Washington WR Rome Odunze, RB Dillon Johnson declaring for NFL draft - ESPN

Washington is losing two skill players to the NFL draft: wide receiver Rome Odunze and running back Dillon Johnson.

Odunze led the nation in receiving yards in 2023 and earned first-team All-America honors. He enters the draft process as Mel Kiper's No. 5 overall player and No. 2 wide receiver.

Odunze emerged as the key skill position cog in Washington's unlikely run to the national title game, which included a Pac-12 title and 21-game win streak that ended against Michigan in the College Football Playoff title game.

Johnson led Washington with 1,195 yards and 16 rushing touchdowns in 2023. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry this season after spending his first three at Mississippi State.

Odunze nearly left for the NFL last year, when he said he got feedback from the NFL that he'd be a Top 100 prospect. He bet on himself, staying at Washington and it paid off for both sides.

«I think this has been something that's been brewing for a long time,» he said of his decision to go to the NFL. «Not just the last week or so. I wanted to do whatever I could this season and give it one last ride.»

Odunze's decision doesn't come as a surprise. While he had a year of eligibility remaining after redshirting in 2020, his seismic production and enticing measurables — 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds — made him a quick riser in the eyes of NFL scouts throughout the year.

Odunze admitted to mixed emotions with his dream of entering the NFL draft coming so soon after a tough loss on the biggest stage. But he reflected back to a college career that saw him tied to three head coaches, endure the 2020 COVID-addled season and go 4-8 in 2021.

«I would say it's been more overwhelmingly grateful than anything,» Odunze told ESPN. «Of course, that last game