Our Top 10 Wide Receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft
MARVIN HARRISON JR.
By John Mesenbrink @JohnMesenbrink
Ohio State University (JR), WR
The consensus #1 receiver taken off the board on draft day, Harrison Jr. has the size, speed, route running prowess and bloodlines to make him a sure-fire star in the NFL. Scouts agree that he is a generational talent at the WR position; he possesses explosiveness, does enough in and out of breaks, and he is a fantastic “in-a-crowd” finisher. His sophomore and junior campaigns consistently mirrored each other with 1,263 yards and 14 TDs in ’22 (with CJ Stroud) and 1,211 and 14 TDs last year (with Kyle McCord). Fantasy-wise, he is projected as a day 1 starter, and should produce early and often.
Pluses:
• Mr. Consistent
• Polished route runner with excellent footwork
• Size, leaping ability, catch radius
• Son of Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison
• Work ethic
Concerns:
• Speed to outrun NFL corners
• Needs to hit weight room
• YAC
• Tackle-breaking ability
• Reaction to duress or heavy pressure
MALIK NABERS
By John Mesenbrink @JohnMesenbrink
LSU (JR), WR
Has there been a shift in the WR draft order? While Marvin Harrison Jr is believed to be the №1 receiver taken off the board, Malik Nabers has generated some second thoughts. And, rightfully so. As a junior, he was the nation’s top receiver last year, as he led the SEC with 89 receptions for 1,569 and 14 TD grabs. His career 189 LSU receptions and 3,003 yards set a school record. Could it be possible he plays like a mix between former Tigers Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson? Can you imagine? Fantasy-wise, Nabers will make an impact right out of the gate as an eventual WR1 to a team with a clear need for WR help such as the Arizona Cardinals, NY Giants or Los Angeles Chargers, for example.
Pluses:
• Pro ready
• Explosiveness
• Elite speed through cuts with a high motor
• Strong hands
• Leaping and in-air adjustments
• Football smarts
• YAC
Concerns:
• Refining route running
• Use of open space
• Lacks prototypical size (height)
• Press coverage work
ROME ODUNZE
By John Mesenbrink @JohnMesenbrink
Washington (JR), WR
One of the top three WRs in the NFL draft, Odunze is projected as a day-1 starter in the NFL. At 6’3” and 212 lbs., this Husky led the FBS in 2023 with a school record 1,640 receiving yards on 92 catches and 13 receiving TDs. Odunze is a fluid mover and excels at body positioning and control, hand strength and good, yet not elite, separation speed. A former team captain, Odunze exudes leadership, which should translate well at the next level. With player comps such as Larry Fitzgerald, Mike Evans and Davante Adams, yes please.
Pluses:
• Leadership skills
• Body positioning and control
• Size and strength
• Good hands
• Red zone target
• Tracks ball well at apex
• Football IQ
Concerns:
• Refine route running
• Blocking effort
• Explosiveness
BRIAN THOMAS JR.
By Brandon Lane
LSU (JR), WR
A four-star high school recruit who had three consecutive 1000 yards seasons to his resume. While he did contribute his first two seasons at LSU, it was his junior year that really put him on the map and propelled his draft stock. His knack for finding the end zone (17TDs) coupled with his size/speed combination have Thomas as our WR4 in this years draft class.
Pluses:
• Speed (4.33 40-yard dash, 2nd fasted WR time at the combine)
• Size
• Ball tracking skills
• Athleticism
Concerns:
• Needs to expand route running, was limited to fade and go routes in college
• Contact balance
• Questionable physicality/YAC
LADD MCCONKEY
By Brandon Lane
Georgia (rJR), WR
At 5’11” 170 lbs McConkey was a relative unknown coming out of high school. A multi-sport athlete who played various positions in high school, came to Georgia as a raw receiver project. It wasn’t long before he honed his craft becoming perhaps the cleanest route runner in this year’s draft class. While lacking size he has the ability to play both out of the slot or as a Z-receiver. After winning back-to-back National Championships in 2021 & 2022 he was limited to nine games his final season due to back and ankle injuries. He was able to boost his draft stock with excellent performances at both the Senior Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine. While the Bulldogs haven’t produced a first round wide receiver since AJ Greene (2011), McConkey has a chance to be selected at the back end of round 1 or early in round 2.
Pluses:
• Exceptional route runner
• Speed (4.39 40-yard dash)
• Ball tracking skills
• Elite separator who can cut on a dime
• Football IQ
Concerns:
• Size/Catch radius
• Durability/Injury history (ankle and back)
• Explosiveness
ROMAN WILSON
By Brandon Lane
Michigan (SR), WR
A 4-star recruit, he had a slow start to his collegiate career mainly due to Michigan’s focus on the run game. But Wilson made an impact his senior year with 48 grabs for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns. While he is likely pegged as a speedy slot guy by many his precise route running, speed and separation abilities make him a threat all over the field. During the practice sessions at the Senior Bowl he consistently won downfield, separated with ease, and illustrated his burst and great hands. At the NFL Combine he ran a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash and crushed the positional drills. He makes my wide receiver Top 10 list in this years class. Look for him to be drafted in the second round.
Pluses:
• Speed
• Precise route runner with excellent burst
• Excellent hands
• Ball tracking
• Big play ability
Concerns:
• Size/Catch Radius/Tackle breaking ability
• Limited blocker
• Could struggle with physical defenders
RICKY PEARSALL
By Brandon Lane
Florida (SR), WR
A 3-star recruit who began his collegiate career with mixed results at Arizona State. After three seasons he transfered to Florida where he played an additional two seasons before hitting the NFL Draft. An excellent route runner with great hands known for his slot abilities, he can also play on the outside. Look for him to be selected in Round 2 of this years draft.
Pluses:
• Soft hands with good ball tracking
• Excellent route runner with the abilty to shift gears
• Speed (4.41)
• Athleticism
• Football IQ
Concerns:
• Struggles versus physical defenders
• Catch Radius
• Lacks explosiveness
Others of note:
By Brandon Lane
XAVIER WORTHY, TEXAS (JR), 5'11", 165 lbs
Worthy smashed the NFL Combine including a record breaking 4.21 40-yard dash. It’s no wonder this speedster separates with ease and was a target hog for the Longhorns. He possesses good route running and the ability to win at all three levels. Due to his size, durability, and physical play will be questioned at the next level.
TROY FRANKLIN, OREGON (JR), 6'2", 176 lbs
Franklin is a player who can win at all three levels and possesses excellent body control. With his lanky frame, he struggles against physical play which will likely limit his ability to be a volume receiver in the NFL.
KEON COLEMAN, FLORIDA STATE (JR), 6'3", 213 lbs
This is the high variance player and I‘m excited to see how he stacks up against the Big Boys of the NFL. He possesses the size, power, and burst that allows him to position his frame well in contested catch situations. Lack of speed (4.61) and separation likely pigeon hole him as a power slot in the pros.
