With the 2024 NFL Combine in the rearview mirror and NFL free agency issues starting to settle, all eyes will be on the 2024 NFL Draft. In this article, we will rank and review the top 15 wide receiver prospects in this year’s draft class. SB Nation’s community of draft analysts each rank the top WRs in the draft, and this Top 15 is the result of their cumulative rankings.
After an average wide receiver class in 2023, this 2024 class is loaded with talent. There are three WRs with superstar talent at the top of the first round, and the final round concludes with a group that has the potential to be “WR1.” It’s a good year for NFL general managers to need a WR, as there will be a pool of prospects with a variety of sizes, skill sets, and talents.
15. Jalen McMillan, Washington State
McMillan was buried in Washington’s WR room by two other 1000-yard WRs (we’ll get to them in a moment), but still managed to continue producing. He is a bigger slot option and has solid speed to stretch the seam down the field and create chances. His route running is above average, and if he finds himself in the right situation, he could produce more in the NFL than he did at the college level.
14. Malachi Corey, Western Kentucky
The self-proclaimed “YAC King” puts his money where his mouth is. Corey is a physical WR who plays like a RB with the ball in his hands. Corey isn’t the fastest, biggest, or best route runner, but he’s a legitimate playmaker. Every time he touches the ball, he finds a way to gain extra yards. Most of his touches were quick passing games or gadget-type plays. If he wants a broader role in the NFL, he’ll need to prove he’s savvy enough to create separation further down the field.
13. Javon Baker, UCF
Mr. Baker had the biggest vote, with one voter voting him 4th and another voting him 19th (the other placed him 18th). Unfortunately for Baker, his only single-digit vote was for fourth place. In any other draft year, Baker might be a top-10 pick, but the lack of depth and elite measurable ability and skill in the WR class will push him down the draft board. That being said, Baker has done a lot in college and is good at finding ways to get open. Something about him tells me he has the potential to be an overlooked mid-round prospect who could emerge as a starting WR in the future. This isn’t a comp, but he gives me Stefon Diggs vibes.
12. Roman Wilson, Michigan
Wilson came in 12th place, but received one vote for eighth place from one analyst. Wilson’s draft selection was a direct result of his strong performances at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. Wilson is a tremendous speed threat (4.39 40-yard dash) and is primarily used on the field rather than as a catch-and-run player. Wilson would provide an instant upgrade to any team’s deep passing attack.
11. Jaylin Polk, Washington
Polk was the No. 2 option in Washington’s passing game and produced quality production in his final college season. He’s not an elite athlete and doesn’t have a lot of explosiveness in his game, but his ability lies in his separation skills, route running ability, and competitive catch prowess. His natural ball-catching ability and balanced play in any situation make him a solid candidate to be the No. 2 WR on his NFL team.
10. Xavier Leggett, South Carolina
Legette looks like a freight train running around a soccer field. Imagine a linebacker who is fast and can catch the football. The 6-foot-1, 221-pound athletic freak ran the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds and had a vertical jump of 40 inches at the NFL Combine, which is impressive for his size. Leggett is an elite linear explosive athlete who doesn’t have the route-running flair required of a No. 1 wide receiver, so he needs an offense that can plan his open plays. His athleticism increases his potential, but his skill set is similar to Cordarrelle Patterson’s.
9. Ladd McConkie, Georgia
Meet the best route runners in this year’s NFL Draft class. Ladd McConkie. McConkey was 7-9 on everyone else’s voting list, even though the outlier vote placed him 13th. McConkey has a natural ability to put defenders in trouble by challenging their leverage, fooling his eyes and disrupting transitions. Logic would use McConkey as a slot receiver, but he’s capable enough to produce on the outside as well. An instant impact player no matter which team drafts him.
8. Troy Franklin, Oregon
Franklin received the maximum of five votes in a single vote, while everyone else voted for him seven to nine. He has a long strider and has the potential to bring the ball home whenever he touches it. His slender build makes him vulnerable to physical corners, and he doesn’t break easily when tackled. His performance in college was exceptional, and he was excellent when used on cross routes and go routes down the field. In the right role, Franklin’s ceiling could make him one of the league’s best deep threats.
7. Xavier Worthy, Texas
Worthy probably doesn’t need much introduction as he is the new record holder for the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine with a time of 4.21 seconds. Worthy has world-class speed and is dangerous from anywhere on the field. Don’t be afraid of Worthy, even though his last 40-yard dash record holder, John Ross, ran out of steam in the NFL. Worthy has football skills that go beyond speed. He gets into and out of breaks very quickly, understands how to get open, and is a good ball tracker. One of the outliers had Worthy his 12th place on the voting list, while everyone else had him 6-8 behind him.
6. Keion Coleman, Florida
Coleman received a pair of fourth-place votes and a pair of fifth-place votes, but ultimately settled for a slightly lower result. Keon Coleman turns into a monster when the ball is in the air and is the ultimate constant catch receiver. His ability to control the 50-50 ball is why he is highly rated. Coleman isn’t fast (4.61 seconds 40-yard dash) and has a below-average separator. He definitely has room to succeed in the NFL, he just needs a QB willing to throw the ball even when he’s covered.
5. Adonai Mitchell, Texas
Mitchell received one second-place vote, but did not even rank within the top six votes in another poll. Mitchell is one of the most divisive prospects on this list, and while he’s measurably elite, his college performance has been subpar for a first-round wide receiver. Ta. In some cases, if this happens, you will have to go back and watch the game film for an “eye test.” To me, Mitchell passes the eye test and this guy can flat out the ball. Not only does he have great size (6’2″) and elite speed (4.34 seconds 40 yard dash), he’s also one of the best route runners in the class. Mitchell’s sky is the limit in the NFL, but superstar status is on hold.
4. Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
Thomas received the most votes in fourth place, which was his best number. Thomas, a junior, has a rare combination of size, speed and explosiveness.My junior from LSU Although he put up gaudy numbers (1,177 yards, 17 touchdowns) in his final season at LSU, it was his only year of significant production. The scary thing is that Thomas still doesn’t see any potential. If he continues on his current upward trajectory, he could be a serious problem in the NFL. Expect Thomas to be removed from the roster late in the first round of the NFL Draft.
3. Roma Odunze, Washington
Odunze received some second place votes, but only six votes per vote. Odunze had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in Washington. He does a lot of things well and on the field he’s a playmaker who can be successful at all three levels. He is a leader and competitor who always finds a way to make plays. Odunze is a Day 1 starter in the NFL and has room to develop into a well-rounded WR over the next decade.
2. Malik Nabers, LSU
Nabers finished either second or third in every vote, receiving the most second-place votes. Nabers plays like he has a nitro booster on his back and can shift gears like a finely tuned sports car. He can play any position on the field as a receiver and can win in any situation he is put in. His playmaking skills are truly dynamic and his play speed is off the charts. Nabors is the next best WR to come out of LSU, and whichever team drafts him will get a game-breaker who can take their offense to the next level.
1. Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
Harrison was the unanimous No. 1 receiver, and for good reason. Harrison is the most NFL-ready WR from college in recent history. He comes from his legendary NFL pedigree and therefore has high expectations. Harrison has a long way to go before matching his father’s NFL production, but the prospect is a bigger, faster, stronger version of his father, and it’s scary to think about. His pre-draft process was interesting, as he did not participate in the combine or pro day.But he may have been the best player in the field Ohiopro day last year, when he was catching a pass from C.J. Stroud. Don’t be surprised if “MHJ” proves to be a top 10 WR in the NFL in his first season as a pro.
