Latest news with #RomeOdunze
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bears' Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze dubbed breakout contenders
Everything changed for the Chicago Bears with the hiring of Ben Johnson as head coach, and he might just be the guy to get the most out of the team's top-10 picks from a year ago -- quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze. Pro Football Focus' Bradley Locker certainly believes Williams and Odunze are in for a big season as he named the pair of first rounders to his All-Breakout Team for the 2025 season. Advertisement Despite a chaotic rookie season that featured two head coaches, three offensive coordinators, a turnstile offensive line and a 10-game losing streak, Williams still managed to set franchise and NFL rookie records. He threw for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns and just six interceptions while starting all 17 games. Now, Williams is primed for a breakout year as he finally gets a competent coach in Johnson, who will be tasked with maximizing his potential. "Williams certainly has areas to improve, including sack avoidance (league-high 17 sacks attributed to him) and negative plays (nineth percentile in avoiding such plays)," wrote Locker. "But after adding Ben Johnson as his play caller and general manager Ryan Poles significantly upgrading Chicago's offense with Joe Thuney (80.0 overall PFF grade), Drew Dalman (78.8 overall PFF grade), Colston Loveland (90.6 PFF receiving grade) and Luther Burden III (80.2 PFF receiving grade), Williams has everything at his disposal to excel this year." Odunze was the third receiver selected in the 2024 draft, but he showed the potential to be a real threat in the long term. Last season, Odunze totaled 54 receptions for 734 yards and three touchdowns as the third receiver behind veterans DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. With Allen gone, Odunze will see an expanded role as the second wideout, where he has the potential to thrive in this new offense. "With Keenan Allen leaving Chicago, Odunze should garner even more targets than his 96 a season ago," Locker wrote. "The same adages about Williams in the Bears' new-look offense also apply to Odunze. With a more stable infrastructure, better quarterback play and play-caller who knows how to get his top weapons the ball, Odunze should look more like the superstar we saw at Washington." Advertisement Williams and Odunze have the potential to be a dynamic duo for the long term in Chicago, and we'll finally get a glimpse at what they can do now that Johnson is leading the charge on offense. It certainly wouldn't be a surprise to see both Williams and Odunze have breakout seasons. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears' Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze dubbed All-Breakout Team contenders
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Which NFL WRs Are Primed to Break Out in Year 2?
Which NFL WRs Are Primed to Break Out in Year 2? originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, the wide receiver class was already the stuff of legend. There was a three-headed monster at the top of the group, but also a loaded second tier that featured a long list of potential high-end starters at the next level. Seven were selected in the first round, and nine more head their names called on Day 2. Advertisement While there was a trio that made a massive impact right away in their respective rookie campaigns (Malik Nabers, Ladd McConkey, Brian Thomas Jr.), many others experienced a soft open to their pro careers. On the latest episode of "Best Podcast Available," I sat down with Matt Harmon of Yahoo! Sports to talk about what's ahead for that star-studded receiver class, and he highlighted two members who are set up for a big jump in Year 2. Rome Odunze should benefit from big improvements to the Bears' coaching staff and J. Rebilas/Imagn Images The first name was easy: Rome Odunze, the No. 10 overall pick to the Chicago Bears in 2024. "He was really good in isolation (as a rookie), and we know that Ben Johnson is there now, and he's so good at catering wide receiver roles," Harmon said. "Even if he's not gonna be in that Amon-Ra St. Brown role for this offense, I think they're gonna get the right deployment for him, which just didn't happen for anybody in that Bears offense last year." Advertisement Even though he's an obvious choice, Harmon encouraged any doubters not to get hung up on the negatives they might find buried in the box score with Odunze from a 2024 campaign in which the entire Bears offense was held back by the coaching staff and scheme. "I think Odunze's gonna make a big leap, but he's a guy who went in the top 10, and most people know about him," Harmon said. "As long as you're not micro-focusing on per-route stats, which . . . nobody looks good from the Bears offense last year in the advanced metrics, because it wasn't a good offensive environment . . . I think we know he's gonna have that breakthrough second season." The less obvious choice for Harmon was San Francisco 49ers first-rounder Ricky Pearsall, who had a harrowing offseason before his NFL career even started. Pearsall finished his rookie season strong after recovering from a gunshot Kupbens-Imagn Images Just days before the 2024 regular season was set to begin, Pearsall suffered gunshot wounds to his chest during an attempted robbery following an autograph signing. After making a full recovery, Pearsall was back on the field for the 49ers in October. Advertisement "We've got to say that anytime we talk about this guy," Harmon said. "Lucky to be alive, let alone lucky to play football in Week 7 of last year. This guy is so impressive, just for getting out there." Harmon says despite early speculation that Pearsall would be a replacement for one of the 49ers' veteran receivers, his skill set and subsequent usage were swift indications that he brought different capabilities to the table, ones of which his new coaching staff were going to take full advantage. "I really liked him as a prospect," Harmon recalls. "I liked the route-running, I liked the hands a lot. When the 49ers took him in the first round, I think it was a signal about where their offense is going. Immediately, people started speculating about them trading Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk, but he plays a completely different role from either of those guys. And you saw that before he really even started producing last season. He's running these whip routes, these return routes from the slot, and that's just not something we've seen from a wide receiver and the 49ers in this offense under Kyle Shanahan. It's much more like what the Rams have done with a guy like Cooper Kupp." Related: Can Caleb Williams and the Bears Shock the NFC North in 2025? Once he started to hit his stride late in his rookie season, Pearsall was making opposing defenses pay for putting him in 1-on-1 situations. Advertisement "By the end of the season, he was just smoking man coverage," Harmon said. "I think the coaching staff started to see that, too, because he had his big, breakout game against that Lions team that's so man coverage heavy in Week 17. But you really started seeing it during the two weeks prior." Though he's currently nursing a hamstring injury, everything about how Pearsall finished his first NFL season indicates he's primed for big things in 2025. "As long as he's healthy, he's primed for a breakout performance in Year 2," Harmon said. To check out the entire conversation, including a deep dive on the entire 2024 receiver class as they head into the 2025 season, watch the full episode of BPA: Related: Can Marvin Harrison Jr. Live Up To the Hype In Year 2? This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Times
09-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Why Rome Odunze, stronger and playing ‘freely' in Year 2, has high hopes for 2025
LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Rome Odunze's birthday present included getting back to work at Halas Hall last week. He turned 23 on June 3, the first day of the Chicago Bears' mandatory minicamp. And for as much as Odunze has welcomed a more informed outlook entering his second year in the NFL, he knows he has untapped potential. He's young. Younger than Bears second-round rookie offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo and just three days older than sixth-round rookie running back Kyle Monangai. Advertisement 'I just turned 23,' Odunze said on Thursday. 'I don't have many things to focus on other than getting better.' This offseason, Odunze said, he's focused on putting himself 'in peak condition spiritually, mentally (and) physically.' He's added a few pounds of lean mass and lost some fat. He's dialed in on his upper-body strength, which he said he learned was particularly important to come out on the better side of 50-50 catches. 'There's a lot of nitpicking and grabbing in this league that isn't always shown,' Odunze said. 'I feel like I needed to build upper-body mass to be able to combat some of those things.' Unlike this time last year, when the former University of Washington receiver was joining his new team after months of pre-draft questions and evaluations, Odunze knows what's ahead of him. 'It's a different game than college football. There are different windows, different ways to get open, and there's a different pace that you have to get adapted to,' Odunze said. 'Having a full season under my belt, I feel like I'm aware of those things. 'I can now play the game freely in a way that I know where I need to be when I need to be there.' The ninth pick in the 2024 draft, Odunze's rookie season was a mixed bag. He made 54 catches for 734 yards, both ranking third among Bears receivers behind DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, and three touchdowns. He showed glimpses — like his 47-yard catch in a loss to the Colts in Week 3, which remained the longest reception for the Bears all season — but faded into the background at other times. It wasn't all on the rookie, though, as the Bears finished last in the league in total offense (283.5 yards per game). But the worst part about Year 1? Odunze didn't hesitate to answer: It was losing. The Bears finished 5-12, losing 10 of their last 11 games, as offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and then head coach Matt Eberflus were fired in-season. As Chicago welcomes a new regime led by head coach Ben Johnson, an offensive makeover is in progress. Odunze already noted the explosiveness that the new offense will prioritize. On Thursday, minicamp fun and games were the early signs of trick plays in progress. 'I think Ben (Johnson) and crew have great offensive minds,' Odunze said. 'I feel like they can help put me in positions to succeed, and that's all I can ask for. 'But at the end of the day, I've got to get out there and make plays and get the job done regardless.' Moore, who has led the Bears in receiving in each of the past two seasons, said earlier in minicamp he noticed Odunze's improvement from last year. That progress included a few highlight-worthy plays, such as Thursday, when Odunze snagged a catch through traffic from a scrambling Caleb Williams (at the 25-second mark of the clip below). Every rep counts 💪 — Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) June 6, 2025 With his added comfort, developing that chemistry with Williams is Odunze's next step forward, and a particularly important one if he plans to take on a larger role. Allen is a free agent and not expected back in Chicago, which could open up more targets for Odunze, although the Bears also added two pass catchers early in the draft, taking tight end Colston Loveland at No. 10 and wideout Luther Burden at No. 39. Advertisement It's still too early to write his goals in stone, but Odunze is eyeing 1,000 receiving yards and double-digit touchdowns in the 2025 season. For the team, he didn't shy away from singling out a playoff appearance, which would be the Bears' first since 2020. Chicago has just two playoff appearances and no trips past the wild-card round since reaching the NFC Championship Game in 2010. 'When you're doing the right things and you're having success, and the team is having success, all the statistics and those numbers will come,' Odunze said. For the new 23-year-old, a 'Jordan Year' breakout would be exactly what he and Chicago desire.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bears Tyler Scott Facing Roster Battle – Three Threats to His Spot
Bears Tyler Scott Facing Roster Battle – Three Threats to His Spot originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Chicago Bears have officially wrapped up mandatory mini camp, and the heat is rising—especially in position battles with final roster spots at stake. While some players have all but secured their place on the 53-man squad, others are entering the summer on shaky ground. One name now drawing scrutiny is a once-promising draft pick fighting to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving wide receiver room. Chicago Bears helmet© Denny Medley-Imagn Images Rumors are beginning to swirl around Tyler Scott, the team's fourth-round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft (No. 133 overall). After a modest rookie campaign, Scott enters year three firmly on the roster bubble. Advertisement He faces stiff competition with the emergence of three perceived locks: DJ Moore, 2024 first-round pick Rome Odunze, and 2025 second-round selection Luther Burden III. Even with Burden absent from OTAs due to injury, his role as a foundational piece could be secure. Olamide Zaccheaus, signed this offseason, has also climbed the depth chart. Described as a 'soft lock,' he brings versatility, slot ability, and veteran poise. Clay Harbor recently highlighted Zaccheaus as a standout in early workouts. 'You can trust him, but he's extremely quick, You're obviously going to have a number of packages for Luther Burden — but I think after watching Zaccheaus, he has a number of packages for himself, as well' Harbor said. Tyler ScottGetty Images Scott is also feeling pressure from three key competitors: Devin Duvernay, who offers immediate value as a return specialist; Miles Boykin, a bigger-bodied receiver making plays in OTAs; and Jahdae Walker, who reportedly has flashed in limited reps and drawn internal praise. These three, alongside Zaccheaus, represent the most direct threats to Scott's roster spot. Advertisement Through two seasons, Scott has appeared in 28 games, recording just 18 catches for 173 yards. He has yet to score a touchdown and has only one reception of 20+ yards. In 2024, he managed just a single five-yard catch across 11 appearances, highlighting his struggle to make an offensive impact amid increased depth and competition. Mini camp didn't just end with clarity; it brought urgency. For Tyler Scott, the next few months may determine whether his time in Chicago continues or comes to an early close. Related: Bears O-Lineman Turns Heads at Camp With Highlight Moment - Sparks Talk of New Role Related: Chicago Bears Named Potential Landing Spot for Pro Bowl Running Back This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
CBS News
06-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Bears wrap up mandatory minicamp, Coach Johnson says staying in shape is key
Thursday marked the final day of the Chicago Bears' three-day mandatory minicamp up at Halas Hall. The Bears have one more week of organized team activities next week, with head coach Ben Johnson saying the emphasis will be on young guys and special teams. So for many of the veterans, the last day of minicamp was their last organized team work until training camp in late July — and it is on them to be mentally and physically ready to go when camp opens. "We felt pretty good about what we've been able to accomplish. The onus is on our players now to take advantage of the next six weeks," said Johnson. "They've built a lot of goodwill with their bodies, conditioning-wise. We've got to continue that trend, because for us, training camp's not a get-in-shape camp, it's show-up-in-shape camp, so that we can become a good football team." Bears receiver Rome Odunze concurred that readiness will be key. "It's not, you know, a break that we're kind of all going to, you know, forget everything and forget football in a way," he said, "you know, kind of the offseason is kind of, take a little relaxation, a little mental break, so that way, when it comes to training camp, we're making strides to be in very, very good shape for the season." Odunze said he will be at Halas Hall next week for optional OTAs. He said he just turned 23 and doesn't have many other things to focus on other than getting better. Meanwhile, Johnson is known for getting tricky with his offensive play calling including — sometimes even using his offensive linemen as pass catchers. "I let those guys know—we only do this once a year, and it's an evaluation, and we'll circle back in training camp and in the season and see who we can trust to catch the ball or throw the ball, and I think there's a couple of guys on the O-line that stood out, and I think we've got some toys to work with," he said. Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent was asked if any offensive linemen got his attention as a pass catcher. "No sir," he said. "Nobody that I threw the ball to, at least." Johnson noted four standouts from minicamp, including two rookies — linebacker Ruben Hyppolite and running back Kyle Monangai.
