ESPN has listed Rome Odunze as one of the Chicago Bears players with the most at stake. While it's true that Odunze will have more responsibility on his shoulders than ever before, he's been well positioned for this role for years, and a foot injury isn't going to hold him back.
The departure of DJ Moore has created an opportunity for Odunze to step into the WR1 position, a spot that's been widely expected to be his. But the rise of Luther Burden III has created a competition that many say will be interesting. Odunze stands as the natural successor to the role on experience alone, but many believe Burden talented enough to take the job.
The talent has never been in question
Odunze was on track for a breakout season before he was sidelined due to a lingering foot injury that has followed him since. It limited Odunze to only 12 games in the season, meanwhile, Caleb Williams was developing chemistry with Colston Loveland and Luther Burden. As a result, Loveland even ended up with more receiving yards than anyone on the team!
Even when DJ Moore was present and the clear top receiver in Chicago, it was clear that Williams still preferred Odunze. They were drafted together, it only makes sense that they have a certain level of chemistry. At this point, they've been working together in tandem for years. But Burden has a real shot.
Odunze has spoken about his foot injury publicly, even referring to it as his "new normal". But his foot remains his biggest hurdle when it comes to holding the top receiver job. Though it's unlikely to matter. Ben Johnson's offense isn't going to call plays differently because one receiver has been labeled as the number one or not.
The things Odunze should be focused on should have nothing to do with being wide receiver one. Odunze has already earned Williams' trust, and Ben Johnson isn't going to reward him based on the label. He'll reward him based on his merit and how much he's worked to help the team. The only thing standing in his way for that is his foot.
Rome Odunze certainly has plenty at stake entering training camp, but his situation isn't nearly as precarious as some of his teammates. Assuming his foot cooperates, the Bears already know they have a player capable of becoming one of the focal points of Ben Johnson's offense.
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