Washington Star Receiver Welcomes 'Fun' Draft Selection By Patriots
Time will tell if all Foxborough roads lead to Rome.
Until the team's selection card is in commissioner Roger Goodell's hand come April 25, debate will reign over the New England Patriots' use of the third overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. While some believe that New England should go the obvious route and bring in a new quarterback, others suggest taking a receiver to help restock a depleted offense.
If they go the latter route, count Washington catcher Rome Odunze among those who would be excited: the consensus All-American had a cheery view of a potential pairing with the Patriots, praising what the franchise could potentially offer as he made draft prep rounds at the Super Bowl.
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"It would be a completely new experience, and I think that would be fun," Odunze told NBC Sports Boston's Phil Perry in a recently-released edition of "Next Pats Podcast." "To play for a team that's had so much success in the past and so many great players come through there and Hall of Famers, I would love to be able to play in that standard and play for a fanbase that is passionate and loves the game. I think those different aspects about it create such a desirable location."
Historic as it may be, the Patriots' big-play program is in desperate need of a revamp. Kendrick Bourne, who could move on to a bigger payday, ended the year as the team's third-leading receiver despite sitting out of the final nine games. A new quarterback would obviously provide a jolt and a clue in the search for expanded yardage but the Patriots need to restock their receivers' room beyond late-round breakout Demario Douglas for any sustained attacks.
That's where Odunze, fresh off a national title game appearance with the Huskies, would come in: the Las Vegas native posted consecutive four-digit yardage seasons and departs Seattle as the program's runner-up in all-time receptions (214) and yards (3,272).
If New England opts to look in the direction of Odunze, a projected top 10 choice, the four-year Husky would seek to truly impress when the ball wasn't in his hands.
"In the blocking game and passing game, I'm looking to go impose my will on a defender," Odunze said. "I'm making sure my body is in position to catch a ball. When it's in the air it's mine. I'm always looking to take the advantage, and on offense that's what it's about. It's about attacking the defense and not waiting for them to come do something to you."
The 2024 NFL Draft will be held on April 25-27 in Detroit.
