The Chicago Bears can't help but be excited by the start that Rome Odunze is off to in training camp, appearing to be the best version of himself. Coming into the summer, there was a level of concern around the pass catcher after a lingering foot injury. Odunze didn't help matters in minicamp, pointing out that it would never be the same after such a serious injury. There was reason to wonder if Odunze was going to be slowed or lack the explosive ability in recent years.
However, that concern has been put to bed as Odunze has looked every bit as explosive in his first two seasons in the first days of training camp. It is a needed development when you look at the regression when it comes to proven depth on the receiver depth chart. Losing DJ Moore as a starter and Olamide Zaccheaus as a depth piece turned up the level of expectations on the third-year receiver in Odunze.
Things are off to a solid start with the receiver, looking completely healthy and is flashing early in camp. It is exactly the development that fans needed after spending much of the offseason building up hype and excitement around an expected breakout season for Luther Burden.
Bears Fans Can Breathe a Sigh of Relief After Rome Odunze Shows Clear Progress
Odunze's best season when it comes to yards produced was his rookie season that saw the pass catcher finish with 734 receiving yards and build expectations. Due to injury and the presence of Moore, last season wasn't quite as impressive, all setting up this season for an undeniable breakout year that is already off to a great start.
This isn't to deny how impressive Burden has been in the early going as well, but pointing out the obvious around a talented receiver. Odunze deserves credit as well for how he has come out of the gate and shown that any concerns around his health are obviously misplaced. The pass catcher appears healthy and is unquestionably set up in Ben Johnson's offense to take a huge leap in his third season.
For the Bears, this is a great problem to have, debating whether it is going to be Burden or Odunze who benefits most from the changes. No matter the answer, Odunze is off to an impressive start, flashing in camp and putting away any notion that the pass catcher isn't going to be fully healthy to start the 2026 season.
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