Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) makes a catch against Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the second half at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024.

Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze’s Big Admission After A Full NFL Season Could Be A Breakout Sign

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Rex Villas | Last updated Jun 9, 2025 2:21 PM ET

The Chicago Bears are starting a new chapter, as they now have former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as head coach. Given his previous job, Johnson is looking to take Chicago’s attack to the next level, and if he is to do so in 2025, wide receiver Rome Odunze should be a big part of it.

Odunze is coming off what can be fairly described as a lukewarm rookie NFL season. In 2024, he had 734 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 54 receptions and 101 targets across 17 games (12 starts).

Will Odunze break out in 2025 with the Chicago Bears?

Dec 16, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) gets yards after catch as Minnesota Vikings safety Josh Metellus (right) and cornerback Shaquill Griffin (1) and safety Camryn Bynum (24) defend during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

There was a learning curve in Year 1 for Odunze, but as a ninth-overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, many expected him to come up with bigger numbers. The 2025 campaign brings hope that Odunze will finally break out, especially now that he’s more familiar with how professional-level football operates.

“It’s a different game than college football, the former Washington Huskies star wideout said, per Jayna Bardahl of The Athletic. “There are different windows, different ways to get open, and there’s a different pace that you have to get adapted to,” Odunze said. “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.”

It’s not just Odunze who’s gotten more experience in the Bears’ passing attack, with quarterback Caleb Williams also entering his second year in the league.

The expectations are high for the two, but it remains to be seen whether they can live up to those in 2025.

Dec 22, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) celebrates a first down reception against the Detroit Lions during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: