Washington star wide receiver Rome Odunze is expected to be one of the first players at his position to hear his name called during the 2024 NFL Draft.
Odunze is coming off of a monster season with the Huskies, tallying 92 receptions for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns to help lead his team to the national championship game.
Odunze is in the conversation for the best wide receiver in the draft, joining Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr. and LSU's Malik Nabers. The Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer has him projected as a top-10 pick, going No. 10 overall to the Jets.
That means Odunze shouldn't spend much time in the NFL Draft green room, but get to know his family that will likely be joining him on the big night.
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Rome Odunze family tree
Dad: James Odunze
Rome is of Nigerian descent by way of his father, James.
James is a "history buff" according to Rome, who said his father named him after the Roman Empire.
"I think he was just fascinated with the Roman Empire and all that they were able to accomplish. Their influence on society has carried on generations," Rome told "The Pivot" podcast.
MORE: Rome Odunze scouting report: Can Washington star be the best WR in the draft?
Mom: Necia Bunnell
Rome's mother, Necia, grew up in Provo, Utah on her family's dairy farm.
To instill a work ethic in Rome, the future football star was sent to Necia's dairy farm during the summers when he was a kid.
"Going there in the summers and farming is no joke. ... The work is the work. There's just no room for excuses or else the whole thing crumbles... it was super humbling. It taught me to grind," Odunze said on "The Pivot" podcast.
Brothers: Christian Vaughn, T.J. Odunze
There isn't much information available on Rome's brothers or his relationship with them.
He has posted pictures of Christian Vaughn, who is committed to play running back at the University of Hawaii.
