Chicago Bears select Rome Odunze in first round of 2024 NFL Draft

Following an extraordinary collegiate career at Washington, former Husky wide receiver Rome Odunze has been picked by the Chicago Bears with the No. 9 pick of the first round.

Odunze heads to the pros after helping lead Washington to incredible heights the past couple of seasons. In 2022, his junior season and head coach Kalen DeBoer’s first with the program, UW went 11-2 as Odunze eclipsed 1,000 yards with 1,145.

2023 was even better for everyone, as Washington rolled off 12 straight wins for an undefeated regular season, then beat Texas for the second straight postseason, this time in the College Football Playoff semifinal to advance to the national title game, where they were defeated by Michigan.

Still, Odunze was masterful from start to finish last fall, accumulating 1,640 yards in 15 appearances, adding 14 total touchdowns, while fellow wideouts Ja’Lynn Polk and Jalen McMillan added terrific seasons alongside him.

Now, Odunze begins his professional career after taking massive strides in his game and production each of the last two seasons.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Rome Odunze

The folks at NFL.com offered thorough scouting reports on all of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, a list that included Rome Odunze. So here was NFL analyst Lance Zierlein breaking down the Washington WR’s game and how it translates to the next level:

“A team captain with good size and elite ball skills, Odunze consistently dominated his competition. While most receivers look to open separation windows with speed or route running, Odunze seems to relish jump balls and contested catches. He shines in all aspects of ball skills, including positioning, body control, hand strength, timing and mid-air adjustments.

“He has a tendency to cruise through routes rather than working with attention to detail and pacing. He was a decorated high school sprinter, so speed should not be an issue in the pros. He’s a high-volume target on the next level that play-callers can utilize to mismatch finesse cornerbacks.

“Elite ball skills are often the secret sauce for top NFL receivers, so it should not surprise if Odunze is a Day 1 starter who becomes a top-flight WR1.”