The Bears invested in both the present and future of their offense during Day 1 of the draft by selecting Caleb Williams first overall and Rome Odunze at No. 9. The former has already be tapped as Chicago’s starting quarterback, and the latter is likewise positioned to occupy a first-team role right away. 
Odunze was the third receiver to come off the board, and Bears general manager Ryan Poles explored a move up to No. 8 to guarantee Chicago would land the former Huskies product. Odunze led the way on a star-studded Washington passing attack (92 catches, 1,640 yards, 13 touchdowns) and earned consensus first-team All-American honors as a result.
The Bears saw D.J. Moore post career-best numbers in his debut season with the team last year, but adding at the receiver spot was an offseason priority. Chicago acquired Keenan Allen via trade, setting him up for a starting spot in the Windy City. Moore and Allen took first-team reps during spring practices, and the latter confirmed (via ESPN’s Courtney Cronin) the same was true for Odunze.
Skill position players drafted early are often counted on to contribute right away, so it comes as little surprise Odunze appears to fit into that category. The 22-year-old will need to confirm his place in the WR pecking order over the coming weeks, of course, but expectations will be high for him individually and the Bears’ offense as a whole if things go according to plan come the fall. The presence of Moore and Allen (along with tight end Cole Kmet and free agent running back D’Andre Swift) will give Odunze plenty of competition for targets, but he could carve out a notable role over the course of the summer.
Chicago ranked second in rushing yards last season; the passing game was a much different story, though, finishing 27th through the air. Williams will be expected to guide the Bears to a step forward on offense in 2024, but Odunze’s role during his rookie season will be worth monitoring as well.
Da Bears need to sign their 1st round picks before assigning them jobs.
I’m really excited to see how a rookie QB can get enough touches to everyone to keep them happy. Especially Keenan Allen who’s up for a contract after this year which at his age is likely his last chance to get a multi year deal. I just doubt he’ll be excited with 50 catches for 700 yards if Rome, DJ, Kmet, and Swift eat into his targets.
Really? A first round pick is going to start? What a revelation. Thank you to the author. lol
They’re really going out on a limb with this one…
If teams ran the old 2wr only set, it would be more of a story. Bears are likely to have Moore, Allen, and Odunze out on the field most of the drives. Maybe 5 teams have FBs and not many start 2 TEs. Teams start 3 wrs now.
Well…yeah
Calling him a starter welllllll let’s not get crazy. True if the Bears were running a 3 WR offense yeah he’d be a starter. But the Bears are going to run 2 TE sets. They have Khari Blasingame and Mercedes Lewis still here as blockers. While I think Blasingame is gone and Lewis will be the FB on short yardage plays then what? Is he over Allen in short yardage? How much 3 WR will Waldron run? his offense even look like? Is Roschon Johnson or Herbert paired with Swift sometimes? It’s a bit short sighted to call him a “Starter” right now. I’m with Arty. Let’s see if we can get him signed first before making statements like that.
The Seahawks ran 11 personnel (1 running back, 1 tight end, 3 receivers) 64% of the time last year–15th most in the league. So while they’ll certainly run some two tight end sets, I would expect to see a lot of three receiver sets from them. I wouldn’t worry about the contract signing. It’s obviously going to get done.