Matt Eberflus updates development of Rome Odunze

As the Chicago Bears prepare for training camp later this month, they’re getting to know their rookies and their abilities better day by day. Bears head coach Matt Eberflus had high praise for rookie Rome Odunze after OTAs and minicamp, and he believes the future is bright for their first-round selection out of Washington.

Odunze will team up with DJ Moore, as well as Keenan Allen, to create a dangerous unit for first-overall pick Caleb Williams to work with this year.

“We’re giving him a lot. He’s playing multiple positions and we think he’s going to be able to handle those concepts,” Eberflus said. “The veterans are going to help him through training camp, there’s wisdom there with years and experience but I really believe he’s going to have the ability to take off because of the other players.

“You won’t be able to hone in on one guy. If we just had him and he was the No. 1, they can do some things to him defensively but you won’t be able to do that versus our crew.”

As Odunze begins grappling with a whole new offense, he’s picking it up quickly, according to the head coach. His ability to rapidly process concepts is part of what made him such a hot commodity leading up to the draft.

“Some guys just have a knack to do it,” Eberflus said. “He’s able to process a bunch of information at the same time and take it to the field. He’s really good that way. Done a great job of making himself a great player and he’s going to continue to grow that way.”

Caleb Williams shares impression of Odunze

Caleb Williams was drafted first overall by the Chicago Bears, and immediately gifted a top wide receiver in Odunze.

The Bears pivoted and drafted Odunze in the top ten after picking Williams No. 1, setting the stage for a dynamic duo that can begin their careers together in Chicago. The Bears have been starved for offense, so it’s an incredible shot in the arm, and something the franchise can build off of for years to come.

Williams and Odunze are already getting acquainted, and it’s evident the new franchise quarterback is excited about throwing to the former Huskies wide receiver all season long.

“You obviously see why he had what, 1,500-plus, and a bunch of catches,” Williams told the media about his new wide receiver. “So he’s explosive for his side, explosive route runner, things like that. He’s also really smooth, in and out of routes and in transition.

“So working with him, it’s been great. It’s been awesome. I’m excited for what’s next.”

Some quarterbacks have to wait their whole careers to be gifted a first-round wide receiver. Williams had to wait about an hour before Chicago turned in their card. The Bears are certainly giving their star quarterback all he needs to start his NFL career on the right foot in 2024.