Rome Odunze is Primed for a Year 2 Breakout

Despite being the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Rome Odunze finds himself in an intriguing position heading into his second season. He finished his rookie year with 96 targets, 54 receptions, 734 receiving yards, and three touchdowns while playing 954 snaps—the most of any rookie wide receiver. Currently being drafted at 59.8 ADP as WR33, Odunze represents compelling value for fantasy managers willing to bet on talent over situation, especially with the Bears adding offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and potentially improving their passing attack in 2025.

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The Rookie Reality Check

Odunze's 2024 season told a tale of two narratives. On one hand, he was consistently involved in the offense, ranking in the top ten among all wide receivers in total snaps and receiving steady target volume throughout the season. His best performance came in Week 3 against Indianapolis, where he caught 6 passes for 112 yards and his first touchdown on 11 targets, showcasing the ceiling that made him a top-10 pick.

The overall numbers were underwhelming for a player of his draft pedigree. With veteran targets hogs D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen ahead of him, Odunze was relegated to third in the pecking order. The rookie was clearly not the primary focus of Chicago's passing attack, serving more as a complementary option rather than a featured target. His efficiency numbers showed some reasons for optimism, but he'll have to earn more volume to truly break out.

The Ben Johnson Factor

The most significant development for Odunze's 2025 outlook is Chicago's hiring of Ben Johnson as their new head coach. Johnson's track record of maximizing wide receiver talent in Detroit, where he helped develop players like Amon-Ra St. Brown into elite fantasy assets, bodes well for Odunze's development.

Johnson's offensive system typically features more aggressive downfield passing concepts, which could unlock Odunze's strengths as a boundary receiver. Odunze dominated deep passing in college, leading all wide receivers in deep targets and deep receiving yards over his final two seasons at Washington, while excelling when lined up outside.

The scheme fit appears ideal for Odunze's skill set. He operated primarily as an outside receiver at Washington rather than working from the slot, allowing him to utilize his size, route-running precision, and contested-catch ability. Johnson's system should provide more opportunities for Odunze to operate in these preferred alignments where he's most effective.

Competition and Target Distribution

The elephant in the room remains Chicago's crowded receiver room. The Bears added tight end Colston Loveland and receiver Luther Burden III in the draft, creating even more mouths to feed in an already competitive target landscape.

However, there are reasons for optimism. Keenan Allen is entering the final year of his contract and turned 33 during the season, making him a potential trade candidate or natural regression target. Additionally, despite the target competition, Odunze still managed to receive 17 end zone targets, which ranked sixth among all wide receivers—a positive sign for red zone involvement.

The Bears' commitment to three-receiver sets also helped Odunze accumulate his high snap count total. If Johnson continues this approach while implementing a more efficient passing attack, there should be enough volume to support multiple fantasy-relevant receivers.

Draft Strategy and Outlook

At 59.8 ADP as WR33, Odunze is being drafted in the fifth round of 12-team leagues, representing solid value for a former top-10 pick entering his second season. The market appears to be pricing in the disappointing rookie numbers while undervaluing the talent and improved situation.

Odunze profiles as an excellent "win later" draft strategy candidate. While his floor may be limited by target competition in the short term, his ceiling remains high given his talent level and the potential for offensive improvement under Johnson. The combination of Caleb Williams entering his second year and a proven offensive coordinator creates an environment conducive to a breakout season.

For dynasty managers, Odunze represents a prime buy-low candidate. History shows that rookie quarterback-receiver tandems often take significant steps forward in their second year together. The most notable recent example is Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase, who won a national championship together at LSU before reuniting in Cincinnati. While Chase had a record-setting rookie year, Burrow struggled through injury and inconsistency in his first season. Their second year together saw both players elevate their games dramatically, with the duo leading Cincinnati to the Super Bowl and Chase finishing as the No. 4 receiver in fantasy scoring.

Similarly, Tua Tagovailoa and Jaylen Waddle reunited in Miami after their Alabama connection, with Waddle setting the rookie reception record in their first year together. The chemistry and trust built through previous experience often translate into improved production as both players mature in the NFL system.

The Bottom Line

• Proven college production translated to opportunity - He finished with 96 targets, 54 receptions, and 954 snaps (most among rookie WRs) despite being third in the Bears' receiver hierarchy, showing the team's commitment to his development.
• Ben Johnson brings offensive upgrade - The new head coach's track record of developing receivers and implementing aggressive passing concepts should unlock Odunze's strengths as a boundary receiver and deep threat.
• Target competition remains but could improve - While Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III were added, Keenan Allen's age and contract status make him a potential departure, plus Odunze's 17 end zone targets (6th among WRs) show red zone involvement.
• Excellent value at current price - Being drafted at 59.8 ADP as WR33 in the fifth round represents strong value for a former ninth overall pick entering his second season with an improved offensive system.
• Target Odunze in Round 5 as a high-upside WR3 with WR2 potential if the Bears' passing attack improves under Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams takes a second-year leap.