Bears rookie WR on track for starting role?

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 that 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.