First-round Receiver Rome Odunze Has High Standards That Could Fit Well With Titans

Most draft boards put Rome Odunze in the company of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers as one of the top three receivers in the NFL Draft. Could he be available to the Tennessee Titans, who have the No. 7 overall pick?

INDIANAPOLIS — Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze is not afraid to set high standards for himself, and he could be precisely what the Tennessee Titans need with the 7th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Odunze, speaking Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, said:"I think a successful career would be ending in the Hall of Fame. I want to go at least 10 years. That would hopefully be what it would take. But I want to be one of the best to ever play the game and end up in the Hall of Fame."

Most draft boards rank Odunze in the company of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers as one of the top three receivers in the April 25-27 draft. While most observers put Harrison Jr. first, Odunze respectfully disagrees.

"I just think my versatility on the field," Odunze said. "I've shown all the skills that can translate to the NFL at a high level ... and I think who I am as a person, who I am in the locker room, and who I will be in the community are all A-plus."

Odunze, with quarterback Michael Penix Jr., led Washington to the college football National Championship. His 2023 numbers were 95 catches for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns. Pro Football Focus ranks Odunze as the No. 8 prospect for all positions.

Penix Jr., a highly touted prospect in his own right, agreed with Odunze's self-assessment. 

"He’s the No. 1 receiver in the draft," Penix said. "He showed that. He’s a first-class guy. He’s gonna be the same guy that shows up every day. That’s what makes him special.”

In Tennessee, Odunze would line up alongside Titans receiver De'Andre Hopkins. Odunze is thrilled at the prospect.

"It would be a huge influence. At every point in my career, I had guys above me who ended up doing great things. I feel like it would just be part of the journey to have a guy like that, a vet like that, who can teach me a bunch of different things."

 Titans general manager Ran Carthon and coach Brian Callahan expressed earlier this week that they are seeking talented and versatile players, and Odunze, based on his college production, matches their criteria. It comes as no shock that the Titans were among the first teams to meet with the All-American.

Odunze believed he left a good impression with the Titans.

"The Titans was cool. I think that was one of my first meetings, so going into it a little nervous, figuring out how those meetings are going to go," Odunze said. "Good people as well. They were also very diligent, asked me all the good questions and made sure I knew what I was talking about. Feel like I probably impressed them, hopefully."

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