Caleb Williams didn’t have the most elite practice in the first day of pads for the Chicago Bears, but he certainly finished it strong. After the defense controlled most of the action, the #1 overall pick struck back in the two-minute drill with a crisp drive that ended on a 35-yard touchdown to Tyler Scott against the starting defense. While Scott has gotten lots of attention lately, he isn’t the one who is turning heads among the Bears beat. Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times made sure to set the record straight.
As good as Williams has been thus far, wide receiver Rome Odunze has been better. He looks far more polished than a normal rookie. The defense keeps finding that out with their secondary struggling to contain him.
From the day the Bears drafted Rome Odunze, I didn’t understand the assumption that he’d be “just the No. 3 guy” or whatever this season.
He’s the 9th overall pick. He led the NCAA in yards last season. He has looked phenomenal in training camp, too, and is beating top corners.
For all the talk about the Scott touchdown, Odunze actually should’ve had one the play before. He was wide open, streaking down the field. Unfortunately, Williams slightly overthrew him. It wasn’t the only time that happened during the practice, too. Still, the 9th overall pick made his mark on the drive with a big 3rd down conversion to keep the chains moving.
Head coach Matt Eberflus said nobody stood out more than the young receiver during minicamps and OTAs. It appears he’s picking up right where he left off. For all the talk about D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen dominating the targets this season, Odunze doesn’t seem content with that arrangement. He is playing like somebody who will demand the football early and often. This is exactly what GM Ryan Poles wanted. Competition drives everybody to play their best. Odunze, Moore, and Allen fighting for the football make the offense better.
It also makes life easier for Williams. Unlike previous Chicago Bears quarterbacks, he won’t be handcuffed because his receivers cannot get open. Everybody already knew he had two that could. Now it’s becoming clear he has three. Most offenses don’t have such a luxury. Odunze is already validating why the team wanted him so badly. They knew what he could bring to their offense. For all the talk about his ability to win in 50-50 matchups, his route-running and speed constantly get overlooked.
Not for much longer.
