Did Ben Johnson Just Hint at His Plans For Rome Odunze? ...Middle East

It sounds like first-year Chicago Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson has big plans for second-year wide receiver Rome Odunze.

During Tuesday’s press conference at Halas Hall, Johnson had praise for Odunze. And in dishing out the kind words while breaking down Rome’s game, it seemed as if the Bears head coach hinted at how he might deploy the University of Washington product as he enters his second year as a pro. Check out the video via Twitter/X user dave_bfr:

Bears HC Ben Johnson praised WR Rome Odunze, calling him a “prototypical X receiver” and saying he’s been “really impressive” in camp, especially in 1-on-1 matchups pic.twitter.com/5XGvZquSDE

Words from the coach:

“To me, he fits that prototypical X receiver where you can line him up outside the numbers. And provided he gets a one-on-one with a corner, he is going to win most of his matchups. Slant routes, stop routes, go routes, the whole route tree outside the numbers. And that’s what I’ve seen from him so far. He is a very detailed route-runner. … When you have a long guy that can win contested catches and work down the field, but yet still can drop his weight and get into and out of routes like he can, that’s a really unique skill set that we’re going to look to capitalize on.”

MORE: BEN JOHNSON SPEAKS — JULY 29, 2025

Before moving on with this post, I’d like to take a moment to underscore how different it is to listen to Ben Johnson explain things as a head coach compared to Matt Eberflus. I don’t want to spend too much time looking backward. However, I want to point out that listening to Johnson talk about football in a way that is both smart and easy to digest has been refreshing. More, please!

How will Ben Johnson use Rome Odunze in 2025?

We recently discussed which Bears receivers could best be deployed in the Chicago equivalent of what Amon-Ra St. Brown’s role was in the Ben Johnson-led Detroit Lions offense. Admittedly, there is no one-for-one comp. This makes that specific exercise difficult to complete. Even still … it was worth having the conversation. Moreover, we should keep in mind that Johnson isn’t going to call the Lions’ offense for Bears players and is instead planning to build his offense around the talents he has on this roster. With that in mind, the head coach’s thoughts on Rome Odunze’s positional fit take on additional weight.

CHECK IT OUT: WHY ROME ODUNZE IS READY TO PLAY “FREELY” IN 2025

That Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson sees Rome Odunze as a “prototypical” X receiver is noteworthy. It was particularly interesting to hear Johnson gush about Odunze’s route tree. Given Rome’s route-running ability and the versatility that comes with the different routes he can run, where Odunze lines up could make him a game-changer in this offense. But with that being said, I can’t bring myself to pencil him into any one role. Let me explain.

I was reading this post at Pride of Detroit that was written last year. It was worth the read because it provides clarity as to how the Lions used their receivers. And this passage stood out to me:

Traditional terminology identifies three wide receivers, often lining up from left to right, as the WR-X, WR-Y, and WR-Z. The “X” tends to be a bigger-bodied, outside receiver who can work over the middle of the field and fight for tough catches (think: Josh Reynolds). The “Y” works out of the slot on either side of the offensive line (think: Amon-Ra St. Brown), and if there are two slot players, the second slot option is called the “F” (think: Kalif Raymond or Sam LaPorta). The “Z” tends to be a speed option who can stretch the field (think: Jameson Williams) and be a big play waiting to happen.

…

In the case of the Lions in 2024, their WR1 is St. Brown, who primarily operates as their WR-Y, but will often play at the X or Z, as well. WR2 has been Williams, who primarily operates as the Z. Then, when we get to WR3, a role that according to coach Dan Campbell is Raymond—even though he is primarily lining up at the Y or F, and has seen time at the X and Z in the past.

While reading, I was hoping to come away from the story with an idea of what position would best suit Rome Odunze. Instead, my big takeaway was that there was no one specific role for Odunze — or any Bears receiver. Frankly, I’m digging it. What better way to keep defenders on their heels than by having three receivers who can play any of the X, Y, or Z roles in this offense? If quarterback Caleb Williams and his group of receivers can live up to their potential, opposing defensive coordinators are going to lose sleep trying to prepare for the likes of Rome Odunze, DJ Moore, Luther Burden III, and the other pass catchers in Chicago’s offense.

So while Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson’s words hint at Rome Odunze being someone who primarily lines up at the X position, I come away believing that the coach has more in store for the receiver than one specific role in the offense. And I can’t wait to see how it looks.

Hence then, the article about did ben johnson just hint at his plans for rome odunze was published today ( Wednesday 30/07/2025 - 12:37 AM ) and is available on Bleacher Nation ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.

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