Why Falcons Should Draft Washington WR Rome Odunze with No. 8 Pick

Will the Atlanta Falcons look to add to their receiver room in April?

For the third straight year, the Atlanta Falcons hold the No. 8 overall pick in the NFL Draft.

While there are still a plethora of options for the Falcons to take with that selection, at seems very possible that they could take a receiver in the first round again. If so, it would mark the third straight year they've taken a skill-position player at No. 8 overall, following receiver Drake London in 2022 and running back Bijan Robinson last year.

As the Falcons continue to overhaul their receiving corps after signing quarterback Kirk Cousins earlier this week, drafting a star pass-catcher in the first round could be the cherry on top of the metaphorical sundae. According to The 33rd Team, Washington Huskies star Rome Odunze is a name to watch if Atlanta decides to go down that route.

Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) reacts after a play against the Texas Longhorns during the second quarter of the 2024 Sugar Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Caesars Superdome / © Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

In 2023, Odunze had arguably the best season of any receiver in the country to help the Huskies reach the National Championship Game. The Las Vegas-native caught 92 passes for 1,640 yards (most in the country) and 13 touchdowns.

The thing that immediately jumps out about Odunze is his size. At 6-3 and 215 pounds, he's able to go up and get the ball in one-on-one situations. He also boasts good speed for his size, as he ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash at the combine.

Even after adding Darnell Mooney via free agency and Rondale Moore via trade, the Falcons lack a true game-changer at receiver. If Odunze lives up to the hype, he could change that in short order.

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The NFL Draft takes place from April 25-27.