Rome Odunze

Rome Odunze's tenure at Washington was characterized by steady progression, peaking in his junior year with 75 catches, 1,145 yards, and 7 TDs, and further elevating in 2023 with 81 receptions for 1,428 yards and 13 TDs, despite battling injuries. His senior performance earned him a spot on the AP first team and a career-high 33% dominator rating, placing him fourth in his draft class. Notably, Odunze had a breakout season at 19 during his sophomore year, underlining his early development. Drafted 9th overall by the Chicago Bears, he starts the season as the WR3 but has the potential to secure a more significant role as the year progresses. His blend of size, resilience, and early breakout age positions him as a promising fantasy asset.

Odunze makes special plays look easy so often that you have to remind yourself of the difficulties of some of the plays. He adjusted to an underthrown ball against Cal while splitting two incoming defenders like it was just another pitch and catch crosser. His film is littered with back-shoulder supremes and basket catches. He has special start/stop ability at his size, which helps him earn quick separation with ease. Odunze doesn't have the most fluid hips, but he has extremely quick feet, which do the heavy lifting when he needs to decelerate. His skillset accesses another level when we discuss his body control and ball tracking. Odunze has an enormous catch radius with the ability to high point as well as easily adjust to poorly thrown balls behind him. There are numerous fade routes where he had to adjust to the ball in the air, and he did so marvelously without losing speed using his effortless change of direction. Odunze's run after the catch skills are a treat as he gets up to top speed QUICKLY. He also shows off his power from time to time, weaving through the interior with the vision and physical presence of a running back. In 2023, he was tied for 25th in missed tackles forced tied with Malachi Corley. Odunze should be the immediate WR1 for whatever offense he lands with. He has alpha upside with the ability to threaten a defense at all three levels. Dynasty Outlook: Odunze got the draft capital that we all expected (and that he deserved). The landing spot could be problematic, though, for 2024, as Keenan Allen and D.J. Moore will flank Odunze. Allen is a free agent after this upcoming season, so we likely won't have to wait long for the massive Odunze breakout. Odunze is a stud and will garner targets at a fine clip when he's on the field, but the ceiling could be limited unless the Bear's passing rate surprises, which could happen. Since 2021, offenses under coordinator Shane Waldron's direction have combined to rank eighth in neutral passing rate and fifth in neutral pace. Odunze should be the 1.03 in 1QB leagues and a top-six pick in Superflex rookie drafts.