Although Ohio State Buckeyes product Marvin Harrison Jr. is still widely regarded as the best wide receiver prospect at the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, there is one name that seems to be starting to gain ground as Harrison’s closest competition: Rome Odunze.
Will Ryan Odunze Get Picked First At The 2024 NFL Draft Before Marvin Harrison Jr.?
Bruce Feldman of The Athletic recently revealed murmurs within the NFL community that Odunze has been more interested in the former Washington Huskies wide receiver than Harrison.
“One last note on the wideouts. I don’t believe Rome Odunze will get picked before Marvin Harrison Jr., but it sounded like some NFL personnel people are more intrigued by the Washington star than Harrison. The 6-3, 212-pound Odunze has elite ball skills, and people I spoke to about the receivers were effusive in how they talked about his makeup and competitiveness. I’d say going into my trip that Harrison is the closest thing to a “can’t miss” in this draft. I still am sold on the Buckeyes’ All-American, but after listening to NFL people talk about Odunze, I might change my opinion to say he’s the closest thing to a can’t-miss project.”
Harrison is a sleeper to go first overall, as the Chicago Bears appear to be a virtual lock to select a QB. It is the same case with the Washington Commanders, who are No. 2. It gets interesting with the No. 3 pick that the New England Patriots.
Harrison could find himself playing for the Foxborough-based NFL franchise, but just don’t count out yet the possibility that Odunze becomes the first wideout taken off the board. It would surprise a lot of people, but there’s a reason why he’s been getting a lot of attention of late.