Caleb Williams gives his first impressions of Rome Odunze as a receiver
Caleb Williams was drafted first overall by the Chicago Bears, and immediately gifted a top wide receiver in former Washington Huskies pass catcher Rome Odunze.
The Bears pivoted and drafted Odunze in the top ten after picking Williams No. 1, setting the stage for a dynamic duo that can begin their careers together in Chicago. The Bears have been starved for offense, so it’s an incredible shot in the arm, and something the franchise can build off of for years to come.
Williams and Odunze are already getting acquainted, and it’s evident the new franchise quarterback is excited about throwing to the former Huskies wide receiver all season long.
“Threw a couple of times now. Been able to you know, throw the ball to Rome. You obviously see why he had what, 1,500-plus, and a bunch of catches,” Williams told the media about his new wide receiver. “So he’s explosive for his side, explosive route runner, things like that. He’s also really smooth, in and out of routes and in transition.
“So working with him, it’s been great. It’s been awesome. I’m excited for what’s next.”
Some quarterbacks have to wait their whole careers to be gifted a first round wide receiver. Williams had to wait about an hour before Chicago turned in their card. The Bears are certainly giving their star quarterback all he needs to start his NFL career on the right foot in 2024.
Rome Odunze on Caleb Williams playing quarterback: ‘It’s effortless for him’
Moreover, former Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze will be catching passes from a college rival in Caleb Williams with the Chicago Bears, but he’s more than okay with it.
Of course, Williams played with the USC Trojans during his final two seasons of college ball, but the duo will be looking to light it up on the same sideline in 2024 and beyond at the next level. Speaking with the media, Odunze elaborated on the talent his quarterback possesses, and everything Williams can do.
“He’s very talented. I got to see that, when I was playing against him in college. It’s really effortless for him,” Odunze said, regarding his new quarterback. “You know, he can do a lot of things that other quarterbacks may think are hard effortlessly. He continues to improve, every time that I see him, and he’s very smooth. He can throw the ball from any angle, body position, anywhere on the field, to any spot on the field.
“So you always have to be ready, always have to be prepared, any time he’s in the backfield. So it gives you the confidence that he’s going to put it on you when you’re giving him your best on a route.”
Odunze was already considered by many to be a can’t-miss prospect, but he couldn’t have been drafted to a better spot. Now, he can learn and grow as a football player with his quarterback, and Williams also adjusts to the NFL.
The league has been put on notice, as the Chicago Bears have completely remade their team in an off-season, and look to be a threat in the NFC North for years to come.