Welcome to SKOL Search!
This series will be your guide to the 2024 draft class. From scouting reports to mock drafts and exploring different scenarios, we will be covering the NFL draft and the future of the Minnesota Vikings from all angles.
The focus of the draft class in this space will be on the Vikings’ major needs at quarterback, running back, defensive line and edge rusher. We will also focus on wide receiver since it’s a loaded class and an increased chance to get a Stefon Diggs-type steal in the later rounds.
The Vikings are slated to have 9 picks going into the NFL draft and they need to make the most out of them.
Background
Rome Odunze
- Washington
- Height-6030
- Weight-215 lbs
- Fourth-year senior
- 4-Star recruit at cornerback per 247 Sports
- Stats: 313 targets, 203 receptions, 3,060 yards, 15.1 YPR, 24 touchdowns, 10 rushes, 40 yards
- Games watched: Boise State 2023, Arizona 2023, Oregon 2023, USC 2023
Strengths
Odunze is a monster at the catch point. He is built and plays like a traditional X-receiver. Was 17/24 in contested catches and had just three drops on 125 targets per PFF. Had drop issues his first two years (8 on 78 targets) but solidly fixed those over the last two seasons (7 on 235 targets)
He has the ability to out physical the defender but he wins more often than not with ball tracking, savvy and technique, something that will translate easier.
Everything he does is just so smooth. He doesn’t ever panic or look stressed when going up for a football. Odunze just looks natural and smooth with all of his movements. Understands how to manipulate coverage and know where to be to maximize the throwing winddow.
He also does a good job with the ball in his hands. Doesn’t have blazing speed but does maneuver well in space and has enough juice to make plays.
Doesn’t get phased by press coverage. Has a bevy of releases at his disposal to beat whatever coverage he faces.
Weaknesses
Odunze doesn’t have a ton of juice. He’s got enough speed but it’s not a difference maker. Has great testing numbers but they don’t pop on film.
Is decent in space but doesn’t make a ton of people miss. Forced 12 missed tackles in 2023 and just 20 in his four seasons.
Route running shows some varied tempos and nuance but he doesn’t have a full route tree. Mostly digs, shot plays and hitches. Lack of explosiveness could be costly in his route running, especially against more athletic, aggressive cornerbacks.
Overview
| Hands | 8.3/10 |
| Release | 8.4/10 |
| Route Running | 13.2/15 |
| Separation | 13.1/15 |
| Contested Catches | 9.4/10 |
| Tracking | 9.1/10 |
| Body Control | 9.2/10 |
| YAC Ability | 8.4/10 |
| Agility | 8.0/10 |
| Grade | 87.1/100 First Round |
Odunze doesn’t have the best athleticism in the world but he makes up for it with great savvy and understanding of the position. He also isn’t just an X-receiver. You can line up Odunze anywhere on the line and he will see success. The one question with Odunze is that his athleticism might ended up limiting his ceiling but his incredible catch radius paired with his savvy understanding of the position will take him to the next level.
