Each season, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, one of the most heralded figures in the NFL draft world puts together a big board of the top 100 college players from across the country. One of the most well-sourced draft analysts in the business, Brugler has six Washington Huskies in the first edition of his big board.
Each year, Brugler takes on the monumental task of breaking down the tape of over 200 NFL hopefuls. With six Huskies on his initial list, their ranking might be a surprise to UW fans, but it’s important to keep in mind that this is just a projection of where they might be drafted. There are many factors to consider such as the needs of each team, the NFL Combine, and each school’s Pro Day, as Washington’s is scheduled for March 28.
Unsurprisingly, wide receiver Rome Odunze is the first Husky on the list. He is expected to go in the top 10 by most draft analysts, and Brugler has Odunze listed at No. 7 on the draft board making him the third receiver on the list behind Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr at No. 2, and LSU’s Malik Nabers at No. 3. Harrison Jr has been the consensus top receiver on most mock drafts, but there is a conversation to be had between Nabers and Odunze for the next spot. Both are undeniably talented, having different qualities and talents, and the margin is thin between them.
“Odunze is field-fast with the fluid route running and above-average tracking/adjustment skills to secure catches in high-trafficked areas or create explosive plays downfield (32 catches of 20-plus yards in 2023, second most in the FBS),” Brugler said about Odunze. “His body control at the catch point has always been a strength, but he took major strides with his ability to play through contact and use focused concentration to win 50-50 balls. Odunze has the pass-catching instincts and competitive focus to be a high-end NFL starter.”
Offensive tackle Troy Fautanu has his name linked to many teams in the first round and comes in at No. 19 on the board. Many scouts and draft analysts have noted that Fauntanu could play either tackle or guard at the next level, with the traits to be successful at either position. Depending on where the 6-foot-4 319-pound All-Pac-12 first-teamer falls, this could make him either offensive tackle No. 6 on Brugler’s board or the No. 1 guard. Both positions are high marks in what is considered to be an elite class of offensive linemen.
After Fautanu, there’s a wide gap before the next Husky shows up, and one ranking in particular could cause a double take.
Ja’Lynn Polk lands at No. 54 overall and as the No. 11 wide receiver on the board, putting him firmly in the middle of the second round of the draft. This aligns with most of the draft predictions that have been released so far, as Polk is a plug-and-play option that should be intriguing to many NFL teams.
“Polk isn’t the flashiest or most polished receiver in these rankings, but he is a tough, consistent pass catcher with enough juice to threaten the defense,” he said. “My favorite part of his game is the adjustment skill he shows to bail out his quarterback on low-percentage throws — perfect ball placement isn’t a requirement when he is the target. As his route running develops, Polk will be able to compete for starting reps in the NFL.”
Just two spots below is edge rusher Bralen Trice. In a deep class at the edge position this year, Brugler has the former team captain as the No. 8 player at his position, seemingly low for the player who has led the nation in quarterback pressures for each of the last two seasons. Between the combine and Washington’s pro day, he will have an opportunity to move further up the board.
The very next name on the board at No. 57 is the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy, quarterback Michael Penix Jr., making him QB6 on Brugler’s board. Many have noted Penix’s medicals as a reason to be cautious about his rankings and some are waiting until his medical evaluation at the combine before moving him up on their boards. Brugler agreed, saying his medical check will be “vital” to his grade, but should Penix’s performance on the field have him higher on this list?
The nation’s passing leader who led his team to the national title game has shown he is a first-round talent on tape. Many times a left-handed quarterback can show a different style or mechanics and it can take pass catchers some time to adjust to the ball spinning in the other direction. Penix should shine at the combine and with so many NFL teams needing a quarterback this season, he could still find himself being taken in the first round.
The last Husky to make the board is wide receiver Jalen McMillan landing at No. 65. After missing nearly two months with an injury, he had a limited amount of time on the field to showcase his skillset. He was still able to put up some impressive numbers with 45 receptions for 559 yards and 6 total touchdowns, as well as a quarterback rating when targeted of 127.3.
Having six names on the initial list is impressive and shows the depth of talent that Kalen DeBoer’s team possessed last season. Both Odunze and Fautanu appear to be locked solidly into the first round. There is an opportunity for both Trice and Penix to find their way into the conversation, which will start with solid testing and interviews at the upcoming NFL combine in Indianapolis later this month.