Bears Considering Surprise Way to Get Rome Odunze More Touches

Bears fans who remember Devin Hester know exactly how fun it can be to have a dynamic kick returner, and you might get to relive some of that excitement this fall.

We’re not saying Rome Odunze is the next Hester, but he certainly could provide a jolt of excitement in the return game, and all indications are that he’s the front-runner for the job.

Bears News: Odunze Could Be Likely Punt Returner for Chicago

An article by Pro Football Talk quotes Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower, who refused to call Odunze the favorite to return kicks, but did offer this interesting tidbit:

“Rome is an every-down player. Rome’s a first-down player, a second-down player, a third-down player and a fourth-down player,” Hightower said. “He had three returns on the books and one of those three returns was a house call.”

Odunze wasn’t Washington’s typical returner (that was teammate Jalen McMillan), but he proved himself more than capable when McMillan was injured – returning a punt 83 yards for a touchdown in September of last season.

And he certainly has the makings of a special returner. 

Odunze ran a 4.45 40-yard dash and a 1.52 10-yard split at the NFL Combine earlier this year, which compares favorably to Hester’s 4.46 40-yard dash and 1.57 10-yard split. 

Of course, Hester wasn’t the quality of receiver Odunze hopes to be, and it’s worrisome to put the rookie in a role where he could risk injury.

But considering that the Bears had ZERO kicks or punts returned for a touchdown last season and ZERO returns of 38+ yards, it might be worth the risk.

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