3 best NFL fits for Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze in the 2024 NFL Draft

Rome Odunze was one of the best players in the country in 2023.  A big-bodied wide receiver with a nice combination of size, speed and athleticism, the Washington Huskies star is rated as the third best wide receiver entering the 2024 NFL Draft.

When looking at Odunze, the numbers don’t lie, neither does the eye test.  Whoever drafts the consensus First Team All-American will get a stud in the draft.  Catching the ball from Heisman Trophy runner up Michael Penix Jr. in 2023, Odunze hauled in 92 receptions for 1,640 yards and 15 touchdowns in helping lead the Huskies to the national championship.

Can that production translate to the NFL level?

2024 NFL Draft: Rome Odunze a "high-volume" target NFL teams will love

With his 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame, Odunze is not one of the most explosive wide receivers in the top of the draft, but his ability to go up and out muscle defenders for passes will intrigue teams along with his route running ability.  Along with those traits, his confidence and dedication on the field will make him one of the more exciting rookies in 2024.

In a draft analysis of Odunze, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein writes:

“While most receivers look to open separation windows with speed or route running, Odunze seems to relish jump balls and contested catches. He shines in all aspects of ball skills, including positioning, body control, hand strength, timing and mid-air adjustments. He has a tendency to cruise through routes rather than working with attention to detail and pacing. He was a decorated high school sprinter, so speed should not be an issue in the pros. He’s a high-volume target on the next level that play-callers can utilize to mismatch finesse cornerbacks.”

Projected to be a top 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Odunze, like Malik Nabers will be one of the top wide receiver targets once Marvin Harrison Jr. is off the board.  Here are 3 teams where the Washington star will come in and be a Day 1 starter.

New England Patriots could trade back and land Rome Odunze

In a possible scenario where the Patriots trade back from the No. 3 overall pick, Rome Odunze is a player to watch later in the top of the draft for New England, especially if that trade partner is the Minnesota Vikings and the team lands No. 11 and No. 23.

With those two picks, the Patriots can take care of two needs by drafting the Washington duo of Odunze and Penix Jr.  This is where Odunze works with the Patriots.  With top receivers Kendrick Bourne back and 2023 sixth-round pick Demario Douglas expected to make a leap in 2024, the Patriots would welcome a big, strong receiver like Odunze.

In his ability to attack zone coverages and that ability to go up and get the ball, Odunze would give the Patriots that playmaking talent they have been searching for.  Adding Penix Jr. to the mix would help both the young quarterback and receiver find early success in the NFL as they did at the University of Washington in 2023. 

New York Giants fill a need and select the Washington Huskies star receiver

The Giants are one of the wild card teams at the top of the draft.  Their top need is a wide receiver, but they could go quarterback with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

If they do go receiver, Odunze could be the top receiver available with both Marvin Harrison Jr. and Nabers selected by the two teams ahead of them, the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Chargers.

As a receiver who does show elusive ability a with combination of speed and power, Odunze would be a nice target for Daniel Jones if the Giants decide to stick with him in 2024.  In losing Saquon Barkley to free agency, Brian Daboll’s team need a top playmaker in the offense.  While it’s unfair to put that all on the shoulders of a rookie, Odunze is the type of player who would embrace that role and succeed given that size and vertical route running skills.

New York Jets give Aaron Rodgers another weapon

Odunze would also be a nice addition for the other New York team as well.  With the No. 10 overall pick, the Jets could afford to get another playmaker for Aaron Rodgers to throw to.  With the signing of All-Pro offensive lineman Tyron Smith as the team’s left tackle for 2024, the Jets can snag a player like Odunze with their top pick.

With rumors swirling that the team is interested in free agent wide receiver Mike Williams or potentially trading for Cincinnati Bengals receiver Tee Higgins, the Jets are being aggressive in adding another top receiver to the mix.  Drafting Odunze would take care of that and give Rodgers a nice, young player to form a connection with.

In all, the Jets are in prime position to select Odunze and given that they already have a top receiver in Garrett Wilson, would be a better fit than either the Patriots or Giants because they had the veteran quarterback and Odunze wouldn’t have the pressure to come in and be the man right away.  Although playing in New York will be enough pressure in itself.