The College Football Playoff matchup between Washington and Texas figures to be a track meet with offenses that can score points in bunches. It’s a matchup that will feature six pass catchers that could all end up being selected in the Top 100 when the 2024 NFL Draft rolls around.
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Odunze passes the eye test with his size and athleticism. He’s able to vary his route speed to keep defensive backs off balance and has a lot of branches on his route tree. After enjoying a breakout campaign last season, Odunze heads into the matchup against Texas with 81 receptions for 1,428 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Projected round: 1st
Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
The Georgia transfer finished his first season at Texas with 51 receptions for 813 yards and 10 touchdowns. At 6-4, Mitchell is a long wide receiver with smooth body control. Mitchell accelerated quickly off the line of scrimmage and wins vertically with his long strides. Mitchell has strong, accepting hands and according to Pro Football Focus, Mitchell has just one drop on the season.
Projected round: Late 1st/early 2nd
Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
A former track athlete, Worthy is a big-play creator with his instant accelerator. Worthy finished the regular season with 73 receptions for 969 yards and five touchdowns. He also returned a punt for a touchdown. It’s worth noting that Worthy exited the Big 12 Championship Game with an injury and later appeared on crutches, so his status for this matchup will be worth monitoring.
Projected round: 2nd
Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
Polk has made a habit of making highlight reel-worthy catches all season. He has outstanding body control and strong hands to make catches in traffic look like a walk in the park. With Jalen McMIllan sidelined for the majority of the season, Polk has enjoyed a breakout season, with 60 receptions for 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns.
Projected round: 2nd
Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas
Sanders finished the regular season with 39 receptions for 607 yards and two touchdowns. At 6-4 with the speed to win vertically, Sanders has the tools to be a mismatch nightmare working the middle of the field. He adjusts well outside his frame and has strong hands (zero drops). Once he reels in it he has some juice after the catch.
Projected round: 2nd
Jalen McMillan, WR, Washington
McMillan missed a good portion of the season due to injury. He still finished with 34 receptions for 468 yards and three touchdowns. He also added a rushing touchdown against Boise State in the season-opener. A former track athlete, McMillan is an explosive playmaker. With another strong outing, McMillan could cement his status as one of the top wide receivers in a loaded class.
Projected round: 2nd