Former NFL Pro Bowler believes Rome Odunze could become the best wide receiver in the best class 'we've ever seen'

The Chicago Bears believe they already have a star in the making now on their roster in ninth overall pick Rome Odunze and the rest of the world is beginning to catch on.

The process to select Odunze in the first round was the perfect outcome for the Bears after general manager Ryan Poles toyed with the possibility of moving up, but ultimately remained at nine and still landed his top prospect on the board.

Odunze is set to enter into a loaded wide receiver room with two Pro Bowl caliber wide receivers in front of him in DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. By learning and playing behind those two on the same team, it's easy to see why he could find early success.

Even before the draft, Odunze had already started building his chemistry with his newest teammates, including his new quarterback in first overall pick Caleb Williams. Beyond working with those three, Odunze also trained ahead of the draft with former Cincinnati Bengals' Pro Bowl wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

Houshmandzadeh previously worked close with Indianapolis Colts' wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who's turned into a star himself, and also worked with Brian Thomas Jr. and Jermaine Burton ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.

After working alongside Odunze during the pre-draft process, Houshmandzadeh has already compared Odunze to a future NFL Hall of Famer.

"Ball skills, I would probably say maybe Larry Fitzgerald," Houshmandzadeh said while appearing on the All Facts No Brakes Podcast with Keyshawn Johnson presented by Undisputed. "But, he's faster, probably a little better route runner. So, the totality of what he is, I haven’t seen one player yet that I can compare him to."

When compared to the other wide receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft class, Houshmandzadeh believes Odunze is in the best opportunity to produce immediately.

"I believe he has the best opportunity to prove that [he's the best wide receiver in his class]," Houshmandzadeh added. "Him and Caleb Williams will grow together. I think Rome, playing with Keenan Allen, will learn some nuances."

During another appearance on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Houshmandzadeh doubled down on the high expectations for Odunze's potential career in the NFL.

"He can be, quite possibly the best wide receiver of this draft," Houshmandzadeh said. "And this maybe the best receiver draft we've ever seen."

It's a lot of high praise for the Bears' newest offensive playmaker coming from the one person who probably knows it better than anyone else. The Bears are going to be a fun team to watch for years to come and the play of Odunze will be a big reason why.