The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy lists the top 10 wide receivers in this year’s NFL Draft, based on evaluations and conversations with league officials.
1. Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State, 6-3, 209 pounds.
All the great parts of his Hall of Fame father’s game (smooth routes, great feet, etc.) are incorporated into Larry Fitzgerald’s big frame. Physicality when playing catch and speed when making big plays. The two-time All-American opted out of all combine-style workouts and drills.
2. Roman Odunze, Washington State, 6-3, 212
He knows how to use his size to his advantage, absorbing big hits and winning 75 percent of his 50/50 balls en route to an FBS-best 1,640 yards last season. He has the rare ability to twist his body in the air and catch anything that comes his way. Release stardom.
3. Malik Nabers, LSU, 6-0, 199
He was a big-play machine who was LSU’s all-time leader in catches (189) yards and receiving yards (3.003). why? He easily separates with his tackle breaks and speed and is at the top of the defense. Most of the production comes from slots. Arrested for illegal possession of a weapon (charges dropped).
4. Brian Thomas, LSU, 6-2, 209
Last season, he had an FBS-record 17 touchdown catches and 17.3 yards per catch. Speed poses a problem for press cornerbacks. Variety of slot or surrounding formations. You’re just scratching the surface of the high ceilings. Other tools will need to be sharpened, especially the top part of the root.
5. Adonai Mitchell, Texas, 6-2, 205
The spindly conning tower easily becomes vertical. Follows deep balls closely. The large catch radius causes red zone highlights on jump balls. Scouts were excited about the two-touchdown game against Alabama. Developing route runner. His two years at Georgia weren’t a huge factor.
6. Xavier Worthy, Texas, 5-11, 165
Fastest 40-yard dash time in NFL Combine history (4.21 seconds). He had 10 drops in 2022 when he was injured, but his drops on 114 targets have dropped to five. He can run crisp routes, but I’m concerned that his frame is thin. He is a dynamic punt returner.
7. Ladd McConkie, Georgia, 6-0, 186
He is the quarterback’s best friend and discovery technician. The set of tricks includes head he fakes, start and stop movements, and body leverage manipulation. He’s a polished route runner who slides out after the catch and moves the chains, but he’s not a deep threat.
8. Troy Franklin, Oregon State, 6-2, 176
A weapon to turn on the jets with the ball in his hands, especially on diagonal catch-and-runs. Separate the safety aid from other receivers. He had eight catches for 40 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. A questionable drop if you fail to maintain some level of concentration and catch.
9. Malachi Coley, Western Kentucky, 5-11, 215
He is called the “YAC King” because of his yard-after-catch ability. He was quick to read ahead on many plays, leading to 269 offensive touches from 2021-2023, but there are questions about his downfield route running. His physical style and handoffs during the motion draw comparisons to Deebo Samuel. slip through the tackle.
10. Ricky Pearsall, Florida State, 6-1, 191
Perhaps his 2023 One-Handed Catch of the Year award against Charlotte epitomizes his tenacity. Getting in and out of breaks is easy. Never play off, even if the ball is far away. Media coverage may be difficult.
Oversleeping in the morning
Xavier Leggett, South Carolina, 6-1, 221
He is quick off the snap and catches the ball in traffic. He’s a perfect fit for a team that values run-blocking receivers. It’s just one area where the strength of his game jumps off the screen. Of his 53 career games, he only played in one big season.
fall rapidly
Keon Coleman, Florida State, 6-3, 213
Unfortunately, his 40-yard dash time (4.61 seconds) overshadowed his 38-inch vertical jump and 10-foot, 7-inch broad jump. Master of one-handed catch and high-point jumping skills. This is an important skill because it creates less separation.
the wonders of a small school
Luke McCaffrey, Rice, 6-2, 198
He is Christian’s younger brother and Ed’s son, and both are NFL players. The former quarterback is still learning the finer points of the position, but he knows how to find holes in the zone. He can also be a rush weapon. He oozes toughness and he believes every contested catch should be his.
