Who are the best wide receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft? Harrison Jr., Nabers...
Ahead of this month’s 2024 NFL Draft in Michigan, we take a look at the most attractive options among the wide receivers up for selection.
Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State Buckeyes
If the name sounds familiar to you, it’s because the Ohio State graduate is the son of Marvin Harrison, who won Super Bowl XLI with the Indianapolis Colts and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016. Harrison Jr., 21, is the most exciting prospect at wide receiver in the last decade, thanks to his height, athleticism, and refined route-running technique. He has dominated the Big Ten over the past two years and last season finished fourth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy, after amassing 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns from 67 passes.
Malik Nabers, LSU Tigers
LSU has been responsible for producing excellent wide receivers in recent years, and the best of them at the 2024 Draft is Malik Nabers. 2023 was the best year of his college career, as he totalled 89 receptions for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns. What makes Nabers most attractive is his acceleration after catching the ball: he reaches top speed in the blink of an eye. Additionally, nine of his 14 TDs were on plays of 20 or more yards.
Rome Odunze, Washington Huskies
Odunze will always stand out for his speed (4.45 in the 40-yard dash), but it is his agility in tight spaces - despite his 6ft 3in frame - that really sets him apart. What’s more, he has one of the safest pairs of hands around, having caught 92 passes for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. In an interview with the Devy to Dynasty Football Podcast, the Washington University graduate revealed that he seeks to emulate the playing style of the Las Vegas Raiders’ Davante Adams and the Philadelphia Eagles’ Julio Jones.
Brian Thomas Jr., LSU Tigers
During the Scouting Combine, Thomas had the second-fastest time in the 40-yard dash, trailing only the record-setting Xavier Worthy, at 4.33 seconds. That makes him a threat to any team in the NFL because, although he only caught 68 passes sent his way last season, his yards-per-reception average was 17.3. His sporting background also includes basketball and athletics; the latter helped him to develop his blistering pace.
Adonai Mitchell, Texas Longhorns
Although they won Super Bowl LVIII with rookie Rashee Rice as their top wide receiver, it is undeniable that the Kansas City Chiefs need to improve their depth in the position - and Adonai Mitchell could be a good option at the end of the first round. The Texas graduate shone at the Combine, thanks to his 40-yard dash time (4.34 seconds), his broad jump (11ft 4in) and his vertical leap (39.50in). However, he still needs to build up some more muscle if he’s to deal with the hits that NFL defences will be dishing out.
When is the 2024 NFL Draft?
Held at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza in Detroit, Michigan, the 2024 NFL Draft is to take place from Thursday 25 to Saturday 27 April 2024.