Rome Odunze could serve as Chicago Bears’ punt returner

The Bears selected former Washington star Rome Odunze with the ninth pick of April’s NFL Draft. The idea was to gift quarterback Caleb Williams, who went No. 1, a talented wideout.

But Odunze may be doing more for the Bears than just catching passes. Chicago special teams coordinator Richard Hightower dropped big hints he also could be the team’s punt returner.

“Rome is an every-down player. Rome’s a first-down player, a second-down player, a third-down player and a fourth-down player,” Hightower told reporters. “He had three returns on the books (at Washington) and one of those three returns was a house call.”

The Bears assistant coach is talking about this Odunze “house call.” He ripped off an 83-yard punt return for a touchdown against Cal last season. It was a big reason why the guy who didn’t play special teams that much was Pac 12 special teams player of the week.

Looks like the future Bears rookie was pretty comfortable fielding punts, doesn’t it?

Now, Hightower did not say anything definitive about Odunze taking on another role his rookie season. It’s tough enough to learn plays and route trees with a fellow rookie quarterback. But why not try Odunze back there?

Hightower said he would not discuss personnel decisions “in the open.”

Hightower streesed “he’s in contention, just like everybody else. Best man will win, cream rises to the top.”

A hamstring strain slowed Odunze earlier this off season as the Bears went through OTAs. But when he was healthy, he impressed coaches with his ability to play outside receiver on either the right or left side, plus in the slot.

Odunze also won’t be Williams lone receiving option. D.J. Moore already was on the team. And the Bears signed Keenan Allen from the Chargers. Allen caught 108 passes last season for 1,243 yards. Moore caught 96 passes for 1,364 yards last season, his first with the Bears. He was part of the trade that sent the No. 1 pick of the 2023 NFL Draft (Bryce Young) to the Panthers.

The Bears were one of seven teams that picked receivers in April’s first round. The seven selections tied the NFL Draft record. Overall, Odunze was the third receiver off the draft board following Marvin Harrison (fourth to the Cardinals) and Malik Nabers (sixth to the Giants).

Chicago will report to training camp July 19. The Bears are early starters because they’ll take on the Texans in the Pro Football Hall of Fame game, Aug. 1. The game officially starts the preseason game schedule.