Latest news with #Odunze
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Fantasy Football: Most-interesting players to monitor during training camp and the preseason
The Yahoo Fantasy Football crew reveals the player or situation they're most interested in keeping an eye on during training camp and the preseason. Here is what they'll be watching ... Cowboys' murky backfield I'll be paying close attention to Dallas' backfield this summer with both Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott gone. Javonte Williams has the highest early 'expert consensus rank' as the RB37, but he failed miserably despite being given a terrific opportunity (he saw the fifth most RB targets) in Denver last season. Williams ranked last among 37 qualified running backs in yards after contact per attempt, but he enters atop Dallas' depth chart and says he finally 'feels like myself again' three years removed from multi-ligament surgery. Williams' ability to pass protect could once again lead to volume. Advertisement Jaydon Blue is the RB54 and a rookie with upside. He ran the fastest 40 time among this year's RB class, but Blue is also just 195 pounds with only 214 career rush attempts who's a fifth-round pick with a serious fumbling problem. It's possible Miles Sanders is washed, but he only recently turned 28 and is two seasons removed from totaling 1,423 yards and 11 touchdowns (admittedly in a friendly Philadelphia system). He should be free in fantasy drafts (RB77), making Sanders a worthwhile flier. Dallas' offensive line will have a new look, but the Cowboys can score a bunch of points with a healthy Dak Prescott (while playing indoors and with George Pickens added). Dowdle was a top 15 fantasy back over the final six games last season in this system, and that was with Prescott sidelined. The Cowboys want to run, so one of these backs can have a bunch of fantasy value should they emerge as the clear leader this summer. — Dalton Del Don Advertisement [Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season] Rome Odunze's fit with the Bears in Year 2 Any number of Chicago Bears would be appropriate answers to this question, including the team's second-year quarterback and first-year head coach. But for me, Rome Odunze is the guy I'm keeping both eyes on throughout camp and the preseason. Expectations of a breakout second season have been fully baked into his early ADP (WR30 at NFFC). Before the NFL Draft, it was easy to make the argument that all those Keenan Allen targets from 2024 had to go somewhere, resulting in almost unlimited volume for Odunze. Today, with Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III added to the mix, the workload picture isn't so clear. Advertisement Odunze was on the receiving end of several high-level, field-flipping completions from Caleb Williams last season, like this one right here: Still, the pair also had an alarming number of missed connections as rookies — and, hey, that's probably OK. They were each experiencing NFL speed and defensive pressure for the first time, while enduring scandalously poor coaching. In theory, everything about this year's setup is better than last year's setup. Odunze's place in the team's receiving hierarchy remains unsettled, however, and we're going to need to track it closely. — Andy Behrens Drake Maye building chemistry with his pass-catchers Like many, I'm excited about the Patriots. After a messy 4-13 season, they cleaned out the coaching staff and had a pundit-approved draft. The team is projected to win 8.5 games in the over/under market, a significant improvement. But given the intriguing personnel and the upgrade at coaching, I understand the root of the optimism. Advertisement Second-year QB Drake Maye is at the center of things, and I'll be tracking him closely. Returning OC Josh McDaniels was a smart rehire — maybe he's miscast as a head coach, but I love him as a play designer. Who is Maye clicking with? What does veteran receiver Stefon Diggs have left? Is rookie wideout Kyle Williams a possible breakthrough player in Year 1? What's remaining in the Hunter Henry tank? Whenever Maye throws a pass this summer, my eyes and ears will be engaged. The New England passing game could be fun this fall. — Scott Pianowski Matthew Golden carving out a role in Green Bay Matthew Golden is just WR50 in early consensus FantasyPros rankings. That is despite the fact that he's a Round 1 wideout who went to good NFL offense that needed some juice in the receiver room. There appears to be a hesitation among the fantasy community. It's likely born from two things. A handful of data-based analysts are skeptical of Golden because of his lackluster collegiate production profile. There's not much Golden can do about that at this point but he can show well throughout the offseason to solidify his spot as one of, if not the top receiver on the depth chart. Understanding his place in the team's receiver hierarchy would neutralize the second aspect causing hesitation in ranking him higher. There could be real value in a player of Golden's talent continuing to go off the board around WR50, especially since his vertical skill set profiles as a receiver who carries a high weekly ceiling projection. It will be well worth tracking camp reports and preseason action to get an idea of Golden's role and whether he will be an every-down player, or yet another rotating Packers receiver despite the draft capital spent to acquire his services. — Matt Harmon
USA Today
24-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ben Johnson sings praises of former UW Football superstar WR Rome Odunze
Ben Johnson sings praises of former UW Football superstar WR Rome Odunze It doesn't take long for Rome Odunze to make an impact on the people around him. Ahead of his second year with the Chicago Bears, the former Washington Huskies superstar, whom the organization selected with the No. 9 overall pick in the NFL draft, has already made a significant impact on his new head coach, Ben Johnson. As a rookie, Odunze hauled in 54 catches for 734 yards and 3 touchdowns from the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams, and it feels safe to say that Johnson expects big things from the young wide receiver in his offense. "I'm extremely impressed," Johnson said of Odunze in a press conference. "To be a second-year guy, you would expect a little bit more inconsistency, and yet the way he approaches the meeting room, the walkthroughs, the on the field, the drill work. He's much like a seasoned pro, some of the best I have been around.' "He's still learning, and I know there's a lot of information that's getting thrown his way, [wide receivers coach Antwaan] Randle El and [offensive assistant Robbie] Picazo are doing a great job with him, and I think we're going to see a lot of growth from him not just in the springtime, but once we get to camp." Even after the Bears spent their first two picks in the 2025 draft on pass catchers, adding Michigan tight end Colston Loveland in the first round and Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III in the second, Odunze is expected to assume, at the very least, the No. 2 role in the offense behind Pro Bowler DJ Moore following the departure of veteran Keenan Allen in free agency.
USA Today
22-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Bears name T.J. Edwards, Rome Odunze recipients of Brian Piccolo Award
Bears name T.J. Edwards, Rome Odunze recipients of Brian Piccolo Award Courage. Loyalty. Teamwork. Dedication. A sense of humor. Those are just a few traits that described the late Brian Piccolo. Every year, the Chicago Bears select a veteran and a rookie that best exemplify those traits to honor the former Bears running back with the Brian Piccolo Award. This year's recipients are linebacker T.J. Edwards (a two-time winner) and rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze. Edwards won the Brian Piccolo Award last year, as well, and he's been a key defensive leader since signing with the Bears in 2023. During last year's 5-12 seasons, Edwards continued to make plays and proved to be one of their better players. He totaled 129 tackles, six QB hits, one interception, three pass breakups, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries, as well as set career highs in sacks (4) and tackles for loss (12). Edwards was rewarded with a two-year, $20 million contract extension this offseason. Odunze was selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft eight selections after teammate Caleb Williams. Despite being relegated to the WR3 role behind Moore and Keenan Allen, Odunze still thrived with 54 receptions for 734 yards and three touchdowns while showing he has the potential to be a top wideout. With Keenan Allen expected to depart in free agency, Odunze will see an expanded role as Ben Johnson takes over on offense. Piccolo is most known for his relationship with former Bears Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers, and their friendship was the spotlight of the film "Brian's Song," which has left a profound impact on many who have watched it. Piccolo passed away after embryonal cell carcinoma, an aggressive form of germ cell testicular cancer, had spread to his chest cavity. He was 26 years old. Still, Piccolo's memory lives on through the stories told and an annual award that honors those traits that defined his character. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
Forbes
11-04-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Rome Odunze Dynasty Outlook: Dynasty WR Rankings
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 27: Rome Odunze #15 of the Chicago Bears reacts during the fourth ... More quarter against the Washington Commandersat Northwest Stadium on October 27, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by) Coming into 2025 dynasty rookie drafts, Rome Odunze was one of the highest drafted prospects. According to Fantasy Pros, Odunze was drafted with an ADP of 3.5 and he was taken as the WR3 off the board. For reference, Odunze was taken over Brock Bowers (5.0), Brian Thomas Jr (7.0) and Ladd McConkey (10.0). All of which are valued higher than Odunze on Keep Trade Cut. With a disappointing 2024 season, Odunze presents an interesting challenge. Below, we'll be putting Odunze in my dynasty wide receiver rankings and if you should buy, sell or hold him. Coming out of Washington, Odunze was an extremely highly touted prospect. Odunze put up an unreal 2024 season with a PFF grade of 89.5, a 2.93 YPR mark and an unreal 75% contested catch percentage. At 6'3' and 215 lbs, Odunze profiles to be a legitimate WR1 in the NFL. On top of that, Odunze had a massive situational upgrade with Ben Johnson. One of the main issues for Odunze was getting targets in a crowded Bears wide receiver room. Keenan Allen drew 121 targets in 2024, but it seems like he's out the door for 2025. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 29: Rome Odunze #15 of the Chicago Bears in action against the Los ... More Angeles Rams at Soldier Field on September 29, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by) Right now, Odunze is ranked as the WR15 on KTC, which presents owners with a tough situation. From a value perspective, the only player I'd take Odunze over is A.J. Brown (WR14). With that in mind, Odunze should be a hold. He's priced very appropriately, making it tough to get a nice discount for Odunze. With that being said, if you can swap out a higher-ranked running back for Odunze, you should be doing so. Two players I would move off of for Odunze are Bucky Irving (37) and Breece Hall (35). Even after a rough year one, Odunze is the WR14 in my dynasty wide receiver rankings. It's tough to rank players against each other, but right now, Odunze is my 37th-ranked player in a Superflex format. For 1QB leagues, that bumps him up to 24th overall. As a former 9th overall pick, Odunze has a ton of upside in this new-look Bears offense.
USA Today
10-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Looking back at the Chicago Bears' 2024 draft class
Looking back at the Chicago Bears' 2024 draft class The Chicago Bears' 2024 season was a disastrous one that ultimately had a positive impact on the future of the organization. The decision to bring back head coach Matt Eberflus backfired exponentially, which resulted in a 10-game losing streak, his offensive coordinator being fired less than halfway through the season and ultimately led to his own firing after a Thanksgiving meltdown in front of the entire world. Apart from the incredible disappointment of a season, there were some standout rookie performances led by their top-10 draft picks who thrived despite the chaos around them. While Chicago had just five draft picks last year, there are some trending stars and developmental players who are looking to take the next step under new head coach Ben Johnson. From first rounders Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze to punter Tory Taylor, let's look back on a promising 2024 draft class and discuss their highs and lows from the past year. QB Caleb Williams (Round 1, Pick 1) It wasn't an ideal scenario for No. 1 pick Caleb Williams, who went though two head coaches, three offensive coordinators and played behind a porous offensive line that allowed a league-high 68 sacks, which makes his entire rookie campaign even more impressive. Especially when you consider he didn't miss a single game despite taking a beating. While he was far from perfect, Williams broke several rookie franchise and NFL records during a 5-12 season, where he led several game-winning drives that were halted due to poor coaching decisions. Williams completed 62.5% of his passes for 3,541 yards with 20 touchdowns and six interceptions for a 87.8 passer rating. What we saw from Williams in his rookie season is certainly the floor, and his ceiling under new head coach Ben Johnson is sky high. WR Rome Odunze (Round 1, Pick 9) Rome Odunze was the third wide receiver off the board in last year's draft, but he would've been the top guy in this 2025 draft class as evidenced by his rookie season. Odunze was the third receiver behind veterans DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, and there were times where he was being underutilized, but the ninth overall pick showed why he could be a real threat as soon as Year 2. In 17 games, Odunze had 54 catches for 734 yards and three touchdowns, where he made some impressive catches and showcased his growing chemistry with fellow first rounder Caleb Williams. Odunze figures to be one of the biggest benefactors with Ben Johnson entering the fold, and with Allen departing in free agency, Odunze's role will increase significantly in Year 2. The future's bright for a young receiver who hasn't even tapped into his potential. OT Kiran Amegadjie (Round 3, Pick 75) Ryan Poles has struggled when it comes to selections in the third round of the NFL draft, and the jury's still out on Kiran Amegadjie, who was already at a disadvantage coming into his rookie season as he wasn't medically cleared to practice until the end of August and hadn't played football for an entire year. The Bears offensive line was among the worst in the NFL last season, and Amegadjie was thrust into action at left tackle with both Braxton Jones and Larry Borom injured, where the result was less than ideal as the rookie struggled in pass protection. In 67 pass blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, he allowed one sack, seven hurries, eight pressures and five penalties. But Amegadjie showed promise in a Week 8 game against the Washington Commanders. Whether that's enough for Chicago to take a chance on him as their starting left tackle remains to be seen, especially as the Bears are sitting with the 10th overall pick. P Tory Taylor (Round 4, Pick 122) The Bears stunned everyone when they used a fourth-round pick on punter Tory Taylor, but he proved to be one of the more reliable players on the roster. In his first season with Chicago, Taylor showcased his booming leg and how he can flip the field -- although even that wasn't enough to overcome the previous coaching staff. That's not to say his season was perfect, but he was a clear upgrade over former punter Trenton Gill. Taylor averaged 47.7 yards per punt, downed 34 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line and his longest punt was 68 yards. The hope is Caleb Williams will finally make good on his promise and we won't see Taylor nearly as much in 2025. But when he is on the field, he'll have a chance to be the impact contributor the Bears invested in. EDGE Austin Booker (Round 5, Pick 144) The Bears were quite high on Austin Booker as they made a move to trade back into the fifth round to land the young, ascending edge rusher out of Kansas. Booker had an impactful preseason, where he totaled 2.5 sacks and nine pressures in only 94 total snaps, per Pro Football Focus. While he looked prime to make an immediate impact, he served as more of a situational guy who flashed but didn't leave a lasting impact. Which was to be expected at just 21 years old. In 17 games, Booker totaled 21 tackles, three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, four QB hits and 10 pressures in a rotational role. New defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said getting after the quarterback will be a focal point for this defense. With the new addition of Dayo Odeyingbo, and a potential edge rusher in the NFL draft, Booker will be looking to make a name for himself on this defense. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter and Facebook
