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2024 NFL draft prospect rankings: Wide receivers

Eddie Brown, The San Diego Union-Tribune on

Published in Football

Editor's note: The Union-Tribune's Eddie Brown is breaking down prospects, position by position, leading up to the NFL draft (April 25-27). Here are his top 10 wide receivers, plus "bonus" players he believes will be drafted or signed as a priority free agent:

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— 1. Marvin Harrison Jr. (Jr., Ohio State, 6-foot-3, 209 pounds)

The Biletnikoff Award winner was a Heisman finalist and the first two-time unanimous All-American in Columbus since former No. 1 overall pick and NFL Hall of Famer Orlando Pace in 1995-96. In a program known for producing wide receivers, Harrison became the first Buckeyes receiver with multiple 1,000-yard receiving seasons and set the school-record with 15 100-yard receiving games. He's a route tactician who features prototypical size, strong hands and premium athleticism with Hall of Fame NFL lineage and tutelage (he's the son of Colts legend Marvin Harrison). He's the best player in this draft and the third best wide receiver prospect of the 21st century. My top-5: 1. Calvin Johnson, 2. Larry Fitzgerald, 3. Harrison Jr., 4. Julio Jones, 5 (tie). A.J. Green and Ja'Marr Chase. I actually believe he'll be even better in the pros. Projected: Top 5

— 2. Rome Odunze (Jr., Washington, 6-2, 212)

The four-star recruit was also a decorated track athlete at Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas and won the 2019 state title in the 200 meters at 21.25 seconds, a school-record and the fifth-fastest time in state history. Odunze was elected team captain as a junior, and features good size with elite ball skills and excellent hands. The two-time All-American led the FBS with 1,640 receiving yards last season, producing 32 receptions of 20-plus yards, second most in the FBS (only Malik Nabers had more). Odunze is also a reliable blocker in the run game and treats every jump ball as an opportunity to prove himself. Projected: Top 10

— 3. Malik Nabers (Jr., LSU, 6-0, 199)

Nabers is the latest prolific receiver to come out of Baton Rouge. His body control and route-running are top-notch, plus he's elite after the catch and a terror in the open field while playing all three receiver spots. The gap between him and Marvin Harrison Jr. isn't the Grand Canyon, but it's not as close as some may think either. Some teams have Nabers as the top receiver in this draft class. He led the FBS in receiving yards per game (120.7) and was an unanimous All-American last season. Nabers won't turn 21 until July. Projected: Top 10

— 4. Keon Coleman (Jr., Florida State, 6-3, 213)

Coleman, a Biletnikoff Award semifinalist after transferring from Michigan State, features a combination of size, strength and acrobatic skills you'd normally find in Cirque du Soleil. A lack of lateral agility hinders his ability to get consistent separation, but he doesn't really need to with his above-the-rim mentality and elite ball skills. Coleman is also a dominant blocker in the run game and will completely erase a cornerback from the play. He isn't a burner, and his draft stock has seemed to cool after running a 4.61 40-yard dash at the combine, which is very reminiscent of Anquan Boldin, another play-making Seminoles receiver. Projected: Rounds 1-2

— 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

— 10. Xavier Legette (Sr., South Carolina, 6-1, 221)

Legette struggled initially in Mobile during Senior Bowl practices, but he got better every day he was there. He's a late bloomer who broke out in a major way for the Gamecocks last season. He and Malik Nabers were the only two SEC receivers to average more than 100 yards receiving per game last season. He's not a polished route runner, but he features an impressive size, speed combination, and makes contested catches with ease. He led all Power 5 receivers with five receptions of 50-plus yards last season. Legette is two inches shorter, but he reminds me of Terrell Owens after the catch, especially at this stage of his career. Projected: Rounds 2-3

— BONUS: Adonai Mitchell (Jr., Texas, 6-2, 205)

Mitchell began his career at Georgia, where he won back-to-back national championships. In 2023, he transferred to Austin to be closer to his daughter. He's a fluid route runner who features solid size, and has a nose for the end zone, especially in big games. Almost 82% of Mitchell's receptions went for a first down or TD last season, which is the best among receivers in this draft class. He really hasn't showcased much RAC-ability, but he is an asset as a blocker in the run game. Projected: Rounds 1-2

— BONUS: Troy Franklin (Jr., Oregon, 6-1, 176)

Franklin was the No. 3 wide receiver in the 2021 recruiting class. He features a rare size-speed-agility combination and projects to be a major open-field, big-play threat. He produced eight receptions of 40-plus yards last season. For being such a burner, he's actually a crafty route-runner too, although I'd like to see him expand his route tree. Franklin led the Pac-12 in TD receptions each of the last two seasons, and his 25 career touchdowns are a school-record. Only Marvin Harrison Jr. had more TD catches the last two seasons. Franklin will need to get stronger or NFL press corners will bully him and focus drops are part of the package. Projected: Rounds 1-3

— BONUS: Ja'Lynn Polk (So., Washington, 6-1, 203)

After one season at Texas Tech, the former three-star recruit's production steadily increased each of his three seasons with the Huskies, finally producing 69 receptions for 1,159 yards and nine TD receptions last season. Polk is big and tough enough with strong hands to work over the middle, but features great body control and enough speed to win deep as well. He isn't an elite RAC threat, but few prospects in this class can compete with his contested-catch skills. Projected: Rounds 2-3

— BONUS: Ricky Pearsall (Sr., Florida, 6-1, 191)

Pearsall started his career at Arizona State with Jayden Daniels before transferring to Gainesville in 2022. He's an elusive, smooth route-runner with good speed who should compete for a starting gig in the slot from jump. There are limitations against bigger, stronger cornerbacks, especially in contested-catch scenarios. Pearsall will turn 24 in September. Projected: Rounds 2-3

— BONUS: Devontez Walker (Jr., North Carolina, 6-1, 193)

This Kent State transfer made third-team All-ACC and led the Tar Heels in TD receptions (seven) despite missing four games due to an eligibility battle with the NCAA. Walker's speed is undeniable, but he struggled with drops throughout Senior Bowl week. He also runs a very limited route tree, essentially all vertical outside of the occasional screen, but you draft him as a dangerous field-stretcher and hope he can develop into something more. Walker suffered a torn ACL his senior year of high school. Projected: Rounds 2-4

— BONUS: Brenden Rice (Jr., USC, 6-2, 208)

Rice transferred from Colorado in 2022 to play for Lincoln Riley. I feel like I shouldn't have to say Jerry Rice's son has reliable hands, but he does. He also uses his size well. During Senior Bowl week, he displayed the physicality he's capable of bringing to the table, whether it be as a blocker or in a contested-catch scenario. Rice worked mostly with vertical concepts in Riley's offense, so it'll be interesting to see him expand his horizons as a route runner in the NFL, considering his DNA. An impressive 12 of his 45 receptions were for a TD (Almost 27%) of last season. Projected: Rounds 3-4

— BONUS: Luke McCaffrey (Jr., Rice, 6-1, 198)

Christian McCaffrey's brother originally was a three-star quarterback recruit who began his collegiate career at Nebraska, before transferring to Louisville (where he didn't play) and finally to Rice. He didn't switch to receiver (his father Ed's position) until 2022, but the transition went about as smooth as you'd expect considering his bloodline. He's a savvy route runner — he could sell water to a fish — with reliable hands and adjusts well to off-target throws, using his size well in contested-catch situations. He isn't a burner, but this is a pretty good start for someone who has only been playing the position for two years. Projected: Rounds 3-4

— BONUS: Javon Baker (Sr., Central Florida, 6-1, 202)

Baker was buried on the depth chart at Alabama, so he took his talents to Orlando. The athletic play-maker finished second in the nation with 21.9 yards per reception and produced five catches of 50-plus yards last season. Baker has NFL-caliber ball skills, but his hands come and go. He features a nice blend of size, athleticism and physicality, but he needs to fine-tune his route running. Projected: Rounds 3-4

 

— BONUS: Jalen McMillan (Jr., Washington, 6-1, 197)

McMillan was the No. 11 wide receiver in the 2020 recruiting class and a three-year starter for the Huskies, leading them in receptions (79) and TD receptions (nine) as a sophomore. A nagging MCL sprain hampered his junior year. McMillan is a slot target with good size, big hands and the toughness to work in the middle of the field. Projected: Rounds 3-4

— BONUS: Jermaine Burton (Sr., Alabama, 6-0, 196)

The former four-star recruit and Georgia transfer led the Crimson Tide in receiving yards his last two seasons. Burton played 50 games (39 starts) in the SEC and only had four drops in almost 200 targets, but his production was still lacking — only five career 100-yard games. The production may come if he ends up with a more accurate quarterback in the pros. He has a reputation as an undisciplined players, and Burton wasn't asked to run an extended route tree in college, but he has the traits and ball skills to work all three levels in NFL. Projected: Rounds 3-4

— BONUS: Malik Washington (Sr., Virginia, 5-8, 191)

The senior captain spent four years at Northwestern, before his breakout season with the Cavaliers. Washington set a new ACC-record with 110 receptions and led the FBS with 10 games of 100-plus yards, all coming in his final 11 games. He's undersized, and needs to develop his route tree, but his instincts and feel for the position are off the charts. Plus, he's equal parts quick and tough. He produced 35 forced missed tackles last season, which was first among FBS wide receivers. Washington suffered a torn ACL his junior year of high school. Projected: Rounds 3-4

— BONUS: Jacob Cowing (Sr., Arizona, 5-8, 168)

The former two-star recruit and UTEP transfer is an explosive athlete with sprinter speed. Cowing is undersized and his routes lack continuity, but he finished as a two-time All-Conference honoree in Conference USA and the Pac-12. Over 60% of his receiving yards (1,882) in two seasons with the Wildcats came after the catch. His receptions increased in each of his five collegiate seasons. Cowing is the only FBS player with 85-plus receptions in each of the last two seasons. Projected: Rounds 3-4

— BONUS: Jamari Thrash (Jr., Louisville, 5-11, 188)

Thrash led his team in receptions each of the last three seasons (two at Georgia State, one at Louisville). He's quicker than fast, but he made plays at all three levels for the Cardinals, including two receptions of 70-plus yards last season. Thrash is a savvy route-runner and a friend to his QB when he's forced to scramble outside of the pocket. His play strength could be an issue in the pros. Projected: Rounds 4-5

— BONUS: Johnny Wilson (Jr., Florida State, 6-6, 231)

A former four-star recruit and Arizona State transfer, Wilson features rare size and a wingspan made for the hardwood. He isn't elusive after the catch, but he does break perimeter tackles and rumbles for additional yardage. He doesn't win as many 50-50 balls as you'd expect, and might benefit from a switch to tight end in the pros. Wilson missed most of his freshman season because of a hamstring injury. Projected: Rounds 4-5

— BONUS: Anthony Gould (Sr., Oregon State, 5-8, 174)

The former three-star recruit was recruited as an athlete because most schools believed he was too small to play wide receiver. Gould features electric speed and shiftiness. He has experience at all three receiver positions for the Beavers, but he only had 100-plus yards twice in the 43 collegiate games (20 starts) he played. His return talent will likely get him on the field first in the pros. Gould was an All-American punt returner his junior season, and led the FBS with 18.3 yards per return, including a pair of touchdowns. Projected: Rounds 4-5

— BONUS: Ryan Flournoy (Sr., SE Missouri State, 6-0, 202)

The former no-star recruit spent two years in Division II and another two years in JUCO, before leading the Redhawks in receiving each of the last two seasons and being elected a two-time team captain. Flournoy was only the third player in Southeast Missouri State history invited to the NFL combine. He was No. 47 on Bruce Feldman's 2023 "Freaks List." Flournoy partially tore the ACL in his right knee in 2019 before totally tearing the same ACL in 2021. He turns 25 in October. Projected: Rounds 4-6

— BONUS: Ainias Smith (Sr., Texas A&M, 5-9, 190)

There are some off-the-field and durability concerns that need to be cleared up, but the five-year starter was a dynamic playmaker for the Aggies. He blends elusiveness and power with the ball in his hands, becoming the the only 2,000-yard receiver in SEC history to also produce at least 250 yards on rushing attempts, punt returns and kickoff returns. He's one of better punt returners in this draft class, averaging 10.2 yards per return with a pair of TDs. Projected: Rounds 4-6

— BONUS: Tahj Washington (Sr., USC, 5-9, 174)

Despite playing for four different head coaches in his five collegiate seasons, Washington was productive when on the field for Memphis and the Trojans. The two-time honorable mention All-Pac-12 honoree is small, there's no way around it, but he's also speedy, athletic and fearless. He makes contested catches underneath that others his size can't. Washington was one of six Pac-12 wide receivers to eclipse 1,000 yards last season, while leading the conference with five receptions of 50-plus yards. He's an explosive punt and kick returner who also possesses talent as a gunner. Projected: Rounds 5-6

— BONUS: Jalen Coker (Sr., Holy Cross, 6-1, 208)

A former no-star recruit, Coker possesses NFL-caliber size and ball skills. He faced four FBS opponents in his collegiate career and held his own. He produced an FCS-best 15 TD receptions last season. LSU's Brian Thomas Jr. was the only Division I player with more TD catches (17). Projected: Rounds 5-7

— BONUS: Isaiah Williams (Sr., Illinois, 5-9, 179)

A former four-star recruit at quarterback, Williams switched to wide receiver in 2021 and led the Big Ten in receptions (82) last season, becoming the conference's first player in almost two decades to post back-to-back seasons of 80-plus receptions. The two-time team captain plays bigger than his size, and is capable of using a defender's leverage against him while varying the speeds of his routes. Williams had 10 fumbles in his collegiate career, including three muffed punt returns. Projected: Rounds 6-7

— BONUS: Tulu Griffin (Sr., Mississippi State, 5-10, 181)

Griffin was the No. 8 athlete in the 2020 recruiting class. He's dangerous on reverses and manufactured touches, but he's undersized and his targets primarily came within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage. Griffin's speed and talent in the open field will attract suitors. He averaged 29.3 yards per kick return in college, including two return TDs of 90-plus yards. Projected: Round 7-PFA

— BONUS: Jordan Whittington (Sr., Texas, 6-0, 205)

The former five-star recruit has an extensive injury history that started in high school. The senior captain makes tough catches in traffic and gets after opponents as a run blocker. Injuries have zapped a lot of the premium athletic traits that got him highly recruited, but Whittington finds a way to contribute every time he steps on the field. Projected: PFA

— BONUS: Xavier Johnson (Sr., Ohio State, 6-0, 202)

Johnson was elected team captain as a senior after starring on special teams in each of his five seasons with the Buckeyes, finishing his collegiate career with an impressive 14 tackles. He also played running back and receiver during his time in Columbus. Projected: PFA

— BONUS: John Jiles (Sr., West Florida, 6-2, 219)

Jiles blocked three kicks (two field goals, one punt) during his two seasons at Division II Virginia Union before transferring to Pensacola, where he produced 66 receptions for 1,255 yards and 16 TD receptions. Projected: PFA

— BONUS: Cole Burgess (Sr., SUNY Cortland, 6-0, 192)

Burgess dominated Division III with 124 receptions, 2,191 yards and 27 TD receptions his last two seasons and helped lead the Red Dragons to their first national title last season. He's a potential three-level threat with kick-return value if he can handle the leap in competition. Projected: PFA

— BONUS: Tejhaun Palmer (Sr., UAB, 6-1, 210)

Palmer led the Blazers in receiving yards (838) and TD receptions (seven), earning invites to the Hula Bowl and East-West Shrine Bowl. He's an explosive athlete with impressive ball skills. Palmer was No. 89 on Bruce Feldman's "Freaks List" last season. Projected: PFA


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

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