The Chicago Bears made a significant investment in former Washington Huskies star wide receiver Rome Odunze, using the No. 9 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft on him in hopes of building a lethal combination for the foreseeable future with the No. 1 overall pick, USC quarterback Caleb Williams.
However, Odunze was held out of the second day of Chicago’s rookie minicamp with hamstring tightness. This doesn’t appear to be anything to be concerned about moving forward, as a Bears spokesperson called his absence “precautionary,” and general manager Ryan Poles would rather be safe than sorry with the former All-American receiver.
Chicago’s front office appears comfortable being careful with the minor ailment, as Odunze and Williams thrived together on Friday.
“Williams and Odunze looked the part Friday at Halas Hall,” NBC Sports’ Josh Schrock said. “Williams was on time and accurate with almost every pass during the 7-on-7 portion of the day. That included eight completions to Odunze, who moved all around the field during Day 1 of rookie minicamp.
“At one point during the 7-on-7 period, Odunze got jammed getting out of his break, which forced Williams to roll out of the pocket and buy time before hitting him along the sideline for a gain of 18-20 yards. It was the type of off-script playmaking from Williams and ad-libbing from Odunze that the Bears hope to see on Sundays, even if it’s not supposed to be featured in 7-on-7 work.”
Before practice, Odunze also described his relationship with Williams to the media.
“There’s definitely things you can build within a me-and-him relationship. But when considering the offense as a whole is installation and bits and pieces you’re learning together and communicating on together. As a wide receiver and a quarterback, of course, we can go out and build chemistry on timing. He can see where he wants to throw the ball depending on my speed of route and different things that I’m doing out there. When it comes to installation of the offense, that’s why we’re here today.”
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