Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze is among the most talented prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Odunze is an elite receiver who solidified himself as a top-10 selection throughout the 2023 college football season. The standout Husky totaled a dominant 92 catches for 1,640 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns while helping Washington advance to its first-ever National Championship appearance. Odunze was a starring member of college football’s most explosive offense.
Odunze is a technically advanced route-runner who dominates opposing cornerbacks at the catch point. Odunze also creates post-catch yardage opportunities for himself in the open field. With that in mind, we've identified three potential landing spots for Odunze in the 2024 NFL Draft.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
The Chargers are in the process of hiring a new general manager and head coach. After flaming out with the defensive-minded Brandon Staley at the helm, the overwhelming expectation is that the Chargers will hire an offensive-minded leader. Michigan's National Championship-winning Jim Harbaugh is the favorite.
Once a hiring is finalized, the priority then shifts to ensuring Justin Herbert has enough pass-catching weapons. The always-reliable Keenan Allen isn't getting younger. Mike Williams is recovering from a season-ending knee injury. The new regime doesn't possess ties to Quentin Johnston, who disappointed as a rookie. The Chargers shouldn't hesitate to place pressure on Johnston to perform by drafting another first-round pass catcher. Odunze's explosive downfield abilities would mesh well with Herbert's aggressive mentality.
NEW YORK GIANTS
Daniel Jones' four-year, $160 million extension makes it extremely difficult to move on from him this offseason. I also don't believe the Giants are well-positioned to draft one of the top three consensus quarterbacks with the No. 6 overall selection—nor is a fourth quarterback worth drafting this high. Giants general manager Joe Schoen should instead draft a bonafide go-to wideout like Odunze.
The Giants haven't had a legit No. 1 receiver since Odell Beckham Jr. left town. They've consistently swung-and-missed at the position, adding failed, expensive projects like Kenny Golladay. Tight end Darren Waller was expected to be Jones' primary target last season, but the aging Waller spent the majority of the year sidelined with injury. The Giants can't rely on Waller. Odunze would immediately address a major need in East Rutherford.
CHICAGO BEARS
I expect the Bears to draft a quarterback with the No. 1 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Both Caleb Williams and Drake Maye are in contention. The Bears also own the ninth overall selection, which should be utilized to invest in whichever quarterback they just drafted moments prior.
Chicago's rookie quarterback will immediately inherit D.J. Moore as a No. 1 receiver. But Darnell Mooney is scheduled for unrestricted free agency and is unlikely to return to Chicago. General manager Ryan Poles would be making a sizable decision by drafting a quarterback and moving on from Justin Fields. If that's the path Poles takes, he'll want to ensure he's surrounding his rookie signal-caller with an abundance of talent. The Bears could begin putting together an exciting nucleus by pairing Williams or Maye with Odunze and Moore.
