Washington’s Odunze projected to be drafted inside top 5 by Lance Zierlein

The Washington Huskies’ All-American receiver continues to rise up NFL Draft boards.

The Washington Huskies could see as many as four players taken in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but none are projected to go higher than wide receiver Rome Odunze. The first-team All-American has become close to a lock to be drafted inside the top 10 and in the first installment of NFL.com Lance Zierlein’s mock draft, Odunze has made his way into the top five selections.

Zierlein has Odunze as the fourth overall pick, going to the Arizona Cardinals, and the second wide receiver off the board behind Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. who he projected will be drafted by the New England Patriots with the third pick.

Like his colleague Daniel Jeremiah, Zierlein compared Odunze to a Hall of Fame receiver who spent his entire career with the Cardinals, Larry Fitzgerald. But according to Pro Football Focus’ NFL Stock Exchange podcast, Odunze kept a close eye on another receiver growing up who could be inducted into the Hall of Fame soon.

“Rome’s favorite player that he liked talking about was [Chicago Bears receiver/kick returner] Devin Hester,” co-host Connor Rogers said. “He talked about the different release packages of [Oakland Raiders receiver] Davante Adams, but as a fan as a kid, he was a big Devin Hester guy because he was obsessed with what he can do with the ball in his hands.”

As Odunze continues to battle with LSU’s Malik Nabers for the No. 2 wide receiver spot in the draft class, he could continue to see his name inside the top five as the draft continues to take shape.