Wide receiver is generally one of the deepest positions in every draft. It’s also one where players can rise quickly, notably underclassmen or transfers who benefit from better QB play or a more conducive scheme.
These are very fluid rankings. In general, these are early impressions about the NFL potential of players who still have a considerable amount of football to play before they’re drafted.
With some feedback and info from a couple of team-employed NFL scouts and an active player agent, here is an early listing and my preliminary ranking for the wide receivers in the NFL draft class of 2024.
1. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
The son of one of the best wideouts of the 21st century could threaten to be the best WR prospect in some time. His routes, hand, speed and toughness are all top-shelf already.
2. Rome Odunze, Washington
Odunze is a big (listed at 6-3/201) wideout who wins with savvy, strength and precise execution. Not an elite athlete and that will hinder his draft ceiling, but Odunze has potential to be like Amon-Ra St. Brown — a versatile, crafty, highly productive weapon who can win despite not being a blazer.
3. Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
Outside of his Buckeyes teammate Harrison Jr., Egbuka has the highest ceiling of any receiver in this class. Egbuka was arguably the best WR in the country in 2022 as a sophomore. Speed, routes, hands, play strength–he’s got it all.
4. Malik Nabers, LSU
Nabers showed nice progress in his attention to detail as a receiver. Average size and initial speed but Nabers is very fluid after the catch and can win over the top.
5. Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse
Plays like you would expect as the son of a former NFL receiver. Gadsden is smart, physical, runs good routes and presents himself as a bigger target than even his 6-foot-2 frame would suggest.
6. Troy Franklin, Oregon
Franklin is one of the most fun wideouts to watch in this early draft cycle. He’s electrifying with the ball in his hands and can win inside or outside. Lack of mass (listed at 178 pounds at 6-foot-3) and a seeming aversion to physicality are things to watch with Franklin in 2023.
7. Johnny Wilson, Florida State
Giant wideout (6-foot-7/235 listed pounds) who could be mistaken for a slower version of Falcons TE Kyle Pitts. The Arizona State transfer will appeal to teams looking for a mid/deep-range target who makes things happen after the catch.
8. Jalen McMillan, Washington
A quick, sure-handed slot receiver who can make tacklers miss, McMillan is great on timing routes and at reading zones. Bonus points for being a high-end return specialist prospect too.
9. Xavier Worthy, Texas
Electrifying athlete with downfield speed and serious YAC juice, Worthy is gifted as a splash-play wideout. There are major concerns about his size at just 163 listed pounds on a 6-foot-1 frame. In the Jameson Williams/Ted Ginn Jr. mold but nowhere close to as strong as either one-time first-rounder.
10. Keon Coleman, Michigan State
Two reasons I really like Coleman’s chances to play his way up draft boards in 2023:
1. He proved in 2022 that he’s a great catcher of off-target throws, capable of adjusting to balls that aren’t quite when or where they’re supposed to be. Underappreciated skill.
2. Played his best when facing tough defenses, aside from a poor outing vs. Illinois. His best games of the season were v. Washington, Michigan and Penn State. That should translate well if he continues to build his game.
Next in line
These are in some semblance of a current order but are more listed for watching purposes.
JaCorey Brooks, Alabama
Jaden Bray, Oklahoma State
Ali Jennings, Virginia Tech (ODU transfer)
Adonai Mitchell, Texas
Dorian Singer, USC
Beaux Collins, Clemson
Jacob Cowing, Arizona
Ainias Smith, Texas A&M
Mario Williams, USC
Devontez Walker, North Carolina
Zakhari Franklin, UTSA
Antwan Wells Jr., South Carolina
Roman Wilson, Michigan
De’Corian Clark, UTSA
Jaylin Noel, Iowa State
Dominic Lovett, Georgia
Will Sheppard, Vanderbilt
Jyaire Shorter, Auburn (North Texas transfer)
