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2024 NFL draft prospect rankings: Wide receivers

Eddie Brown, The San Diego Union-Tribune on

Published in Football

— 5. Xavier Worthy (Jr., Texas, 5-11, 165)

The tape and stopwatch agree: Worthy is fast, but he's more than a speed merchant. He's tough despite being so wiry, a solid route-runner and can play inside or outside. I don't believe we've seen the best of Worthy during his time in Austin, despite his consistent production as a three-year starter for the Longhorns. He was only the second player in school history with three seasons of 60-plus receptions. Worthy is an elite vertical threat who can struggle against physical press coverage, but his presence is a present. Defensive coordinators in the NFL are afraid of one thing: someone getting behind the defense. Similar to DeSean Jackson, his quick-strike potential adds an element of danger over the top and will provide his teammates more space to work with. Worthy also led the FBS in punt-return yards (371) last season, including a 74-yard TD. Projected: Rounds 1-2

— 6. Brian Thomas Jr. (Jr., LSU, 6-2, 209)

The Tigers keep producing dynamic duos at receiver. First there was Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry, then there was Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson and now there's Malik Nabers and Thomas. Thomas' physical gifts are off the charts. He's a big -bodied vertical threat who can hit 22 mph on the GPS, and has only scratched the surface of his potential. He led the FBS in TD receptions (17), but will need to develop his route tree in the pros, and possibly his play strength against stronger, more physical NFL corners. Projected: Round 1

— 7. Malachi Corley (Jr., Western Kentucky, 5-10, 207)

A former two-star recruit at cornerback, Corley spent his first two seasons with the Hilltoppers at running back before finding a home at wide receiver. The experience shows in his vision and contact balance once he gets the ball in his hands. He runs fearless, almost as if he's seeking a collision. He forced 55 missed tackles over the last two seasons. Most of Corley's production came through manufactured touches, but if he continues to develop as a receiver, he has the ability to develop into one of the NFL's more well-rounded offensive weapons. Projected: Rounds 2-3

 

— 8. Ladd McConkey (Jr., Georgia, 5-11, 186)

McConkey isn't a jump ball receiver, but that's about the only thing he doesn't do at a high level. He's pure precision as a route runner, and he can manipulate coverage with an advanced feel for leverage. He's a threat vertically, and while size may scream slot, McConkey has the experience and ability to play outside. McConkey dealt with back and ankle injuries, missing five games last season. Projected: Rounds 1-2

— 9. Roman Wilson (Sr., Michigan, 5-10, 185)

Wilson is a legit vertical threat with sudden quickness and great hands. Some teams may see him only as a slot receiver because of his size. He's a good route runner, but he needs to work on his speed variation in order to create more space — not every route is a sprint. Wilson was one of just 10 FBS players with at least 12 TD receptions last season. He was only targeted 67 times. Imagine what he would've done in a wide-open offense, considering the Wolverines wanted to bludgeon every defense with their run game. Wilson is an ascending player who can win on all three levels and beat NFL man coverage. Projected: Round 2

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©2024 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Visit sandiegouniontribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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