Matt Eberflus hints Rome Odunze could return punts in Chicago

Rome Odunze could get a shot as the Chicago Bears’ primary punt returner.

Rome Odunze only returned three punts during his college career with the Washington Huskies. However, he took one of those returns for an 83-yard touchdown against the California Golden Bears in a 59-32 victory for Kalen DeBoer’s team in 2023.

That was more than enough for Chicago Bears coach Matt Eberflus to try the No. 9 overall pick out as a punt returner.

“He’s good at it,” Eberflus told Kay Adams of the Up & Adams show. “He’s done it in the past and said, ‘Hey, I can return punts.’ He talked to us about it during the draft process, and he’s really, really good at it. He’s dynamic back there…He’s got speed, he’s got explosion, yards after catch is a strength for him, and he can break tackles.”

Asking a top-10 pick to play special teams is an uncommon request in the NFL, but Eberflus seems to feel comfortable with giving Odunze a chance in the role, even though he has a legendary punt returner on the roster.

Former Husky Dante Pettis is entering his third year with the Bears and, thanks to his vision, could still offer immense upside in the return game. During his time at Washington, Pettis set an NCAA record with 9 punt returns for a score and also deserves an opportunity in the role.

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