2024 NFL Draft: WR Rankings

Photo Credit: The Huddle

The time has finally come for the 2024 NFL Draft, and consequently, it’s time for my prospect rankings. Last year, my rankings were limited to quarterbacks, but this year, I’m expanding them to include wide receivers and running backs as well. These rankings are not solely based on their college performance, but also on projections of their professional careers. This will serve as a reference that we can revisit in the years to come.

1. Marvin Harrison Jr., 6’3” 209 lbs., Ohio State Buckeyes

Marvin Harrison Jr. is as blue-chip as they come. His father, a Hall of Fame wide receiver, has set a path that he aims to follow. “Maserati Marv,” boasts a solid frame and impressive speed. One aspect of Harrison Jr.'s game that stood out this season was his speed. Ohio State utilized him almost exclusively for drag and underneath routes, and no one could match his pace.

Please watch his highlights from last season when he was paired with a great quarterback, CJ Stroud. where MHJ was a walking highlight reel. He exhibits great awareness, much like his father, and is known for some of the best toe-tapping catches one could witness.

Harrison Jr. is a blue-chip prospect who is expected to be a surefire success in this draft. His father, Marvin Harrison Sr., serves as an apt comparison. The senior Harrison was known for his speed in the underneath routes. When a pressure conversion was needed, he was the go-to option. If a one-on-one over-the-top play was called, Peyton Manning always looked for Marvin Harrison. Marvin Harrison Jr. is expected to serve a similar role for whichever team drafts him this Thursday.

Comp: Marvin Harrison Sr. or Larry Fitzgerald

2. Brian Thomas Jr., 6’3” 209 lbs., LSU Tigers

I went back and forth between Nabers and Thomas Jr. here. With a 6’3" frame and 4.33 speed, Thomas Jr. is indeed one of a kind. There’s a strong possibility that Thomas Jr. could emerge as the best wide receiver in this class, and it wouldn’t surprise me in the least. It’s well-known that high school basketball players often transition well to the NFL. It’s a type of athleticism coaches cannot teach.

Thomas Jr., with his impressive frame, is poised to be an outstanding possession receiver, a player a quarterback can depend on to advance the chains. His style of play reminds me significantly of NFL Hall of Famer Andre Johnson.

Comp: Andre Johnson

3. Malik Nabers, 6’0” 199 lbs., LSU Tigers

Malik Nabers was an absolute sensation this season. He dominated in all aspects of the game - underneath, over the middle, on third down, over the top, and in the end zone. He was a living highlight reel. I strongly recommend watching his highlights from the game against Mississippi State, where he finished with an impressive 13 receptions for 239 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Nabers’ game is characterized by speed, precise route running, and reliable hands. When I watch Nabers, I don’t see Ja’Marr Chase; instead, I see Odell Beckham Jr. in his prime. LSU seems to be producing these wide receivers as consistently as the government prints money.

Comp: Odell Beckham Jr.

4. Rome Odunze, 6’3” 212 lbs., Washington Huskies

Placing Rome Odunze at #4 feels criminal. He possesses game-breaking talent that is on par with any other receiver in this class. What stands out about Odunze is his ability to make spectacular catches, thanks to his large catch radius. He also has excellent leaping ability and body control, which he uses to shield off smaller defenders.

At Washington, he capitalized on his wide frame, making him a crucial target in 3rd down situations and a reliable option for his quarterback. Odunze brings to mind a young Terrell Owens, with a similar size, comparable speed, and excellent route running skills.

Comp: Terrell Owens

5. Adonai Mitchell, 6’2” 205 lbs., Texas Longhorns

Adonai Mitchell might have the most reliable hands in the draft behind Marvin Harrison Jr. He has been a standout player for two College Football Playoff teams, the Georgia Bulldogs and the Texas Longhorns. He has won two national championships, scoring a touchdown in each game. Adonai is a big-game player who thrives under the bright lights and in high-pressure situations.

Mitchell could be the best route runner in this class. Ranking him at #5 does not do him justice. He shared the spotlight at Georgia and Texas with some exceptional talents, many of whom are expected to be selected in the first round on Thursday night. His playing style reminds me of Amari Cooper. He is a #1 wide receiver who can share the action, but when a play needs to be made, he finds a way to get open.

There have been rumors about him possibly being a diva and his diabetes causing him to be “grumpy” and “hard to deal with”. However, this is the first I’ve heard of it, so it could very well be a draft smokescreen. Adonai has first-round talent, but given the number of excellent offensive linemen in this draft, a team could get a steal in the second round. I still believe the Chiefs will draft either AD or Xavier Worthy, whom we will discuss later.

Comp: Amari Cooper

6. Xavier Worthy, 5’11” 165 lbs., Texas Longhorns

Holding the record for the fastest 40-yard dash at 4.21 seconds, Xavier Worthy has been a sensation in college football since his arrival in Austin, Texas. As a freshman, he came just 20 yards short of a 1,000-yard season, finishing with an impressive 12 touchdowns. His performance dipped during his sophomore season, but it wasn’t due to a lack of talent. It was later revealed that he played the second half of the season with a broken hand. He bounced back during his junior season, proving his mettle with a sensational performance of 75 receptions, 1,014 yards, and 5 touchdowns. Worthy showed grit.

Worthy possesses speed, route-running skills, and reliable hands, although he weighs in at a mere 165 pounds. Apart from his broken hand, Worthy managed to stay healthy throughout his tenure at Texas. I’ve seen comparisons drawn between Worthy and DeSean Jackson, but I don’t necessarily agree. While Jackson was an excellent wide receiver who also brought a dynamic aspect to the special teams game, Worthy didn’t exhibit this quality in college, although he might in the NFL.

I find a comparison with DJ Moore more fitting. As we observed in the past season, Moore has exceptional speed and can perform wonders in the open field. Worthy shares these qualities, along with the ability to completely outpace the defense. He also reminds me of Jaylen Waddle of the Dolphins, due to his slender frame and speed. Waddle was a top 10 pick and Worthy possesses the same type of talent.

Worthy could very well be the Chiefs’ replacement for Tyreek Hill’s speed. It’s highly likely that teams will want to keep Worthy away from Miami, so don’t be surprised if a team trades up to draft Xavier Worthy.

Comp: Jaylen Waddle

7. Xavier Legette, 6’1” 221 lbs., South Carolina Gamecocks

Xavier made some news during the combine process due to his South Carolina accent making people question if it was real or not. I’ll tell you what, Legette is legit. South Carolina didn’t have a great season but he was the star finishing with 71 catches, 1,255 yards and 7 touchdowns. I watched him give the Georgia Bulldogs fits and that’s when he really popped on the tape for me. He has a large frame and plays big. He also ran a 4.39 40 yard dash, which was good enough for T6 among wideouts. Legette reminds me of another Gamecock, Deebo Samuel. He plays with power, enjoys contact and can get downhill with speed. Legette has a ton of untapped potential.

Comp: Deebo Samuel

8. Ladd McConkey, 6’0” 186 lbs., Georgia Bulldogs

McConkey has some of the best footwork out of these prospects and has tremendous route running ability. He also ran a 4.39 40 yard dash so he has plenty of speed to create space and get into the open field. I project McConkey to be somewhere between Hunter Renfrow, Tyler Lockett and the ceiling is Cooper Kupp. Ladd has more speed than the three mention so if his route running translates to the next level he could an incredible addition to any team in the slot. Jordan Addison comps also make sense with his route running and speed.

Comp: Tyler Lockett

9. Ricky Pearsall, 6’1” 180 lbs., Florida Gators

Pearsall made the best of a tough quarterback situation at Florida in his final college season. He has been a highlights with jaw dropping catches to showcasing his speed on the perimeter. He reminds me of Puka Nacua when I see him with some Khalil Shakir for the Buffalo Bills. He always seems to find himself open then he can make defenders miss in open space.

Comp: Puka Nacua

10. Keon Coleman 6’3'“ 213 lbs., Florida State Seminoles

Coleman was great at Michigan State without great quarterback play. After transferring to Florida State and playing with Jordan Travis in a stacked wide receiver room he still flourished. Prototypical NFL body with good hands.

11. Jacob Cowing, 5’8” 168 lbs., Arizona Wildcats

Cowing is my most underrated wide receiver in this draft class. Yes, he is 5’8” but he also ran a 4.38 40 yard dash. He had multiple season of over 1,000 yards. One of those seasons was at UTEP, which is no easy feat. I am thinking KaVontae Turpin as a WR or Michael Gallup before his knee injury. I guarantee Cowing will be a steal in this draft.

12. Javon Baker, 6’1” 202 lbs., Central Florida Knights

When you watched UCF Baker was open on almost every play. He improved every season especially after his sophomore season transferring from Alabama.

13. Ja’Lynn Polk, 6’1” 203 lbs., Washington Huskies

14. Troy Franklin, 6’2” 176 lbs., Oregon Ducks

15.Roman Wilson, 5’11” 185 lbs., Michigan Wolverines

16. Jalen McMillan, 6’1” 197 lbs., Washington Huskies

17. Joshua Cephus, 6’3” 185 lbs., UTSA Roadrunners

18. Johnny Wilson, 6’6” 231 lbs., Florida State Seminoles

19. Malachi Corley, 5’11” 207 lbs., Western Kentucky

20. Bub Means, 6’1” 212 lbs., Pittsburgh Panthers

21. Malik Washington, 5’9” 191 lbs., Virginia Cavaliers