The Chicago Bears decided on celebrity huge receiver Rome Odunze because the 9th pick out on this 12 months’s draft, however the former Washington Huskies participant could also be deployed in a distinct place all through his rookie season.
Chicago Bears May just Trial Rome Odunze As Punt Returner
The Bears have been lucky sufficient to have now not one, however two alternatives within the first spherical on the 2024 draft and after deciding on quarterback Caleb Williams as first pick out, Chicago grew to become to Rome Odunze.
Odunze racked up 1640 receiving yards all through the 2023 season as a large receiver and Chicago essentially signed the Washington celebrity as a long term goal for Caleb Williams, however Odunze would possibly play any other function in his rookie season.
It’s been reported that Odunze may get started the season as Chicago’s number one punt receiver, even if particular groups coordinator Richard Hightower used to be prepared not to give an excessive amount of knowledge away forward of the brand new season.
“Rome is an every-down participant. Rome’s a first-down participant, a second-down participant, a third-down participant and a fourth-down participant,” Hightower mentioned.
“He had 3 returns at the books and a kind of 3 returns used to be a area name.”
That one area name for the Huskies used to be an 83-yard landing that had everybody’s jaw at the flooring. See beneath for the punt go back landing.
Rome Odunze with the 83-yard go back for a TD 😱 %.twitter.com/xwRKyb0ItT
— %-12 Convention (@pac12) September 24, 2023
When requested if Odunze used to be anticipated to start out because the Bears punt returner this season, Hightower persevered: “I’d by no means talk about that within the open. He’s in competition, identical to everyone else. Very best guy will win, cream rises to the highest.”
The primary query isn’t relating to Odunze’s skill, however reasonably whether or not the rookie can keep have compatibility within the place this is way more bodily tough than that of huge receiver.
With 13 touchdowns from 92 receptions within the 2023 season in addition to a staggering 109.3 yards in line with recreation, Odunze is certain to be a long term celebrity of the NFL in no matter place he’s performed in.