LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Rome Odunze is quickly becoming a household name in the NFL, and his performance in the Chicago Bears' preseason finale against the Kansas City Chiefs only solidified his rising status. The 23-year-old wide receiver, drafted just eight spots after quarterback Caleb Williams, has been a key player in the Bears' offense, and his connection with Williams is proving to be a game-changer.

In the second quarter of the Bears' 29-27 victory, Williams targeted Odunze on back-to-back deep balls, with the second resulting in a 37-yard gain. This set up a 3-yard touchdown pass to Odunze, bringing the Bears within striking distance of the Chiefs at halftime. This play highlighted the chemistry that has been developing between the two since late July.

Throughout the preseason, Odunze has been a favorite target for Williams. In 27 plays with the first-team offense, Odunze was targeted a team-high five times, hauling in three catches for 45 yards and a touchdown. This level of involvement is a testament to the trust Williams has in Odunze, who is quickly becoming the go-to receiver in Chicago's offense.

Odunze's Role in the Bears' Offense

Bears wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El has emphasized Odunze's expanding role in the offense. "It's a bigger role in our offense," Randle El said. "As you understand the offense, we can put you in different spots. No question, prototypical X (receiver, split out wide), but he's a guy that you can move around."

Odunze's physical attributes—standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 214 pounds—make him a formidable target, especially in contested catch situations. His ability to make plays in tight coverage has been a significant asset for the Bears, and it's a skill that Williams has come to rely on.

Odunze's Rookie Season and Beyond

As a rookie, Odunze had a breakout game against the Indianapolis Colts, where he caught six passes for 112 yards and a touchdown. Although he only surpassed 100 receiving yards once more in the 2024 season, his potential was evident. Despite a crowded receivers room that included veterans DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, Odunze managed to establish himself as a reliable target for Williams.

One of Odunze's standout qualities is his ability to make plays on off-target throws. Last season, 37% of his 101 targets were off-target, the highest among 105 players with at least 60 targets. Despite this, he still managed to finish with the sixth-most receiving yards by a rookie and was a top goal-line threat for Williams.

Looking Ahead

With Keenan Allen no longer on the roster, Odunze and DJ Moore are now the leaders of the Bears' receiving corps. The addition of Olamide Zaccheaus and rookie Luther Burden III adds depth to the group, but Odunze's role as a primary target seems secure.

"I'm just available for whatever comes with it, honestly," Odunze said. "I want to get the ball as early and as often as I can. As a wide receiver and a playmaker, I feel like I have the ability to make this offense move and have explosive plays."

As the Bears prepare for the regular season, all eyes will be on Odunze to see if he can continue to build on his impressive preseason performance and solidify his place as the Bears' WR1.