After developing into one of the most productive receivers in college football across the past two seasons, Washington Huskies star Rome Odunze has declared for the 2024 NFL Draft. Technically, Odunze had one more year of college eligibility, but after becoming a consensus All-American during his junior season, he really has nothing left to prove before turning pro.
Not to mention, his quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., is also graduating to the NFL, and repeating the same success with a new player throwing Odunze the ball may be far too difficult. But that’s okay because NFL scouts already view him as one of the best wide receiver prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. After helping Penix look good in college, now Odunze will look to do the same in the NFL.
But which teams are ideal landing spots for Odunze? Here are just a few who would benefit from drafting the former Washington star.
Related: 2024 NFL Draft order
Chicago Bears land Rome Odunze
D.J. Moore was a revelation in Chicago after arriving via trade from Carolina, racking up over 1,300 yards, but let’s be real, he’s just 5-foot-11. This isn’t a No. 1 wideout, even if his stats suggest otherwise.
- Rome Odunze’s college stats: 214 receptions, 3,272 receiving yards, 24 TD
Yet, Odunze, who is listed at 6-foot-3, is far more suited to develop into a downfield threat capable of winning 50-50 battles in the red zone. There are several scenarios where Chicago could find themselves in a position to select Odunze, and the Bears can’t afford to ignore the receiver position.
Unless the Bears trade down from No. 1 getting Marvin Harrison Jr. may not be attainable, but getting one of the next best receiver prospects isn’t a bad consolation prize. It’s certainly possible Odunze slips to No. 9 with several quarterback, left tackle, and pass-rushing prospects expected to be viewed as top-ten picks.
New York Giants get Daniel Jones a No. 1 receiver
Some New York Giants fans want to see a change at QB, but what about getting your $160 million signal-caller some help? While the addition of Darren Waller is a step in the right direction, Daniel Jones has never had a bonafide No. 1 receiver to target.
Heading into the 2024 NFL Draft boasting the sixth overall pick, the Giants probably won’t be able to snag college football’s top receiver with Marvin Harrison Jr. expected to be the first non-QB off the board. However, landing one of the next-best receiver prospects could be just what Brian Daboll’s offense needs to thrive.
Suddenly, the Giants would have two big targets for Jones to find, in addition to the continued development of Jalin Hyatt and Wan’Dale Robinson, along with Darius Slayton’s consistency. That group has the potential to be the best cast of pass-catchers the Giants have had since Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks, and Mario Manningham helped win Super Bowl XLVI.
Related: NFL Draft wide receiver rankings: See where Rome Odunze lands
Denver Broncos bring Odunze to Mile High
We may not know who will be throwing Denver Broncos receivers the ball next season, but there’s no question more production is needed from this group of pass-catchers. Marvin Mims looks like a promising receiver, and Courtland Sutton has shown he’s capable of playing second fiddle; now, the Broncos just need to find their lead dog. Based on the odd encounters with Jerry Jeudy, where an in-season trade appeared possible, there’s no guarantee he returns for the final year of his rookie contract.
- Rome Odunze’s stats (2023): 92 receptions, 1,640 receiving yards, 13 TD
Odunze definitely has the height, and he’s already produced at the rate of a team’s top target, but never in the NFL. Yet, with Denver’s wide receiver room likely to see changes this offseason, Odunze could quickly become the most productive wideout on the Broncos, possibly even as a rookie. If Odunze is still available at No. 12, passing up on the nation’s leading receiver won’t be easy to swallow for a fanbase starved for star talent.
Related: Top NFL free agents 2024
Kansas City Chiefs execute big trade up for best receiver available
With the Kansas City Chiefs reaching the playoffs for the ninth season in a row, we know they won’t be picking very high in the 2024 NFL Draft. Yet, for as long as Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are in town, this is also a franchise that can afford to take big risks, such as trading up for the player you really want.
I don’t claim to have any insight into what general manager Brett Veach has planned or which prospects the Chiefs scouts have identified as top targets, but it’s hard to imagine Rome Odunze isn’t on their list of players they’re watching closely. Yet, since Odunze is projected as a player who could be a top-15 pick, the Chiefs likely won’t be able to sit and wait for the draft board to fall their way.
Yet, trading up for a player who could quickly establish himself as one of Mahomes’ top targets may be worth whatever price the Chiefs have to pay. Having drafted Rashee Rice (6-foot-2), signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling (6-foot-4), and even trading Tyreek Hill (5-foot-10), it appears the Chiefs prioritize taller receivers, and Odunze certainly fits the mold.
Related: See which team picks Rome Odunze in Sportsnaut’s latest 2024 NFL Mock Draft