WR Rome odunze – University of washington
6-FOOT-3 | 212LBS
Career Stats: 214REC 3,272YD 24TD – 10rush 40yd 2td
Pros
Odunze fits the prototypical X-Receiver mold with his outstanding ball skills and body control. Especially when in single coverage, Odunze is able to use his long frame, elite ball tracking and late hands to pull down receptions with ease. Odunze’s body control is even more pronounced when in the red zone, where he is able to create separation with his smooth routes and finish the play with regularity.
While his size and speed are a major factor in his success, Odunze blends the two together to run smooth routes as if he were a smaller receiver. Thriving on the outside, the Washington receiver works well against both man and zone coverage. Odunze is a QB’s best friend, creating separation on a comeback route or finding a gap in zone coverage after the play has broken down.
The final strength for Odunze is his running after the catch ability, which is unique for a receiver of his size. Whether Odunze is along the sideline or turning upfield on a comeback route, he pairs power and agility to churn out extra yards. While his burst is not elite, Odunze has a knack for finishing a play falling forward.
Cons
If I am really knit-picking, Odunze has room for improvement when it comes to coming off of the line of scrimmage. Odunze wowed us with his 4.45 40-yard dash; however, his explosiveness of the line of scrimmage is not his best attribute. Further, Odunze can round out his receiver game by sharpening his releases at the line of scrimmage utilizing more physicality to get into his routes quicker.
Odunze also could improve his physicality at the catch point. His blend of size, speed and ball skills depress the need to win with physicality; however, at the NFL level an improvement of Odunze’s physicality will help him consistently win against more physical coverage.
Summary
Rome Odunze enters the 2024 NFL Draft as the third WR in many people’s eyes. However, a tremendous final two seasons of collegiate production coupled with tantalizing traits has Odunze very much on par with fellow classmates Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers.
Odunze is more than just the typical outside receiver, as he displays a blend of size, speed and receiving fundamentals that can easily translate to the next level. The Washington receiver knows how to find gaps in zone coverage just as naturally as he can catch a pass around the line of scrimmage and use agility and strength to push upfield. Odunze was apart of a strong trio of receivers at Washington led by a strong-armed QB in Michael Penix, Jr.; however, he set himself apart as the leader of that receiver group.
As far as rookie rankings Odunze is my WR-3 with the possibility of moving up a spot depending on landing spot and the expectation that he will be selected in the top-10 of the NFL Draft. A few landing spots considering fit and need include the New York Jets, New York Giants and Los Angeles Chargers.
Strengths
- Ball Skills & Body Control
- Smooth Route-Running For Size
- Creative Running After The Catch
Concerns
- Line of Scrimmage Explosiveness
- Physicality At Catch Point
2024 Dynasty Rookie Draft Projection: Mid 1st Round Pick
Ideal Role: Outside Receiver
Player Comp: Alshon Jeffery & Keenan Allen
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