2024 NFL Draft: Rome Odunze brings big play ability as a true X-receiver

The Arizona Cardinals could get one of the most productive receivers in college football in Rome Odunze.

Over the next couple of weeks, leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft we will take a look at close to 30 prospects to know.

Within that, we will use the excellent work of Dane Brugler, who has just released his “The Beast” 2024 NFL Draft Guide. I highly recommend taking a peek and signing up for The Athletic if only to get Dane’s guide.

It is always an exhaustive work, and he should be commended.

With that said, we will go in order of Dane’s Big Board and use his final analysis as the wrap up of each prospect.

Let’s take a look at Dane’s sixth overall prospect, Rome Odunze.

Dane’s Take:

A three-year starter at Washington, Odunze primarily lined up outside in former offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb’s spread scheme (75 percent wide, 25 percent slot over his career). His production improved each season, including an All-America 2023 campaign with an FBS-best 1,640 receiving yards and an elite firstdown/touchdown rate (80.4 percent).

Odunze is the steady improvement type, and his growth as a player coincided with the elevation of talent around him. He became a clear alpha receiver by the end of his time at Washington.

Dane’s Take:

Odunze is field fast with fluid route running and above-average tracking/adjustment skills to secure catches in high-trafficked areas or create explosive plays downfield (32 catches of 20-plus yards in 2023, second most in the FBS). His body control at the catch point has always been a strength, but he took major strides in 2023 with his ability to play through contact and use focused concentration to win 50-50 balls.

Odunze was a deep ball merchant of the highest degree, and he did it at a spectacular rate. He lead the FBS in deep receptions and yards. He has improved as a route runner, but most of his yards come off of downfield concepts in the intermediate and deep.

Overall, Odunze is an aboveaverage height/weight/speed athlete with the pass-catching instincts and competitive focus to be a playmaking NFL receiver. He projects as a true X receiver and has the skill level to elevate his quarterback’s play (stylistically similar to Drake London).

I like the London comparison. Seems like a guy who can be a great X-receiver and true number one on the outside for the Arizona Cardinals.

Next Up… Brock Bowers.