Washington football has 4 first round 2024 NFL Draft talents

Sep 24, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) against the Stanford Cardinal during the third quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) against the Stanford Cardinal during the third quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Could we see multiple Washington football players selected in the 2024 NFL Draft?

Washington Football has not had more than one player selected in the first round of the NFL Draft since 2015. That year three players were selected; DT Danny Shelton, CB Marcus Peters, and LB Shaq Thompson.

The Huskies have a chance of matching that and potentially even topping it. The season will have to go as well as it did in 2022 for that to happen. However, there is a handful of names that can be selected on day one for Washington Football.

Michael Penix Jr, QB

There are a handful of names that have the potential to be the third quarterback taken in the 2024 NFL Draft. Washington’s Michael Penix Jr has as good a chance as any of them, while also being a first round selection.

Penix has qualities the NFL will love. His arm talent is up there with the best in college, throwing the ball with excellent velocity and accuracy. In the 2022 season with Washington, he really took the step and showed great leadership on and off the field.

One of the older QBs at 23, the NFL has shown age isn’t an issue if you have the talent. The big factor for Penix not potentially breaking into the first round are injuries. However, Penix had a healthy 2022 season and if he can do the same in 2023 while performing at the same standard, being picked on day one is not out of the question.

Troy Fautanu, IOL

The outlook for 2024 IOL draft prospects is looking a little cloudy. However, Troy Fautanu is a real sleeper to break the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. A 2018 commit, Fautanu has been playing at left tackle for the Huskies. However, his frame suggests he would likely switch to guard at the next level.

Fautanu is a physical lineman with nasty hands and explosiveness off the line. He excels in the run game and has shown great improvements in pass protection in 2022. With the lack of guard prospects in the 2024 draft, Fautanu has a real chance to thrust himself into the number one spot at guard. This could result in a day one pick.

Rome Odunze, WR

In my opinion, Rome Odunze is the clear second-best receiver in this draft class. He has the size, standing at 6’3” and reports coming out of camp are that he has bulked up to 215 pounds. All this while still running in the 4.3srunning in the 4.3s.

Odunze is a  terrifying proposition for defenses with what he has to bring to the table. He has a vice like grip when it comes to catching, while having the athleticism to adjust his body to make catches that other players can’t.

Odunze is coming off an excellent 2022 season at Washington with 1,145 receiving yards. He also showed he can be “the guy”, making numerous clutch plays for the Huskies in important situations. For my money, Rome Odunze is a guaranteed first round selection with another solid season.

Bralen Trice, DE

Bralen Trice put his name on the map with an outstanding 2022 season for Washington football. Relentlessness is the word that comes to mind when Trice goes to work. Whether it’s through speed and power to get off blocks or just run straight through lineman to get into the backfield, Trice is a problem. The way he plays can result in him being in the head of a lineman before the ball is snapped. He is that much of a menace.

Despite limited on field action, while also being a fifth year senior, expect Bralen Trice to be a first round selection in the 2024 draft. NFL teams know top edge rushers are at a premium and he has high upside at the next level.

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