Rome Odunze 2024 NFL Draft Profile
We just did the 2024 NFL Draft profile for Jalen McMillan. Now we’re going to tackle another Washington wide receiver. This time it’s the big dog, Rome Odunze. Let’s have a chat and discuss everything you need to know about Odunze.
Odunze, a former four star recruit coming out of high school, checks in at 6-foot-3, 212. Odunze is a Las Vegas native and played at powerhouse, Bishop Gorman. He was the second rated player in the entire state of Nevada during the 2020 cycle.
I’m not sure there is a ton of science behind Oduze. I’ve said it over and over again during the stock report notes. Every time you watch him, he’s just the best player on the field. Had a positive showing in the National Championship game despite everyone else around him struggling. It’s not easy to post that many receiving yards against that Michigan team. He ripped up Texas the prior week too. Washington does not beat in-state rival Washington State without Odunze. Totally took over the game. Dominant in both wins against Oregon.
He’s just a good football player. I don’t want to get too carried away but he’s really the only guy I’ve said this about. There are shades of Larry Fitzgerald. Not a burner but strong hands. Incredible body control. Really good at positioning his body on the field to where it needs to be. He’s like a box out king. Plus physical traits and just wins with the ball in the air. Made Michael Penix look way better than he really is. Truly tilts the field and allows McMillan and Polk to make plays they otherwise wouldn’t have.
Played four years in college but is still on the younger side (21). Keep in mind, Puka Nacua transferred out because he wasn’t seeing the field at Washington. Odunze has always been the best talent in that room. Nacua’s success as a rookie should give you confidence Odunze will work to some degree.
First-team Associated Press All-American and First-team All-Pac-12 Conference in 2023. Got better each and every year. This past year, Odunze recorded 92 receptions, 1,781 all-purpose yards, and 13 receiving TDs. Played in every game despite suffering a broken rib and punctured lung against Arizona. His 1,640 receiving yards this past year is a school record. Not just a one year wonder. Was well over 1,000 yards last year and scored seven touchdowns.
Like everything I saw at the Combine. Strong gauntlet drill. Good play speed and confident hands. Clocked in at a 4.45, which should be viewed as a really strong time given his frame. Also notched a 39 inch vertical. The only thing that really makes you nervous is the route running. Not saying he’s bad at is. Sometimes he’s more of a gazelle than a pure crisp route running machine. More Mike Evans in that way. Sometimes he just is content with going for the 50-50 ball when he has the ability to win the route. Solid knee bend but can be a bit upright sometimes.
It’s just hard not to like the player. Team captain and elevated Washington far beyond what they’re normally capable of. He was the best pure talent on that team. I have Odunze as WR3 and a firm first round selection that I’d prefer to get in the 15-30 range. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s better than Malik Nabers, but doesn’t quite have the wow juice that the LSU product has. Has the potential to be a number one wide receiver but should settle in nicely as a number two on a high powered offense.
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