2024 NFL Draft: Wide Receiver Big Board

The NFL Draft process is underway with draft declarations, all-star game decisions, and the Combine in the rearview mirror. Big boards will be released, and then some. Who are the best of the best in a loaded class of receivers? Are there any who could join the ranks of rookies turned bonafide stars like Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and DK Metcalf? How many will go in the first round? Who could be a sneaky pick-up on Day 3 that turns heads like Puka Nacua?

Note: All RAS scores are courtesy of @MathBomb

In case you missed the other positional rankings, they can be found below

Quarterback

Running Back

2024 Wide Receiver Rankings

“One of One and the Son”

1. Marvin Harrison, Jr | 6’3 209 | Ohio State

There are many platitudes for this son of an NFL legend. For several years, MHJ has been billed as the next big thing from the Ohio State receiver room. He’s finally draft-eligible and should be a top-five selection. Like his father, he is a smooth athlete with plus hands and great route-running ability. Everything looks effortless with him. Size and speed, along with ball skills, are significant pluses in his game. It could be argued that he’s the best receiver prospect to come out in some time. He didn’t work out at the Combine nor his Pro Day, which is fine for a prospect of his stature. His physical and play style profile matches up to longtime great A.J. Green. Production was virtually equal in consecutive seasons despite missing a game in 2023 due to injury.

2023 Statistics: 67 receptions for 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns

Player Comp: A.J. Green

Round Projection: Top 5

“Silver Reign”

2. Rome Odunze | 6’2 212 | Washington

Odunze broke out as a junior in 2022 but came on strong as a senior while leading the Huskies receiver room. He’s one of the best prospects in the class, with all the physical traits that teams covet, including impressive speed and athleticism. He possesses great speed and very good route running. Odunze is a bigger receiver with excellent ball skills that can make any catch look routine. He simply knows how to get open somehow. He is a home run threat from anywhere on the field, as evidenced by his 17.8 yards per reception. His athletic and play style matches that of former Penn State great Allen Robinson, a tenured veteran. The former Huskies receiver shouldn’t fall out of the top ten.

2023 Statistics: 92 receptions for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns

RAS: 9.92

Player Comp: Allen Robinson

Round Projection: Top 10

“Bust out the Bronze?”

3. Malik Nabers | 6’0 200 | LSU

Nabers is just the latest star receiver to join the league from the Bayou Bengals. He was immensely productive in his three seasons in Baton Rouge, posting consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. His touchdown production exploded as a junior, and he doubled it from his prior two combined years. In his final collegiate season, he averaged 17.1 yards per catch. The former LSU star is an impressive athlete who can vary his tempo and explosiveness at will to adjust to the passer. He’s pretty good with the ball in his hands and is a big play threat from anywhere on the field. He compares to another LSU star, Justin Jefferson, in play and athletic profile. The wait for him to get selected shouldn’t be lone, as he’s a top ten pick.

2023 Statistics: 89 receptions for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns

Player Comp: Justin Jefferson

Round Projection: Top 10

“Two Step on the 40 Acres”

4. Adonai Mitchell | 6’2 205 | Texas

Mitchell emerged in a big way in his lone season on the 40 Acres. He outproduced his tenure in Athens by a long way and was the primary receiver for the Horns. The prospect cemented himself in the semifinal against Washington, where he really stepped up against a talented secondary. He’s a big receiver at 6’2, so the catch radius is there. The long speed and explosive burst ability are a huge plus. He tested very well at the Combine, thus earning a 9.99 RAS. His athletic profile is similar to D.J. Chark, and his play style is reminiscent of CeeDee Lamb.

2023 Statistics: 55 receptions for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns

RAS: 9.99

Player Comp: D.J. Chark (athletic) / CeeDee Lamb (play style)

“Small but Mighty (Oregon)”

5. Troy Franklin | 6’1 176 | Oregon

Franklin was a playmaker for the Ducks’ passing attack for the past couple of seasons. He broke out in 2023 after showing signs of progress in 2022. The receiver has outstanding explosive athleticism and deep speed to counter unaware defensive backs. While he likely won’t ever be a WR1 for specific teams, he can be an elite WR2 at the next level. He was Bo Nix’s favorite target, either deep or in the short to intermediate areas. The prospect averaged an impressive 17.1 yards per reception as a junior. Physically, he resembles Marvin Mims, Jr, but he plays like Jameson Williams before his injury. He should be on the border between the first and second rounds.

2023 Statistics: 81 receptions for 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns

RAS: 8.94

Player Comp: Marvin Mims, Jr / Jameson Williams

Round Projection: First to Second

“Roaring on the Bayou”

6. Brian Thomas, Jr | 6’2 209 | LSU

He’s a home run threat from anywhere and everywhere on the field with the 4.33 speed and athleticism in his game. B.T. broke out as a junior with a whopping 17 touchdowns on just 68 receptions in 2023. A bigger receiver who can play anywhere but profiles similar to an “X” who can take the top off of any defense. The ball skills are a plus to his game as well. LSU’s “other” receiver prospect is a pretty good bet to go in the first round due to his immense athleticism and upside. He profiles similarly to another first-round selection, Florida State’s Javon Walker from the 2002 draft.

2023 Statistics: 68 receptions for 1,177 yards and 17 touchdowns

RAS: 8.92

Player Comp: Javon Walker

Round Projection: First to Second

“The Battle for Michigan (and Florida)”

7. Keon Coleman | 6’3 213 | Florida State

Coleman transferred to FSU after a breakout 2022 campaign for Michigan State that saw him score seven touchdowns. He upped his scoring and productivity for the Seminoles as their leading receiver. He’s a bigger body receiver who profiles like a true “X” on the perimeter. The prospect is a solid athlete that can go up and make any catch necessary. He didn’t run as well as hoped during the Combine with a 4.61 40 but is closer to a 4.5 or better. To wit, he clocked in at 20 miles per hour during the gauntlet drill, so the speed is there. He doesn’t have the best lateral agility so teams will have to scheme him open at times. The former Seminole star is similar to Colts’ star Michael Pittman, Jr.

2023 Statistics: 50 receptions for 658 yards and 11 touchdowns

RAS: 8.08

Player Comp: Michael Pittman, Jr

Round Projection: Second to Third

8. Roman Wilson | 5’10 185 | Michigan

After two serviceable seasons in Ann Arbor, Wilson broke out in a giant way for the national champions. He’s a solid but not great athlete and an efficient route runner. He dominated the Senior Bowl, making a highlight-reel catch against potential CB1. He’s more explosive than straight-line fast. Combine his lateral explosiveness with his route-running ability, and you get a perfect slot receiver in any scheme. Efficiency is the name of his game, as there are hardly any wasted movements. Stylistically and physically, he is comparable to longtime veteran Emmanuel Sanders. He could be a steal in the late stages of Day 2.

2023 Statistics: 43 receptions for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns

RAS: 7.44

Player Comp: Emmanuel Sanders

Round Projection: Second to Third

“Peaches and Palmettos”

9. Xavier Legette | 6’1 201 | South Carolina

Legette’s Senior Bowl effort was good but not impressive. He also has only one season of production at South Carolina, so teams will be wary. He’s an exceptional athlete with speed for days and can outjump any defensive back in contest situations. He impressed at the Combine to make up for some deficiencies in Mobile in a big way. Athletically and physically, he resembles Colts receiver Alec Pierce and is almost a carbon copy of Jaelen Strong.

2023 Statistics: 71 receptions for 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns

RAS: 9.88

Player Comp: Alec Pierce / Jaelen Strong

Round Projection: Second to Third

10. Ladd McConkey | 5’11 186 | Georgia

After an electric junior season that portended a great senior season, McConkey didn’t have the best year in 2023. He battled injuries and played in only nine contests for the Bulldogs after playing in 30 the two previous seasons. He’s a nasty route runner with the savvy know-how to throw defenders off their timing. Laterally, he isn’t the best, but with the intelligent route running and burst off the line, he can get going quickly. Ball skills are another huge plus in his favor as well. The former Bulldog was invited to the Senior Bowl, where he put on a show. This DGD compares physically and stylistically to veteran Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett.

2023 Statistics: 30 receptions for 478 yards and two touchdowns

RAS: 8.60

Player Comp: Tyler Lockett

Round Projection: Second to Third

“One Small Step (in Texas)”

11. Xavier Worthy | 5’11 165 | Texas

We have a new speed king after Worthy broke the Combine 40 record in a blistering 4.21 seconds. Worthy is so much more than the speed he’s known for. He’s a better all-around receiver than John Ross, the previous record holder. 2023 was a bounce-back season after 2022 was somewhat of a letdown for him. Lateral agility and long speed aren’t concerns, but size, as he measured in at just 165 pounds. He is an explosive athlete with a lightning-quick first step that beats just about any defender assigned to him. However, if a defensive back gets his hands on him before he accelerates away, he can be easily manipulated due to the lack of strength in his frame. The former Longhorn compares physically and stylistically to another Texas burner, Marquise Goodwin, who was good enough to participate in U.S. Olympic qualifying.

2023 Statistics: 75 receptions for 1,104 yards and five touchdowns

RAS: 9.39

Player Comp: Marquise Goodwin

Round Projection: Second to Third

12. Ricky Pearsall | 6’1 189 | Florida

Pearsall transferred to Florida after starting his career at Arizona State. His production increased annually, which is a good omen. He’s one of the best route runners in the class and an outstanding athlete. The former Gators receiver was invited to the Senior Bowl, where he dominated the event and was among the best receivers. He followed his impressive performance in Mobile with an excellent Combine showing further to solidify his stock into the Day 2 range. His profile is similar to that of longtime veteran receiver Adam Thielen.

2023 Statistics: 65 receptions for 965 yards and four touchdowns

RAS: 9.90

Player Comp: Adam Thielen

Round Projection: Second to Third

“Virginia is for fast and athletic dudes”

13. Malik Washington | 5’8 191 | Virginia

Washington stood out at the East-West Shrine Game after being the Cavaliers’ leading man in 2023. However, he’s on the smaller side, so he’ll likely be limited to the slot role at the next level. At the Combine, he posted an impressive 8.50 RAS. The former Virginia prospect transferred in from Northwestern for the 2023 season, and he also brings some return experience. Physically and stylistically, he’s almost a carbon copy of Sterling Shepard. He is currently trending as a middle to late Day 3 selection.

2023 Statistics: 110 receptions for 1,476 yards and nine touchdowns

RAS: 8.50

Player Comp: Sterling Shepard

Round Projection: Fifth

“Stock is going to the moon”

14. Javon Baker | 6’1 202 | UCF

Baker is a prospect who excelled as a transfer to UCF from Alabama. He also performed up to par at the Senior Bowl. He’s a deep-speed threat who does well in my ball situations in contestations with the defensive back. His productivity in Orlando was a plus, as was his posting of over 1,900 yards and 12 touchdowns. As a senior, he averaged over 22 yards per reception, so the big play factor was there for the Knights. The size isn’t too much of a concern as he’s physical off the line and has the long speed to run by defenders. He compares physically and stylistically to former Tennessee Volunteers receiver Marquez Callaway. Due to the depth of the receiver class, an early Day 3 ticket might be the ceiling for him.

2023 Statistics: 52 receptions for 1,139 yards and seven touchdowns

RAS: 7.70

Player Comp: Marquez Callaway

Round Projection: Fourth to Fifth

“The Son of Jerry and Man of Troy”

15. Brenden Rice | 6’2 208 | USC

The son of the GOAT receiver was impressive in Mobile, showing off that he is his own man as a prospect. He’s a fluid route runner with excellent ball skills for a man his size. Teams will love the athleticism and size aspect of his game. He’s not the fastest, but he gets the job done, bullying smaller defensive backs. Rice came into his own at USC after a transfer from Colorado, increasing his numbers every season, culminating in a 12-touchdown effort in 2023. He profiles similarly to Texans receiver Nico Collins, who has carved out a nice role in the league as a second banana. The former Trojans star should be a third-round selection at this juncture.

2023 Statistics: 45 receptions for 791 yards and 12 touchdowns

RAS: 7.91

Player Comp: Nico Collins

Round Projection: Third

“The Hills Have Receivers”

16. Malachi Corley | 5’11 215 | Western Kentucky

The former WKU star had an excellent week at the Senior Bowl, showing off his versatility and athleticism in spades against more considerable competition. He’s a do-it-all receiver who can fit in any offense at the next level, like a Deebo Samuel. The Hilltoppers deployed him in various roles, including in the slot, outside, and as a running back. He has the deep speed and acceleration to easily blow by opposing defensive backs. The production was top-of-the-line material, with over 2,200 yards and 22 touchdowns in the past two seasons. His physical and stylistic comparison is that of longtime electric playmaker Cordarrelle Patterson. An underrated receiver prospect who should go in the later stages of Day 2. Early Day 3 is his floor.

2023 Statistics: 79 receptions for 984 yards and 11 touchdowns

Player Comp: Cordarrelle Patterson

Round Projection: Third to Fourth

“From Peaches to the Land of Horses”

17. Jamari Thrash | 5’11 188 | Louisville

Thrash’s form dropped off slightly at the Combine after an eye-opening experience at the Senior Bowl. He’s an excellent route runner with the speed and explosive athleticism to beat most defensive backs, who are unaware of his reputation. He was productive during his last two collegiate seasons, hauling 124 receptions for 2,016 yards and 13 touchdowns. Mobile was the event that put him on the map, and he should be no later than an early Day 3 selection. He would no doubt go earlier in any other cycle that doesn’t have a loaded-down receiver class. Physically and stylistically, he compares to Diontae Johnson.

2023 Statistics: 63 receptions for 858 yards and six touchdowns

RAS: 6.63

Player Comp: Diontae Johnson

Round Projection: Fourth to Fifth

“Storming to a draft pick in Seattle”

18. Ja’Lynn Polk | 6’1 203 | Washington

Polk was part of a trio of NFL-ready receivers at Washington and could’ve been the most underrated. He flashed signs of a breakout during his junior season in 2022 but made good in 2023. Odunze got all the attention, and rightfully so, but Polk is an intriguing prospect. He isn’t the fastest athlete but has great ball skills and body control to compensate for it. His hands are a big plus as well. Also, he’s an effective route runner who consistently gets open against many coverage sets. The physical and style profile resembles former UCF star Tre’Quan Smith. He could be a great WR2 for a team looking for one in the middle to late stages of Day 3.

2023 Statistics: 69 receptions for 1,159 yards and nine touchdowns

RAS: 8.77

Player Comp: Tre’Quan Smith

Round Projection: Fifth to Sixth

“Here’s Johhnnnyy in the Sunshine State”

19. Johnny Wilson | 6’6 231 | Florida State

After two years as the critical target man for the potent Seminoles’ passing attack, Wilson was invited to the Senior Bowl, where he had a serviceable week, quieting the doubters. He decreased his drops while at FSU, but they reoccurred in 2023, with several being severe. The production declined last season as he battled injuries and a new teammate that took most of the glory. He’s one of the tallest receivers in the class and has an immense target radius. He runs inconsistent routes and needs further development in that area, but he did have a good Mobile experience. The prospect scored an impressive 9.93 in RAS due to the Combine testing. The physical and style profile is comparable to that of former Iowa State big man Hakeem Butler. He should be an early Day 3 selection with a possibility of late Day 2.

2023 Statistics: 41 receptions for 617 yards and two touchdowns

RAS: 9.93

Player Comp: Hakeem Butler

Round Projection: Fourth to Fifth

“Cooling their Heels”

20. Devontez Walker | 6’1 193 | North Carolina

Walker had an up-and-down Senior Bowl process, dropping several passes but losing a lot of one-on-one reps. He was more consistent at the Combine, clocking a great 40 time of 4.36 seconds, and looked explosive. The former Tar Heel transferred from Kent State but was declared ineligible by the NCAA until they reversed course late in the 2023 season, thus the not gaudy stats. He’s a great athlete that needs some route tree development at the next level. His profile resembles former Tennessee star receiver Jalin Hyatt. He’ll likely get drafted in the middle of Day 3.

2023 Statistics: 41 receptions for 699 yards and seven touchdowns

RAS: 9.91

Player Comp: Jalin Hyatt

Round Projection: Fifth to Sixth

“Where is the sweetest home?”

21. Jermaine Burton | 6’0 196 | Alabama

Burton split his time evenly between Georgia and Alabama. He increased his production annually, which is a good sign for the future. He has the speed and athleticism to blow by any defender, but the running route needs some improvement. The speedster plays with a lot of confidence, that’s for sure. Body control and straight-line speed are major pluses of his game. However, for all the talent on the field, he was involved in a postgame controversy during the 2022 season. He was seen making contact with a female Tennessee fan rushing the field, which led to no discipline. A team needing a deep threat could use his services while he develops as a route runner. He compares physically and stylistically to Kadarius Toney.

2023 Statistics: 39 receptions for 798 yards and eight touchdowns

RAS: 9.05

Player Comp: Kadarius Toney

Round Projection: Sixth to Seventh

“Not Instant Rice”

22. Luke McCaffery | 6’1 198 | Rice

Yeah, that’s another McCaffery son trying to enter the league. This one initially signed with Nebraska as a quarterback, transferred to Rice, and converted to receiver for his final two seasons. He was invited to the Senior Bowl, where he put on a great show. His route running ability is above average and stems from seeing them develop from his history as a passer. The Combine proved he is a great athlete with a 4.46 40 time, and the explosive testing was also good. McCaffery has had a solid offseason process, which should see him drafted higher than expected due to the bloodline and route savvy. He compares physically to Kevin Curtis, who starred at Utah State before having a productive pro career.

2023 Statistics: 71 receptions for 992 yards and 13 touchdowns

RAS: 9.40

Player Comp: Kevin Curtis

Round Projection: Seventh

“It’s Raining Receivers in The City of Rain”

23. Jalen McMillan | 6’1 197 | Washington

McMillan rounds out the impressive trio of receivers that Michael Penix threw to. He doesn’t get much of his teammates’ hype, but he is an effective route runner. He was injured for portions of the 2023 season, so teams will take a look at his medical file. The 2022 season was his peak, posting 1,098 yards and nine touchdowns on 79 catches before falling back in 2023. Still, the talent to be something more than a WR3 is there. An impressive athlete who has great speed, lateral agility, and positional flexibility to work around defenses. Solid hands and great spatial awareness to get open in a flash. He has the chance to sneak into the early stages of Day 3. The comparison between his play style and physical profile is that of Cowboys’ receiver Jalen Tolbert.

2023 Statistics: 45 receptions for 559 yards and five touchdowns

RAS: 9.33

Player Comp: Jalen Tolbert

Round Projection: Sixth to Seventh