Wide Receiver Rome Odunze: Mr. Underrated

Other than quarterbacks, wide receivers have been the hot topic in the 2024 NFL Draft. Several receivers are projected to go in the first round. Amongst those players is Rome Odunze, out of Washington.

Odunze’s athleticism earned him a 4-star recruiting rating from both ESPN and 247Sports when he was coming out of high school in Las Vegas, Nevada.

During his time in Washington, he has displayed confidence and reliability in his hands; consistently attacking the ball and catching away from his frame.

Overview: Rome Odunze

6-foot-3, 215 pounds

40 Time: 4.45 (nfldraftbuzz.com)

2022 stats: 75 rec – 1,145 yards (15.3 avg) 7 TDs

Level of Competition: Medium

Colton Edwards Grade: Early First-Round (Top-10)

2022 Film Evaluated: Oregon, Stanford and UCLA

2023 Film Evaluated: Boise State, Utah and USC

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report

He has a solid powerful frame, second-level speed, and an underrated wingspan that gives him one of the biggest catch radiuses in the wide receiver class. Has elite route-running skills while being a true technician of the route tree. He effectively sells his routes while having the fluidness in changing direction to create separation. Has great body control, especially near the boundary, demonstrating his adaptability and versatility as a receiver. Not only can he catch in the tight windows near the sideline, but he also can be a threat in one-on-one jump ball situations.

Elite concentration and hand-eye coordination are demonstrated, especially if challenged or on off-balance catches. Excels at exploiting zone coverages; and consistently finds open spaces, showcasing his on-field awareness. Smooth route runner especially if vertical, impressive ball-tracking skills, and the ability to adjust mid-air in contested catches. Has the potential to be a YAC (yards after contact) threat.

Weaknesses: Inconsistent with being physical at the LOS (line of scrimmage) which can throw him off his route. Needs to refine his release and become more violent with his hands to beat his defenders.

Words from his coach

Washington Huskies Head Coach Kalen DeBoer recognizes this talent and discussed the advantage of having a player like Odunze on the team earlier this season.

“I think you just see it being easier for him: the separation and holding the line, (and) giving Michael [Penix Jr.] more room to throw the ball,” DeBoer said. “His height is already an advantage. So if a defender plays behind, you just throw it over the top of the defender. And (if) they’re even or in front of him, just keep it high and away.”

“Rome’s got those ball skills. He’s got the size, the strength to be able to get that separation. And it just continues to get easier. You see it every single day in practice. We do one-on-ones; every Wednesday, we’re doing red zone one-on-ones. That’s nothing new that we’ve never seen. Those guys being on the same page and just attacking the moment and coming through is really cool.”

Summary:

Odunze is heading into the draft process with his natural athleticism. In 2022, when targeted, an elite QB rating of 124.9 was displayed. He makes things easier on any offensive system and quarterback due to his versatility. Not only that, but he can make an average quarterback look elite. This Huskies’ receiver is a game-changer and a difference-maker.

Who will he remind us of?

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams

Colton just graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science at the United States Sports Academy. He has previous coaching experience as a former offense and defensive line coach at a local high school. While performing those duties, he also worked at PFF( Pro Football Focus) for a brief moment of time. He currently develops scouting reports here at firstroundmock.com. His aspirations are to become an NFL Scout/GM in the future.