Bears' Odunze: 'I know where I need to be' after rookie season 2z2c6y

Chicago Bears wideout Rome Odunze believes he's learned the ins and outs of playing wide receiver in the NFL, and he's ready to improve on his rookie campaign. c686v

"It’s a different game than college football," Odunze said, according to The Athletic's Jayna Bardhal. "There are different windows, different ways to get open, and there’s a different pace that you have to get adapted to. 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 Washington product ranked third in receiving yards on the team behind D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen. Chicago struggled to produce a consistent ing game in 2024, ranking 25th in EPA/ play and 30th in ing success rate, according to Ben Baldwin's database.

The Bears hired head coach Ben Johnson as their next head coach after he enjoyed a terrific run as the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator.

"I think Ben 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."

He added: "I just turned 23. I don't have many things to focus on other than getting better. ... I've got to get out there and make plays and get the job done regardless."

The Bears finished last in the NFC North last season with a 5-12 record. They'll kick off their 2025 campaign against the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 8.