Rome Odunze | Washington 6’3” 212 lbs. 06/03/2002 (Age 21)
Rome Odunze was drafted 9th overall by the Chicago Bears, becoming the 3rd wide receiver and 9th overall player in the 2024 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
| Year | Games Played | Receptions | Yards | Yards/Catch | TDs |
| 2020 (FR) | 4 | 6 | 72 | 12.0 | 0 |
| 2021 (FR) | 9 | 41 | 415 | 10.1 | 4 |
| 2022 (SO) | 12 | 75 | 1,145 | 15.3 | 7 |
| 2023 (JR) | 15 | 92 | 1,640 | 17.8 | 13 |
One of the more productive receivers in this draft class finished his four-year collegiate career with a total of 214 receptions, 3,272 receiving yards, and 24 receiving touchdowns. The former four-star recruit out of the state of Nevada served as a reserve during his Freshman season, playing in four games while also hauling in six receptions for 72 yards. He took a big step forward as a Sophomore, playing in nine of the team’s 12 games with seven starts. He brought in 41 receptions for 415 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing that he could carve out a huge role going into his Junior season. That’s exactly what he did, as Odunze caught the attention of the entire nation. He earned Third-team Associated Press All-American and First-team All-Pac-12 honors, as he ranked 10th in the FBS with 1,145 receiving yards to go along with 75 receptions and seven touchdowns. During his Senior season in 2023, Odunze became one of the best receivers in the entire nation, as he ranked sixth in the FBS with 1,781 all-purpose yards. His 1,640 receiving yards were a Washington school record. And he tied for sixth in the FBS with 92 receptions and 13 receiving touchdowns. He became a Finalist for the Biletnikoff Award (nation’s top wide receiver), and he also earned First-team Associated Press All-American and First-team All-Pac-12 honors as well.
FILM
STRENGTHS
Great size and frame for a typical outside receiver at the pro level. Terrific playmaker who excels at hauling in contested catches on the outside (especially on the sidelines) and through traffic. Showcases impeccable body control and positions himself well in 50/50 situations. Reliable, and strong hands, as he can often be relied upon in the red zone. Sells vertical routes efficiently and consistently. Strong build and frame, which serves him well against smaller defenders. Thrives against zone coverages. More often than not finds gaps and holes regularly against those types of defensive schemes. Terrific YAC receiver, who makes a ton of plays in the open field.
WEAKNESSES
Plays a tad bit slower than his true speed, as he often relied on 50/50 situations instead of creating more separation down the field. Could improve his route-running abilities. Can be a little too susceptible to physical defenders against press coverage. Rushes through some of his mechanics during his double moves. Needs to improve his run-blocking efforts and mechanics as well.
ATHLETIC TESTING
At the NFL combine, Odunze measured in at 6’3” and 212 lbs, which equates to a BMI of 26.5. He ran a disappointing 4.45-second 40-yard dash (80th percentile), equating to a 111.1-speed score (93rd percentile). Odunze also displayed a 128.3 burst score (82nd percentile), a 10.91 agility score (86th percentile), a 10.39 catch radius (97th percentile), and a college dominator score of 26.4 percent (43rd percentile).
Odunze shows exceptional speed and agility, as he recorded a 4.03-second 20-yard shuttle time (second-fastest in his position group), a 1.52-second 10-yard split (tied for the third-fastest in his position group), and a 6.88-second three-cone time (fourth-fastest in his position group). He also showcased solid leaping abilities with a 39” vertical and a 124” broad jump.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Excellent
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Average
Odunze was selected with the 9th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears.
With D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen already in the wide receiver room, Odunze may not see as much production as Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers in Year One. This is a great addition for Caleb Williams and the Bears but Odunze may have to wait a year or two before he can ascend as one of the top dynasty receivers.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
I have Odunze as the third wide receiver in this class, slightly behind Nabers. He has great upside but his landing spot isn’t ideal for 2024 purposes. He will have time to learn from Moore and Allen and should evolve into a great dynasty asset for your team eventually.
In your rookie drafts, Odunze should still go in the first round, but you should be a bit hesitant at selecting him top five now that he joins a loaded receiver room in Chicago.
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