The draft is just three weeks away, which means the intrigue over whom the Steelers might select is beginning to build. Earlier this week, I wrote a profile on Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton and wondered if he’d be the team’s selection in Round One. Today, we ask that same question about University of Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze, whose name has been floated as a possible trade-up target.

Graham Barton 2024 NFL Draft Preview

Odunze is projected to go as early as sixth overall, when the New York Giants pick, and could last until the Jets at number 10. Falling out of the top 10 would be a surprise and would put Odunze squarely on Pittsburgh’s radar. Would trading up for Odunze be worth it for the Steelers? And if so, what might it take to get him?

It’s not hard to argue that in many drafts, Odunze would be the best receiver in the class. He is a superior player to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the top receiver taken last year, and to Quinten Johnson and Zay Flowers, who were the next two receivers off the board. He projects to be as good or better than the top selections in 2022 as well — Drake London, Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave. Unfortunately for Odunze, Marvin Harrison Jr., who may be the most pro-ready player in the entire draft, is the marquee receiver in 2024. Whomever selects Odunze will get a gem, though, as his performance should be comparable to what players like London and Olave have done in their young careers.

The traits that make Odunze special include his size (6’3-216), speed (4.45/40 at the Combine) and ball skills. Odunze is a physical receiver who seems to relish contact and excels at contested catches. He’s also a solid route-runner with a knack for reading coverages and getting open. He’s not twitchy like Diontae Johnson, but he creates separation with timing and body control. Pairing Odunze with George Pickens would give the Steelers two vertical threats who can win one-on-one matchups and would put opposing defenses in a bind. Given the anticipated offense Arthur Smith will run in Pittsburgh, with its multiple tight end sets and emphasis on the run game, a Pickens/Odunze pairing would force defensive coordinators to grapple with whether to drop a safety to get an extra hat in the box or to stay two-high and allow Pickens and Odunze to operate against single coverage. It’s the type of dilemma that would make Steelers fans giddy.

Unfortunately, moving up to acquire Odunze would be costly. If the Steelers were to trade with the Falcons and get to number eight, for example, allowing them to jump the Bears and Jets, both of whom are thought to be high on Odunze, it would likely cost Pittsburgh their pick at number 20 plus other picks as well. According to the NFL’s draft trade chart, the number eight pick has a value of 1400 points, while the 20th pick has a value of 850. That’s a difference of 550 points. To make that up, the Steelers might have to part with their second pick as well. That falls at number 51, which carries a draft value of 390 points. Throwing in a later-round pick, or a pick from a future draft, would also be necessary.

While the scenario above is a hypothetical, moving up to select Odunze would require a sacrifice of that nature. Would the Steelers benefit enough by acquiring him to part with their second-round pick, or both of their thirds, or perhaps a high pick plus a starting-caliber player? Odunze is a great talent, and the prospect of pairing him with Pickens and creating a world of problems for opposing defenses is exciting. But the Steelers have serious needs elsewhere — at center, at cornerback, at offensive tackle and inside linebacker — and parting with the draft capital it would take to acquire Odunze feels like a luxury they can’t afford. Maybe that will change in the next few weeks. The team could swing a trade for a veteran center or sign a free agent like Brian Allen who could lessen the need to address that position in the draft. They could sign a corner or a tackle to create greater depth. Without those moves, though, they must rely on the draft to fill their voids. Parting with picks to take Odunze compromises that ability.

If I were among the decision-makers in the front office in Pittsburgh, I’d push for drafting a center in Round One and targeting a receiver in Round Two. Drafts are fluid, and if the board fell a certain way I wouldn’t reach just to fill a positional need. Still, it’s a deep draft for receivers, and Pittsburgh should be able to find a quality player in Round Two. South Carolina’s Xavier Legette, whom I see as a poor man’s version of Odunze, would be my preference if he were available. But Michigan’s Roman Wilson would be a fine choice, as would Florida’s Ricky Pearsall. The Steelers have options at receiver that don’t require an expensive move for Odunze.

Still, adding him to their offense is a thrilling prospect. If a team is willing to trade down on the cheap, or if Odunze falls to the point where the Steelers feel they can justify the cost of going up to get him, I’m all for it. For an idea of just how talented Odunze is, check out my video breakdown of him in the link below: