the moon after leading the FBS with 1,640 receiving yards last year. The 6-foot-2, 212-pounder was hardly a one-season wonder, though. He progressively got better throughout his career, averaging 10.1, 15.3, and 17.8 yards per reception in each of the last three years, respectively.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler had high praise for the 21-year-old.
“Odunze is field fast with fluid route running and above-average tracking/adjustment skills to secure catches in high-trafficked areas or create explosive plays downfield (32 catches of 20-plus yards in 2023, second most in the FBS),” Brugler said. “His body control at the catch point has always been a strength, but he took major strides in 2023 with his ability to play through contact and use focused concentration to win 50-50 balls.”
Odunze set the college football world on fire last year, helping Washington make a National Championship appearance. The two-time first-team All-Pac 12 honoree’s yardage total was the most in school history, and his 92 catches were the second most.
Rome Odunze 2023 Season Highlights. pic.twitter.com/yHIx4pTtgT
— ImBearingDown (@ImBearingDown) April 26, 2024
What Are Some of Odunze’s Weaknesses?
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Rome Odunze may have trouble getting separation as he starts his NFL career, as he isn’t known to be a burner. Luckily, his contested catch ability will help him be effective. However, it’s best for him and the Chicago Bears if he doesn’t have to rely on that constantly. If the Las Vegas native aims to become an elite wideout, he will eventually have to prove he can successfully take the top off of defenses.
Is the Draft Pick a Good Fit for the Chicago Bears?
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Odunze will have an opportunity to learn behind two premiere wideouts out of the gate, which is uncommon for a player drafted so highly. Allen and Moore will help take the pressure off of him to produce right away, which will ease the transition to the NFL.
Also, playing with first-overall pick Caleb Williams should help. Given that both players are in the same class, they relate to each other, which can strengthen their chemistry. Combining both of their physical talents should also make for a fruitful partnership.
Odunze may not be the Bears’ top target right away, but expect him to be one of the NFL’s better third wideouts right away.
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