Bears News: Odunze praises Jahdae Walker’s journey, eyes bigger impact in 2025

Ariana Pensy · Correspondent · 4 hours ago

CHICAGO - Wide receiver Rome Odunze was part of a tumultuous environment in his rookie season as the Bears had a lot going on between a change in offensive coordinator twice and head coach.

With a new coaching staff and continuing to develop his chemistry with quarterback Caleb Williams, Odunze seems poised to have a strong second season.

“I’m just trying to continue to grow. The depth of his offensive mind is very extensive. So, just trying to learn all of it - the ins and outs - and just trying to (be a) key player within that. I’ve worked hard the entire camp to be a guy that he can utilize in many different facets whether that’s outside, inside. You can see DJ taking a couple reps at running back. So, might have to get a few of those. So, just trying to be available in any way possible (and) make plays for the team,” Odunze said. “I think I’ve just kind of conformed to the NFL receiver play honestly. I think I was a little bit more rugged, kind of in my college wide receiver play, just making plays where I needed to make plays. I obviously had a discipline within route running and different things. But, I feel like I’ve (taken) those things to another notch, understanding windows, understandings leverages of defenses and cornerbacks and all those different things, where safeties are playing.”

Both Williams and Odunze came from former Pac-12 schools and would thus play against each other in college. That gave Odunze the chance to see first-hand the unscheduled plays Williams can make when things fall apart. Coming into the NFL together, that is something they have both done well on the scramble drill.

In fact, Odunze seems to be Williams’ favorite target on the scramble drill.

“I think we just kind of connected early in our relationship in that dynamic. I’ve got to see him in college. So, I’ve seen those plays and I’ve got to watch on the sideline, you can make something happen from wherever on the field. So, kind of feel in the back of my mind, I know the play is never over and I just try and find a spot that has some space, has some green grass and we’ve obviously (connected) on a couple of those in season,” Odunze said. “So, I think that kind of just builds our chemistry, obviously out here on the practice field as well, and continuing going into the season. So, he makes plays back there. I just try and be an asset for him.”

Chicago seems to have a knack for finding undrafted talent. Quarterback Tyson Bagent went undrafted and recently signed a contract extension. Now, the Bears hope wide receiver Jahdae Walker will have the same kind of success.

Walker started at a Division II college before transferring to Texas A&M. He still went undrafted and now has made Chicago’s 53-man roster.

“He brings a lot of energy to the organization. Every single day he comes in and works tremendously hard and he’s got that chip on his shoulder. So, he went out there and made plays, obviously versus the Kansas City Chiefs. Offense, special teams, all those different things,” Odunze said. “So, it’s really an awesome story to be honest. I got to watch him play a little bit at A&M and all that. So, Jahdae’s the best. He worked very hard to be on the team and continue to be in this league. So, I’m looking forward to what he’s going to surprise us with next.”