NFL Draft: Star Pac-12 Wide Receiver Could Be Surprise First-Round Pick For New Orleans Saints

While the Saints don't necessarily "need" a wideout early in the draft, this PAC-12 playmaker may be too good to pass up if available.

Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze / Credit:© Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints almost completely changed their offensive staff this offseason. New offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is among seven new coaches on that side of the ball, which finished 14th in total yards and ninth in points scored last season.

Derek Carr returns as the quarterback. Carr has some nice weapons, beginning with a loaded backfield led by versatile threats Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill. He also has a capable group of wideouts with Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and A.T. Perry, though really no depth behind them.

Most analysts believe that the Saints will address offensive tackle with their first round choice, the 14th overall selection. While that is a major need, New Orleans might be tempted to snag this potentially top-tier playmaker if he falls to them.

Rome Odunze, WR - Washington; 6'3" & 212-Lbs.

Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) catches a touchdown pass against the Oregon State Beavers / Credit:© Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports

The 2019 Gatorade Player of the Year at Bishop Gorman High School in Nevada, Rome Odunze decided on the University of Washington. Covid shortened his freshman year of 2020 to just four contests, where he played sparingly (six catches, 72 yards). In 2021, he was a much bigger part of the offense with 41 catches for 415 yards and four scores over nine games.

Over his last two seasons with the Huskies, Odunze would be one of the most productive receivers in the NCAA. The 2022 campaign saw him lead the Pac-12 with 1,145 receiving yards on 75 receptions with seven touchdowns.

In 2023, he led the entire NCAA with 1,640 yards, topped the conference with 92 catches, and caught 13 touchdowns. He'd end his Washington career with back-to-back All-Pac 12 honors and a 1st Team All-American selection in 2023.

NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein has compared Odunze to former Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald. While Fitzgerald was slightly more physical, this is otherwise a pretty solid comparison. This Husky star has an ideal blend of speed, frame, and route running ability.

Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) after a reception against the Texas Longhorns in the 2024 College Football Playoff semifinals / Credit:© Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The main thing that makes Odunze stand out on the field are his elite ball skills. He'll expertly use his body to shield defenders, but also has outstanding body control to adjust to any throw. His extremely reliable hands and strength not only gives him a significant advantage on contested balls but will often lead to highlight-reel catches.

Odunze has the ability to run a full route tree in any system. He is able to disguise his routes and shows great natural feel for open areas in zone coverage. Throughout college, he was a legitimate threat at all three levels of a defense.

Despite lacking elite speed, Odunze is a great deep threat because of an extra gear and terrific ball-tracking skills. He's been a reliable intermediate weapon because of his sharp routes and ability in traffic. After the catch, Odunze is extremely elusive in the open field, making him a big-play threat after short catches and WR screens.

Odunze can get stalled at the line by a skilled press corner. He'll need to be a bit more physical against press coverage and develop some moves for a cleaner release. Odunze has a tendency to telegraph double-moves, causing defensive backs to be able to jump his route. He'll need to continue his route development, because unlike in college he'll face a top-tier defensive back nearly every week.

Rome Odunze is a sure first-round pick and likely the third wideout off the board behind Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabors of LSU. Odunze could be a Day 1 starter and has all the skills to be a featured wideout in any offense. While unlikely to be there when New Orleans picks at 14, he'd be extremely hard to pass up if he's still on the board.