New York Jets Hosting Top Receiver Prospect: Another Rodgers Weapon?

The New York Jets may look to bolster their arsenal of pass catchers by hosting Washington Rome Odunze on a pre-draft top-30 visit at MetLife Stadium.

Jan 1, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) / Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports

With the No. 10 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, might the New York Jets add yet another pass-catching weapon to the arsenal of quarterback Aaron Rodgers?

Just over two weeks removed from signing former Los Angeles Chargers wideout Mike Williams, the Jets, per Bleacher Report, are expected to host Washington receiver Rome Odunze on a pre-draft visit at MetLife Stadium on Wednesday. The 6-3, 215-pound receiver visited with the New York Giants following the NFL Scouting Combine and has visits with the Arizona Cardinals and Chicago Bears lined up, as well. 

Last season, Odunze logged 87 catches for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Huskies as the top target for quarterback Michael Penix, Jr. The 21-year-old is best known for his ability to make plays along the boundary. Odunze is capable of using his size to box out opposing defenders and secure back shoulder throws to the outside. He is also quite skilled at making contested catches.

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

While some scouts have questioned whether he possesses enough speed to separate from pro-level cornerbacks, his running of the 40 in 4.45 helped to quell some concerns. Though Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison, Jr. and LSU’s Malik Nabers are largely considered to be the top two receiver prospects in this year’s class, Odunze has been touted as an early first-round selection — with the potential of being selected before the Jets are on the clock for the tenth pick. 

In the wake of Rodgers’ season-ending torn Achilles in Week 1 last season, New York’s pass-catchers struggled due to poor quarterback play and ineffective talent management. In fact, Pro Football Focus ranked them 31 of 32 NFL teams. The exception to the rule, star receiver Garrett Wilson, caught 95 passes for 1,042 yards and three touchdowns.

However, the Jets failed to receive notable contributions from the remaining components of their positional depth chart — most notably Allen Lazard, who logged only 23 catches for 311 yards and one touchdown.

In addition to Wilson, Williams and Lazard — who is reportedly on the trade block — the Jets currently employ Xavier Gipson, Jason Brownlee, Irvin Charles, Lance McCutcheon and Malik Taylor on their depth chart.