SEATTLE — With less than two weeks before the 2024 National Football League (NFL) draft, the University of Washington figures to have at least two first-round picks in this year's class.
Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze and offensive lineman Troy Fautanu are projected to be early first-round selections, while quarterback Michael Penix Jr. figures to be selected in the late first round or in the second round.
Here's which teams NFL draft pundits believe will select the Huskies stars in this year's draft.
Rome Odunze, WR
The Ringer: New York Giants, No. 6 overall
NFL.com: Arizona Cardinals, No. 6 overall (trade)
The Athletic: Tennessee Titans, No. 7 overall
CBS Sports: Chicago Bears, No. 9 overall
Pro Football Focus: Chicago Bears, No. 11 overall (trade)
Why the Giants might select Odunze: "With Nabers off the board, the Giants grab Odunze, who gives Daniel Jones (or Drew Lock) a prototypical no. 1 receiver to throw to. In a pass-catching group that features a field stretcher in Jalin Hyatt and a YAC-creator in Wan’Dale Robinson, Odunze is the perfect fit. He’s a ball-winner who is best in high-leverage situations like third downs and in the red zone."
Why the Cardinals might select Odunze: "The Cardinals trade back two spots, yet still scoop up a No. 1 wideout for Kyler Murray. Odunze's a tough, smart player — the perfect kind of building block for this franchise in this moment."
Why the Titans might select Odunze: "The prudent selection here might be tackle. However, new GM Ran Carthon spent some time this winter talking about adding speed and explosion — a wise focus given that the Titans don’t have much of either. Odunze is too good to pass on here."
Why the Bears might select Odunze: "Lots of people will project Chicago going defense because of the Keenan Allen trade, but Allen is a rental and it makes sense to pair Williams with a young wideout. Williams and Odunze as a first-day haul will generate boffo ratings for the Bears."
Troy Fautanu, OL
CBS Sports: Las Vegas Raiders, No. 13 overall
Pro Football Focus: New Orleans Saints, No. 14 overall
The Athletic: Seattle Seahawks, No. 16 overall
The Ringer: Seattle Seahawks, No. 16 overall
NFL.com: Seattle Seahawks, No. 16 overall
Why the Raiders might select Fautanu: "The Raiders could easily go QB here, but Tom Telesco's background with the Chargers suggests offensive line is much more likely with a first-round pick."
Why the Saints might select Fautanu: "New Orleans' offensive line has needed work for several years now, and the questionable status of right tackle Ryan Ramczyk only presses the need front and center. Troy Fautanu has positional flexibility to be able to address whatever spot the Saints end up seeing as the biggest need, even if it's left tackle."
Why the Seahawks might select Fautanu: "The Seahawks stay local and snag an outstanding college tackle who could be an outstanding NFL guard. But Fautanu absolutely is long and athletic enough to play tackle in the NFL. Love this fit."
Michael Penix Jr., QB
CBS Sports: Las Vegas Raiders, No. 30 overall
Pro Football Focus: Minnesota Vikings, No. 34 overall
The Athletic: Las Vegas Raiders, No. 44 overall
Why the Raiders might select Penix Jr.: "Penix is QB6 here, and this might be too low on the board. The Raiders (or some other QB-needy team) may have to move up for him. Still, there are questions with Penix’s game — like his accuracy, age and injury history — that are very real."Telesco's background with the Chargers suggests offensive line is much more likely with a first-round pick."
Why the Vikings might select Penix Jr.: "General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has a finance background, which means diversifying and hedging. Minnesota shocks the NFL by selecting quarterbacks in the first and second."