Bears could have big plans for star rookie

Oct 15, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; A detailed view of the Chicago Bears helmet before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears selected former Washington Huskies receiver Rome Odunze with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft in hopes that he could help the team as a target for new quarterback Caleb Williams in the passing game. But it sounds like there’s a chance they could use him as a weapon on special teams, as well.

During a recent press conference, Chicago Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower made it clear that he thinks Rome Odunze is capable of helping the team on every down, including fourth down as a punt returner.

“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.”

Hightower wouldn’t give specifics as to whether or not Odunze was the favorite to win the team’s starting punt returner role, but did he say that he is a contender for the job.

“I would never discuss that in the open,” he said. “He’s in contention, just like everybody else. Best man will win, cream rises to the top.”

We’ll have to see what happens, but it sounds like they’re planning to use him in as many ways as they can.

[Pro Football Talk]