Constantly improving, Rome Odunze is the ideal profile for an offensive coordinator lacking a receiver who can easily locate the ball.
Rome Odunze – Receiver – 21 years old – Junior – Washington
Height: 1m91
Weight: 96 kg
2023 stats: 15 games, 92 receptions, 1,640 yards, 14 touchdowns
Estimated position in the draft: 1st round (top 15)
NFL Comparison: Courtland Sutton
Rome Odunze has a successful college career. The player from Las Vegas signs 2 consecutive seasons with more than 1000 yards. His statistical profile should therefore attract more than one NFL team looking for a productive receiver.
The receiver formed an incredible trio in Washington of which he was the main target. The best receiver of the university finalist in 2023 has many arguments that make him a credible candidate to be one of the best receivers of the 2024 vintage.
Strong points
- Location of the ball
- Yards after receipt
- Body control
Rome Odunze's main characteristic is his ability to adjust to every throw the quarterback throws his way. The receiver uses his body very well to be able to make sometimes complicated receptions. Although he is not a complete athlete, his ability to use his physique allows him to consistently beat defenders. Especially when defended against a defender in press coverage (defender close to him at the start of the snap).
The Washington receiver is resilient, and can find the gaps to gain several additional yards. He is very patient on screen pass plays, and can be very dangerous. Which makes him a complete threat on all 3 levels of the field as a target.
He also shows a good understanding of routes with or without the ball before receiving it. He is as capable of sneaking behind the quarterback like Deebo Samuel to take the defense from behind, as well as standing out to receive the ball.
Weak points
- Acceleration
- Power
- Separation
Rome Odunze is not an accomplished athlete. The receiver is not going to be a deep threat in the NFL, even if he shows streaks at the college level that he could be. Acceleration is not his primary quality, and coaches should not see him as an outside threat in his first year.
Rome Odunze may seem light for his position. Even though he has gained physical mass since the start of the 2023 season, he lacks the power to break away from tackles. His fluidity might not save him, which could cause fumbles at the high level.
Finally, despite a very good first step, the receiver lacks consistency to get rid of his defender. This means that its route can sometimes be unreadable for the quarterback, potentially causing a wasted play if the player was on his first read.
Possible destinations
Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants, Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars
Rome Odunze will arrive in the NFL with the label of a very good number 2 receiver in 2024 to become a number 1 receiver in the coming years. His potential can be exploited very well in a team with an aerial scheme.
The Cardinals and Giants lack quality in their receiver contingent, and do not have a receiver with the prototype that the Washington player offers.
The Bears, the Colts, the Jaguars could complete their squad with the arrival of Odunze. None of these teams have the profile he would bring in his first year. With him, the quarterback of these teams would have a new reading in addition to the other receivers.
