Bears analysts offer their ceiling and floor comps for Rome Odunze entering 2025

It's rare for a top-10 overall pick to escape heavy scrutiny after a disappointing rookie season. But when a rookie teammate is the quarterback and he was also the No. 1 overall pick, it becomes easier. That's where Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze is entering his second season.

Being the the No. 3 wide receiver in a Bears' offense that struggled for competent play-calling and continuity last season hurt Odunze perhaps more than anyone this side of Williams. His promising below the surface metrics (average depth of target, red zone targets, etc.) were crushed by Williams' struggles, which were a reflection of the dysfunctional situation.

The Bears took significant steps to fix that dysfunction this offseason, starting with the hiring of head coach Ben Johnson and the staff he has assembled. While Williams is, of course, the primary beneficiary of that effort, Odunze is arguably the No. 1 residual beneficiary of having a quarterback who will be able to let his talent shine through this season.

Bears analysts extend 'ceiling and floor' premise to Rome Odunze

John Kosko of Pro Football Focus recently considered the ceiling and floor for some second-year quarterbacks in 2025, including Williams of course.

On Friday's edition of the "Big Pro Football Show" on Chicago Sports Network, with the premise PFF had with Williams as the jumping off point, David Haugh and Clay Harbor considered where the ceiling and floor are for Odunze.

"I do think it's interesting to look at Rome Odunze's second year", Haugh said. "And Clay I wonder about the expectations level, because... don't wanna say he get's a pass, but he doesn't get the scrutiny and he doesn't have the pressure that a lot of guys who were drafted ninth overall would, because Caleb Williams has absorbed it all...but if you to look at the "ceiling and floor" game...how would you assess Rome Odunze's ceiling and floor in terms of the comparison."

"I'm high on Rome", Harbor said..."I don't know how many would agree with this...I thought he had a good year for a No. 3 receiver, and watching him at OTAs and minicamp, this guy's taken another step with (wide receivers coach) Antwaan Randle El."

"That being said", Harbor continued. " I think his ceiling-...A.J. Brown, one of the best receivers in the game, and I think his floor is (a) Michael Pittman Jr., Rashee Rice-type player, a guy that's gonna give you 800-1,000 yards a year, make big-time plays."

Harbor noted how he thinks Odunze's work ethic will raise both his floor and his ceiling.

Haugh countered with Robert Woods as his floor for Odunze, on the line of a dependable No. 2 or No. 3 wide receiver who lasts a long time in the league, Haugh then offered his ceiling for Odunze.

"Mike Evans is somebody I think of when I think of Rome Odunze", Haugh said. "If he fulfills every bit of his potential, he's got that kind of potential. Because he does have the strong hands...and he does have the size that gives him an advantage over some cornerbacks."

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Evans is a more fitting comp for Odunze, who drew pre-draft comparisons with serious intent and Davante Adams, than Brown (6-foot-1, 226 pounds). But it says it all about the potential the Bears' second-year receiver has when names of this ilk are mentioned with earnest intent.