Rome Odunze 'absolutely chasing' Rams Puka Nacua record absolutely doomed

The fantasy

Perhaps one of the worst things that new rookies can do before they ever take a snap is to proclaim themselves in the company of NFL greats. It's not only just boastful hot air, but it portrays that young football player as someone who lacks humility, respect for the game, and who believe that showing up is enough to achieve great things in professional football.

It's not quite that easy.

One team that seems to be full of rookies who are full of themselves is the Chicago Bears. Even before he arrived at OTAs, rookie QB Caleb Williams touted himself on a career path to outperform former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Tom Brady. Yes, all you must do is speak it into reality, right?

I'm all for players setting stretch goals for themselves. It's important to do so. But those types of goals are not meant to be shared publicly. Not before the rookie actually experiences the NFL, with all of its ups and downs. That is why I was opposed to Caleb Williams for the LA Rams long before the NFL Draft. Professional football is about passion for the game, a 'we, not me' mindset, and the willingness to get one's hands dirty for the good of the team. Williams exudes none of those traits.

Now it seems that same level of hubris has infected his teammate, rookie WR Rome Odunze:

I understand that rookie WR Rome Odunze is a very talented wide receiver who may do very well this year for the Chicago Bears. I also get that the belief in oneself is vital for NFL rookies. But let's establish a couple of facts: