Ben Johnson Addresses Rome Odunze Drop Issues at NFL Owners’ Meetings
Ben Johnson spoke about Rome Odunze’s drops and how the Bears plan to address the issue heading into 2026.
Drops weren’t part of Chicago Bears WR Rome Odunze’s profile coming into the NFL. But they showed up enough in 2025 to get the Bears’ attention.
And now, they’re being addressed head-on.
Speaking at the NFL owners meetings, Ben Johnson acknowledged the issue without overstating it, striking a tone that was both direct and measured.
“That’s something we’ll talk about,” Johnson said. “I don’t think that was a thing for him coming out. I don’t want to speak that into existence. That’s something we’re going to emphasize in the spring: getting back to basics.”
Not a Long-Term Concern But Not Ignored Either
Johnson’s comments matter because they frame how the Bears view the situation.
He isn't panicking about Odunze's struggles. Instead, it's about making sure 2025 was an anomaly.
Odunze entered the NFL with a reputation for strong hands and reliable ball skills, especially in contested situations. It's what made him the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
His skills didn’t disappear overnight. And according to Pro Football Focus, he was credited with only four drops.
But in the NFL, even small inconsistencies get magnified, especially in a passing game that expects timing and precision.
Johnson made it clear that the focus isn’t on labeling it a problem. It’s on cleaning it up.
Why “Back to Basics” Matters for Rome Odunze
When coaches talk about getting back to basics, they’re usually referring to the details that can slip over the course of a long season.
For a wide receiver, that includes:
- Hand placement
- Eye discipline through the catch
- Finishing through contact
Those are the kinds of adjustments that get made in the spring, not in the middle of a season.
And for a young receiver like Odunze, it’s a normal part of development. At least, it better be. If he doesn't show marked improvement in 2026, his outlook as a fixture in the Chicago Bears' passing game gets murky.
The Bigger Picture for the Chicago Bears' Offense
Odunze is still a key piece of what the Bears are building around Caleb Williams.
The expectation isn’t changing.
If anything, the emphasis on fundamentals suggests the coaching staff is focused on preventing small issues from becoming recurring ones as the offense continues to grow.
Odunze began the 2025 season on a torrid pace, but injuries limited his final stat line to 44 catches for 661 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games.
The Bears' Bottom Line
Johnson didn’t dismiss Rome Odunze's drops. He just didn’t overreact to them either.
That balance is important for a young player who’s expected to take another step in 2026. Clean up the details, trust the talent, and keep moving forward.
That’s the plan. It's up to Odunze to execute it.
