Who is Rome Odunze? Chicago Bears pick in the NFL Draft
CHICAGO (CBS) – With the ninth pick in the NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears selected wide receiver Rome Odunze out of the University of Washington.
Odunze was a star receiver in college and is coming off a year with 92 receptions and more than 1,600 yards, earning him All-American honors and being named a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award. He was a big part of the Huskies offense that ranked No. 1 nationally, leading the team to the College Football Playoff National Championship game.
The 6-foot-3, 215-pound wideout ran a 4.45 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Scouts have pegged him as flashing superior ball skills and body control in the air. He's even drawn comparisons, especially with his large frame and catching ability, to NFL legend Larry Fitzgerald and former Bears wideout Allen Robinson.
Odunze also drew praise during his interviews at the combine and on private visits to teams for his football knowledge.
With the pick, the Bears hope to bolster a receiving corps, which already features DJ Moore, for new quarterback Caleb Williams, whom the team took first overall out of USC. The Bears could use another receiver to pair with Moore, especially after losing Darnell Mooney who signed with the Atlanta Falcons this offseason.