2024 NFL Mock Draft Journal: Rome Odunze's playmaking ability makes him a top WR prospect for the NFL draft

When it comes to playmakers entering the 2024 NFL Draft all eyes are on Ohio State star receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., but don’t snooze on Washington Huskies standout receiver Rome Odunze who has the playmaking skills of an NFL star in the making.

With the Huskies set to take on the No. 3 Texas Longhorns in the Sugar Bowl on Monday, Odunze will enter the game with 81 receptions for 1,428 yards and 13 touchdowns.  As one of the prime reasons Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has was a Heisman Trophy runner up, Odunze can set the eyes of the NFL ablaze as he will be in the spotlight with this playmaking ability.

NFL Draft: Rome Odunze will be high on many NFL team's draft boards

As an outside X receiver, Odunze is a supreme deep threat with good hands.  His 6-foot-3, 201-pound frame makes him an ideal NFL top receiving prospect outside of Harrison Jr.  With the ability to track the ball and fend off defenders to go up and get the ball, Odunze is going to be a dream for whatever quarterback he plays for in the NFL when it comes to playmaking. 

Above the playmaking, it’s the clutch factor that has impressed Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer the most about his star receiver.

"It's the touchdowns. It's the moving of the chains in the big, big moments. There's been so many we forget about a lot of (them) and you take it for granted the gaudy stats that he has," DeBoer said of Odunze. "Just over and over again, think about how many times he's come through when you really needed it. A lot of times you think about when you lose football games or you didn't come through in the big moment. You remember those. I can't remember Rome not coming through."

That ability to make big plays in big moments will stand out to most NFL scouts.  He is also a receiver with a nice mix of size and speed with much room for growth. 

With Harrison Jr. expected to be the first receiver off the board, Odunze could go anywhere in the first round or early or Day 2, which means he could land on a team who already has a No. 1 receiver.  Think of a team like the Cincinnati Bengals who could be looking to replace pending free agent Tee Higgins or a team like the New York Jets who will be looking to put more playmakers around Aaron Rodgers.

Either of those teams would be ideal spots for a player like Odunze who will come out of the University of Washington as a top receiving prospect with raw talent who could grow as one of the top players in the draft class.  A playmaker and a game-changer, Rome Odunze is a player to watch in the 2024 NFL Draft and a player NFL teams will love.