Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze is ready to take the next step in his career.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Friday that Odunze is declaring for the NFL Draft. As of now, he’s the No. 2 wide receiver on Mel Kiper’s big board.
Odunze had an exceptional 2023 season with the Huskies, hauling in 92 passes for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns. Overall, he had over 3,200 receiving yards at the collegiate level.
Where Odunze really thrives is making plays downfield. Per ESPN, he led the FBS with 21 receptions on throws of 20 yards or more. Additionally, he was tied for fifth with a 44 percent contested catch rate.
Washington star wide receiver Rome Odunze tells ESPN that he’s leaving school early for the NFL draft, adding one of the country’s top overall players to this draft class. Odunze enters the draft process as Mel Kiper’s No. 5 overall player and No. 2 wide receiver. pic.twitter.com/jRc4lDdkMG
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 12, 2024
Odunze isn’t the only playmaker leaving Washington this offseason. Ja’Lynn Polk declared for the NFL Draft on Tuesday.
“For me, it really was a tough decision leaving my brothers,” Polk said, via Thamel. “Just knowing the opportunities of being able to make another run next year again. But I think this is the right time.”
Polk wasn’t as productive as Odunze, but he still had 69 catches for 1,159 yards and nine touchdowns this season.
Washington will need its young pass catchers to step up next fall.