The hope that many Chicago Bears have is that rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze will be the next version of what the Cincinnati Bengals have in quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase.
While Williams and Odunze were not college teammates, they became very familiar with one another, given the Pac-12 rivalry between USC and Washington.
As the pre-draft process was ongoing for the 2024 NFL Draft, it became clear that Williams and Odunze were developing a connection. That connection has since been confirmed with both players revealing that they participating in throwing sessions together along with fellow Bears' teammates DJ Moore and Keenan Allen.
Odunze recently spoke with Bears Wire about how the process of playing with Williams came to be and what to expect now that the two are teammates at the NFL level.
"“I definitely thought it was a possibility, especially because we had trained before, we had chopped it up, and we had a connection,” Odunze said. “I think from the first time we got to get some work together on the field. And then also he’s a very cool dude off the field, as well. So I felt like I could vibe and connect with him in that way, as well. I thought it was a possibility just like the other teams were a possibility, as well. But I’m glad it came to fruition And I’m excited about the journey ahead of us.”"Rome Odunze, Bears Wire
The Bears' move to draft a highly regarded wide receiver in Odunze with Williams is a move that many criticized the team for not making for previous quarterback Justin Fields.
The pairing of Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze marks a new era for the Bears.
The Bears team that fans will see on the field during the 2024 season is unlikely any team that has been followed in the past. The selection of Odunze is proof of that. The Bears, under general manager Ryan Poles, realize that Caleb Williams is the most important person in the building and every move needs to be indicative of that.