The Chicago Bears went all in on building their offense around the eventual first overall pick, new franchise quarterback Caleb Williams. They let Darnell Mooney walk in free agency and traded Justin Fields away. While bringing in a trio of veterans, wide receiver Keenan Allen, tight end Gerald Everett, and running back D’Andre Swift. Putting the icing on the cake, selecting Rome Odunze at pick No.9. What does the offensive rebuild and landing in Chicago do for Rome Odunze dynasty outlook?
Rome Odunze Dynasty Outlook
The History
Rome Odunze was a four-star recruit who was ranked as the 22nd-best wide receiver in the nation in the 2020 class. Odunze committed to Washington and played in all four seasons including his freshman season. He appeared in 36 total games and progressively played more games and produced at a higher level each season. Despite only appearing in four games in his freshman season, in his sophomore season he played in nine games, including seven starts. He ended up with 41 receptions for 415 yards and four touchdowns.
Odunze didn’t look back from there. In his 2022 junior season, he was 10th in the FBS among wide receivers with 1145 yards on 75 receptions. He also added seven touchdowns. He further stepped forward last season in his senior year with a school record 1640 yards on 92 receptions and 13 touchdowns. This allowed him to finish 1st in the FBS in yards and 6th in touchdowns. Leading Washington to the College Football Playoff National Championship.
The Prospect
Rome Odunze has great size for the position at 6’2” and 213 lbs. He pairs this with good speed and athleticism. Plus, the hallmark of his game is his elite ball skills. From ball tracking to body control, strength, and everything in between, he will give corners a tough time once the ball is in the air. Some scouting reports drew comparisons to DeVante Adams including Odunze himself.
The Situation
Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze, two names you will hear lots of in Chicago over the next decade. Despite the Keenan Allen acquisition, he is only under contract for one more season. Plus, DJ Moore is on the roster. Odunze is in an optimal situation, especially when considering he is being paired with the franchise quarterback from day one. He may not see the elite target share of a Marvin Harrison Jr. in year one without injuries, but this will come in the future seasons.
It is nearly impossible to compare what the offense will look like this year versus last season. DJ Moore and Cole Kmet are back. Justin Fields and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy are among those out. Getsy’s offense featured an elite rushing attack while delivering extremely disappointing passing numbers. In an NFL that is turning more and more towards passing and aerial attacks, this wasn’t great for the Bears.
Welcome Shane Waldron and Caleb Williams
Now in comes former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and highly regarded quarterback prospect Caleb Williams. Waldron was in part responsible for the revival of Geno Smith. After Russell Wilson’s departure, Waldron took a No.23 passing offense and over the last two seasons have seen them remain top 15 staples. The Waldron and Smith offense went from 201 passing yards per game to over 230 passing yards per game each of the last two seasons. Caleb Williams is a far more special passer than Smith.
So, what does this all mean for Odunze managers? Thanks to a scheme that values passing first, there will be optimal opportunities for him immediately. Even if not to the same degree as fellow top-ten wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr and Malik Nabers. This opportunity will further expand as Keenan Allen moves out of the picture in 2025. Odunze gets an offensive coordinator who develops quarterbacks and prioritizes passing first, paired with an elite quarterback prospect. Draft with confidence.
Rome Odunze Dynasty Outlook
Rome Odunze is the clear-cut WR3 in this rookie class and in his own second tier separate from Harrison Jr. and Nabers and the other remaining wide receiver prospects. KeepTradeCut has him currently in a very close race between Drake Maye in rookie drafts for pick four and five. This decision likely comes down to team need and how bought in someone is to Drake Maye with the New England Patriots. The only other nearby asset to consider would be Brock Bowers. You would need to have a very urgent need at tight end to go Bowers over Odunze.
In dynasty startups, he is ranked 32nd and is the WR12, a mid-to-late third-round pick. He lands in an area that I find it hard to consider taking him. Drake London, Brandon Aiyuk, Devonta Smith, and Michael Pittman are the wide receivers all going around him. If you skipped quarterback early, the second run starts here with Trevor Lawrence, Brock Purdy, Tua, and Dak Prescott falling in this range. Depends on how your roster build is going or the direction you want to take it. The upside certainly exists with Odunze to take him here, but there is a real reason to consider passing.
Odunze is set up well being paired with Caleb Williams. The Chicago Bears see a bright future with these two in their offense and they showed it with the draft capital investment. Odunze will be a consistent top-24 wide receiver at worst, with a future low-end top-12 upside.
Main Photo: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
