Why Rome Odunze has high expectations for 2025 after becoming stronger and playing “freely” in Year 2

The Chicago Bears entered the 2025 offseason with a clear vision: to establish a new era of competitive football, particularly on the offensive side. A cornerstone of that vision rests squarely on the shoulders of second-year wide receiver Rome Odunze, the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. After a rookie season that showed flashes of his immense potential but ultimately left more to be desired, all signs point to Odunze being poised for a significant Year 2 breakout, fueled by his dedicated offseason work in getting “stronger” and a newfound ability to play “freely” within the Chicago Bears’ new offensive scheme.

Odunze’s rookie campaign in 2024 saw him navigate a challenging offensive environment. Despite entering the league with immense hype, he finished with 54 receptions for 734 yards and three touchdowns. While not a terrible stat line for a first-year player, especially considering the offensive struggles and the presence of established targets like DJ Moore and Keenan Allen (who has since departed), it didn’t quite live up to the sky-high expectations for a top-10 draft pick. He faced the complexities of a new offense, the physical demands of the NFL, and the constant pressure of learning on the fly. As he himself noted, “It’s a different game than college football. There’s different windows, there’s different ways to get open. There’s a different pace that you kind of have to get adapted to.”

However, the 2025 offseason has provided Odunze with a crucial opportunity to reset, refine, and re-arm himself for what promises to be a pivotal sophomore season. Unlike his whirlwind rookie year, which included the intense pre-draft process of the combine and draft preparations immediately following his final college season, this offseason allowed him to focus entirely on his professional development. He has taken full advantage of this time, demonstrating the work ethic and high football character that earned him rave reviews during the draft process.

Building Physicality: Getting “Stronger”

One of the primary focuses for Odunze this offseason has been on his physical development. He has dedicated himself to the weight room, specifically aiming to enhance his upper-body strength. Odunze confirmed he has put on lean muscle mass and shed some fat, all with a specific goal in mind: to better combat the physical demands of NFL defensive backs.

“There’s a lot of nitpicking and grabbing in this league that isn’t always shown,” Odunze stated, acknowledging the unseen battles receivers face downfield. “I feel like I needed to build upper-body mass to be able to combat some of those things.” This targeted approach to strength training is critical for a receiver who prides himself on winning contested catches and dominating at the catch point. Increased upper-body strength will help him create separation, shed tackles after the catch, and maintain his balance through contact. It will also be vital in winning “hand fights” against aggressive cornerbacks, enabling him to gain leverage and secure the ball in tight windows. His aim is to be in “peak condition spiritually, mentally, physically” for the season.

At 6-foot-3 and over 215 pounds, Odunze already possessed an NFL-ready frame, but his commitment to optimizing his physique demonstrates his understanding of the incremental gains required at the professional level. This added strength will not only improve his individual performance but also contribute to his durability over a demanding 17-game (or potentially longer) season.

Mental Clarity and “Playing Freely”

Beyond the physical transformation, perhaps the most significant development for Odunze this offseason is the mental clarity and confidence he has gained, allowing him to play “freely.” This concept of playing “freely” is paramount for any athlete, especially a skill player who relies on instinct and reaction.

In his rookie year, Odunze was likely grappling with the sheer volume of new information – learning a complex NFL playbook, adapting to faster game speed, understanding different defensive schemes, and figuring out how to get open against elite professional defensive backs. This learning curve can often lead to overthinking, hesitation, and a less natural style of play.

Now, with a full season under his belt, Odunze feels he is “aware of those things.” He understands the nuances of NFL windows and coverages, and the pace of the game no longer feels alien. This acquired knowledge has translated into a mental freedom where he knows “exactly where I need to be, when I need to be there.” This allows him to focus less on the mechanics of the game and more on simply making plays. When a player can react instinctively rather than consciously process every detail, their true athleticism and football instincts can shine.

This newfound freedom is also deeply connected to the presence of new Head Coach Ben Johnson and Offensive Coordinator Shane Waldron’s scheme. Johnson, highly praised for his offensive mind, is expected to implement an explosive offense that will put receivers in positions to succeed. Odunze recognizes this opportunity, stating, “I think Ben and crew have great offensive minds. They can help put me in positions to succeed. That’s all I can ask for.” This alignment between the player’s development and the coaching staff’s vision is a powerful recipe for success.

High Expectations for 2025

The combination of enhanced physical strength and mental liberation sets the stage for Rome Odunze to meet the high expectations placed upon him for the 2025 season. Several factors contribute to the belief that he is primed for a significant breakout:

1. Year 2 Leap for Receivers: It’s a common trend in the NFL for wide receivers to make their most significant jump in production from their rookie to their sophomore season. The experience of a full NFL year, combined with a dedicated offseason, often leads to a more refined and confident player.
2. Caleb Williams’ Development: Odunze’s success is intrinsically linked to the development of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick. The duo has spent the offseason building chemistry, and Williams’ talent is expected to elevate the entire offense. Early reports indicate a strong rapport, with Williams showing trust in Odunze during clutch situations, even in their rookie year.
3. New Offensive Scheme (Ben Johnson): The arrival of Ben Johnson as head coach promises a more dynamic and receiver-friendly offensive system. Johnson’s track record suggests he will scheme creative ways to get his playmakers the ball, maximizing Odunze’s strengths as a vertical threat and contested-catch winner.
4. Increased Target Share: With the departure of Keenan Allen, who was a significant target hog in 2024, Odunze’s role in the passing game is expected to expand considerably. While the Bears did draft Luther Burden III, Odunze is projected to be the clear No. 2 target behind DJ Moore, ensuring he gets ample opportunities.
5. Personal Ambition: Odunze himself is highly motivated. He openly shared his individual goals, including aiming for over 1,000 receiving yards and double-digit touchdowns. He also emphasizes team success, stating, “Losing sucks. I like to think about the team and the playoffs and winning football games.” This blend of personal ambition and team-first mentality is characteristic of elite performers.

While his rookie statistics of 54 catches and 734 yards were solid, they didn’t fully reflect his potential or the target volume he is capable of handling. With a stronger physique, a clearer understanding of the game, and a new offensive environment designed to maximize his talents, Rome Odunze is not just expected but determined to shed the “rookie” label and establish himself as a premier wide receiver in the NFL in 2025. His journey from an eager first-year player to a poised, physically enhanced, and “freely” playing sophomore is setting the stage for a compelling and potentially dominant season for the Chicago Bears.