A closer look at the predicted NFL draft top-ten pick Rome Odunze

Published: Apr 16, 2024

Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze is one of the best at his position in the 2024 NFL Draft

The 21-year-old has had back-to-back impressive seasons in college football, and is now being talked about as top-ten pick.

So who is Rome Odunze, and why is he rising up draft boards? DAZN takes a look.

Background and college career

Odunze was born in Orem, Utah before his family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada when he was just three years old.

There, Odunze went to Bishop Gorman High School where he made 121 receptions for 2,699 yards and 31 touchdowns before sommitting to University of Washington.

After the Covid-19 pandemic impacted the start of his college career, Odunze was back on track in 2022 - topping 1,000 yards for the first time.

And he improved on that mark last season, making 81 receptions across 13 games for 1,428 yards and 13 touchdowns - as well as adding another score on the ground and one as a punt returner.

What sort of player is he?

While the likes of Malik Nabers thrive on separation, Odunze shone in contested catches and jump balls.

Odunze has exceptional body control, strength and timing in the catch and showed time and time again in college his ability to track the ball in the air to make difficult catches.

Odunze has the ability to be a Week 1 starter, but will need to work on his attention to detail during routes to become the best version of himself.

Where is he likely to be drafted?

Similarly to Nabers, the Los Angeles Chargers and New York Giants are potential landing spots for Odunze.

The Chicago Bears have also been linked with selected Odunze with the ninth pick in the draft, while the Jets are also rumoured to be interested with the very next pick.