After what was a historic NFL draft for the Washington Huskies in April, fans across the league have gotten their first chance to watch the future of their favorite teams, while Husky fans have had to get used to their favorite players in new colors.
Although Rome Odunze was held out of the Chicago Bears’ first preseason game and barely played in the team’s second matchup, he has solidified a starting spot with his new team.
The same can be said for offensive tackle Troy Fautanu with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who put together a strong yet brief outing in his NFL debut. Washington’s third first-round pick, quarterback Michael Penix Jr., is in a much different situation.
Despite being the No. 8 overall pick, Penix is expected to see plenty of reps throughout the preseason with the Atlanta Falcons as quarterback Kirk Cousins continues to recover from a torn Achilles tendon and will back him up to begin the 2024 season.
The Huskies’ two second-round picks, New England Patriots wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk and Baltimore Ravens tackle Roger Rosengarten, along with Tampa Bay Buccaneers third-round pick Jalen McMillan, all seem to be close to securing starting roles too.
Penix’s college and professional teammate, Falcons outside linebacker Bralen Trice, will miss his rookie season with a torn ACL that he suffered in the team’s first preseason game.
The other three Husky draftees, Buffalo Bills linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington safety Dominique Hampton, and Buccaneers tight end Devin Culp, all seem to have solidified their spots on the roster.
Washington also had four undrafted free agents sign around the league who are all fighting for spots on their respective rosters: defensive tackle Ulumoo Ale and running back Dillon Johnson with the Carolina Panthers, linebacker Ralen Goforth with the Green Bay Packers, and defensive tackle Tuli Letuligasenoa with the Los Angeles Rams.