Pittsburgh — The Pittsburgh Steelers spoke with Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze at the NFL Combine, and there is increasing speculation that they will trade up to make a splash at the position in the NFL Draft.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Steelers are one of four teams rumored to be in the running to trade up for Odunze. The other three are the Los Angeles Rams, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Indianapolis Colts.
“So let’s look at the teams (Odunze) met with — the Patriots, the Cardinals, the Giants, the Titans and the Bears are among the intriguing one for me because those are the top 10 teams,” Rapoport said in an interview. “I also spent time with the Colts, Jaguars, Rams, and Steelers. And what makes those interesting is that they are possible trade up clubs. A significant move up for a receiver is unusual, but not impossible. Clearly, this is something to keep an eye on.”
Odunze recorded back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons at Washington, and finished the 2023 campaign with 92 receptions for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound wideout ran a 4.45 400-yard dash at the NFL Combine and hit a 39-inch vertical jump.
With Diontae Johnson entering the final year of his contract, the Steelers could attempt to add a third weapon in 2024, followed by a starter in 2025. Despite having the same build as George Pickens, Odunze is more of a vertical threat, allowing the Steelers to use all three receivers for their respective abilities this season.
