FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze.

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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Rome Odunze

Rome Odunze (WR – Washington)

6’3” – 215 lbs.

Background:

Four-star recruit who appeared in all four of the game’s games during the shortened 2020 season, but caught just six passes in a limited role. Started seven of nine games played the following year, finishing with 41-415-4 (10.1), then broke out the following year with 75-1,145-7 (15.3). Has been even more productive this season, with an 81-1,428-13 (18.3) line heading into bowl season.

Positives:

Team captain who has nearly three years of starting experience with escalating output. A big-bodied receiver with one of the best frames in the class. Releases well at the line of scrimmage against press coverage. Faster and more flexible than usual for receivers with his size; able to run away from opponents on man-beaters like shallow crosses and slants. Sells routes well at the stem to freeze defenders and create windows. Very effective on double-moves, committing to the fake. Has been a very effective deep threat for the Huskies, and his most commonly-run routes this season are deep routes. Stacks defenders well. Does a very nice job of tracking the ball over his shoulder when targeted down the sidelines. Able to use his frame to shield defenders from the ball. Makes nice adjustments, showing impressive awareness and body control on back-shoulder throws. Became dominant in contested-catch situations this year. Offers a very reliable pair of hands and a wide radius. Competitive after the catch, with some physicality and the ability to run through arm tackles. Shows good vision with the ball in his hands, and the team tried to scheme him opportunities to work in space. Works hard to sustain blocks through the whistle, and flashes some aggression when stalking.

Negatives:

Saw some minor balance issues crop up on tape (interception against Oregon, for example); can also occasionally be disrupted by physical cornerbacks, affecting some timing-based throws. Some snaps in which he gets knocked off of his spot too easily given his frame. Will occasionally look into the backfield on crosses but stop his route. Prior to this season, had caught just eight of twenty-seven contested catches. Could be more consistent about finishing blocks through the whistle.

Summary:

A likely first-round pick who has established himself as one of the top wide receivers in college football, combining a big frame, solid speed, impressive flexibility, very good body control, and a highly-reliable pair of hands. Makes difficult fades and back-shoulder throws look easy, and should be a very difficult matchup in man coverage at the next level. Likely to be one of the first receivers off the board on draft day, even in a relatively deep class.

Projection: Round 1