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Day three of the 2024 NFL Combine is underway, and we are recapping the top performances by position group on the day.
Check back at the end of each day as we continue to recap every position group from the drill work at the 2024 NFL Combine.
Overview of Today's Analysis
Below, we provide a breakdown of the top players ranked within their respective position groups. This analysis is based on the drill work and how it correlates with each prospect's initial scouting report from the Football Scout 365 NFL Draft Big Board, available on our website.
Grading If the Film Matches the NFL Combine Data
The aim of today's analysis is to assess each prospect's NFL Combine drill performance. We consider all aspects of the workouts, from the 40-yard dash to the on-field exercises, to determine if a prospect's previous film analysis and scouting report align with their performance during the NFL Combine's on-field drills. Learn more about the player grade scale here.
The Top Wide Receiver Grades At The 2024 NFL Combine
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington (6’ 3’’, 212 lbs)
Combine Data & Ranking Within His Position Group:
40-Yard Dash: 4.45 seconds
10-Yard Split: 1.52 seconds
Vertical Jump: 39''
Broad Jump: 10’ 4’’
Scouting Report Connection: Rome Odunze is a standout receiver with an excellent combination of size, athleticism, and elite ball skills, setting him apart from his peers. His ability to dominate competition, particularly in contested catch situations, underscores his potential as a high-impact player at the professional level. While his route running may require further refinement, his speed, stemming from a background in sprinting, positions him well for the transition to the NFL.
Grade Assignment: Given Odunze’s exceptional production and athletic profile, coupled with his ball skills that align with those of top NFL receivers, his grade would be Elite (9-10). His potential as a high-volume target who can exploit mismatches makes him a likely Day 1 starter and a candidate to develop into a premier WR1 in the league. If he can enhance his route precision and maintain his competitive edge, Odunze has the makings of a standout NFL wide receiver.
Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas (6’ 2’’, 205 lbs)
Combine Data & Ranking Within His Position Group:
40-Yard Dash: 4.34 seconds (2nd among wide receivers)
10-Yard Split: 1.52 seconds (8th among wide receivers)
Vertical Jump: 39.5'' (3rd among wide receivers)
Broad Jump: 11’ 4’’ (1st among wide receivers)
Scouting Report Connection: Adonai Mitchell is an ascending wide receiver prospect exhibiting a compelling blend of size, speed, and ball skills, poised to excel at the NFL level. His combine performance showcases his remarkable athleticism, particularly in speed and leaping ability, aligning with his potential as a dynamic deep threat and contested-catch winner. While he demonstrates proficiency in making catches outside his frame, there is room for improvement in his route running and consistency in tight coverage situations.
Grade Assignment: Reflecting on Mitchell’s superior combine metrics and his developing skill set, his grade is Very Good to Outstanding (7-8). His ability to impact the game across all three levels, combined with his physical traits, sets a high ceiling for his NFL career. If he can refine his route-running and maintain aggressive playmaking, especially in tight quarters, Mitchell has the potential to evolve from a WR2 to a WR1, contributing significantly to an NFL receiving corps.
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU (6’ 3’’, 209 lbs)
Combine Data & Ranking Within His Position Group:
40-Yard Dash: 4.34 seconds (3rd among wide receivers)
10-Yard Split: Data not provided
Vertical Jump: 38.5'' (not provided in the rankings but based on other receivers, likely top performance)
Broad Jump: 10’ 6’’ (not provided in the rankings but based on other receivers, likely a top performance)
Scouting Report Connection: Brian Thomas Jr. boasts an impressive physical profile suitable for both inside and outside receiving roles, marked by his size, speed, and agility. Despite occasional lapses in route-running intensity, his physical gifts provide a strong foundation for further development. His ability to evade press coverage and create separation, especially on deep routes, highlights his potential as a significant downfield threat. However, to elevate his game, Thomas needs to refine his route running and embrace a more physical approach in tight coverage situations.
Grade Assignment: Given Thomas’s standout athletic performances and his potential for growth, his grade would be Very Good to Outstanding (7-8). His speed and physical traits position him well as a potential WR1/2, assuming he can polish his technical skills and enhance his physical play. Early in his NFL career, he could serve as a valuable deep threat, with the ability to evolve into a more complete receiver as he refines his game.
Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas (5’ 11’’, 165 lbs)
Combine Data & Ranking Within His Position Group:
40-Yard Dash: 4.21 seconds (1st among wide receivers)
10-Yard Split: 1.49 seconds (1st among wide receivers)
Vertical Jump: 41'' (2nd among wide receivers)
Broad Jump: 10’ 11’’ (5th among wide receivers)
Scouting Report Connection: Xavier Worthy is characterized by his exceptional speed and vertical leap, standing out as a premier deep threat capable of changing the dynamics of a game with his ability to separate from defenders. Despite concerns regarding his slender build and the challenges he may face against physical coverage in the NFL, Worthy’s athleticism presents a unique toolset for any offensive playbook. His speed allows him to create significant separation, potentially compensating for physical limitations.
Grade Assignment: Reflecting on Worthy’s outstanding combine performance and his collegiate production, his grade is Very Good to Outstanding (7-8). While his physical dimensions may pose challenges, his elite speed and leaping ability offer significant upside, particularly in schemes that can leverage his field-stretching capabilities. If he can develop strategies to counteract press coverage and enhance his strength, Worthy has the potential to transition from a situational deep threat to a more complete receiver, contributing significantly at the NFL level.
Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina (6’ 1 1/2’’, 193 lbs)
Combine Data & Ranking Within His Position Group:
40-Yard Dash: 4.36 seconds (4th among wide receivers)
10-Yard Split: Data not provided
Vertical Jump: 40.5'' (5th among wide receivers)
Broad Jump: 11’ 2’’ (2nd among wide receivers)
Scouting Report Connection: Devontez Walker is highlighted as a potent deep threat due to his linear build and notable build-up speed. His combine results underscore this attribute, particularly with his impressive rankings in the 40-yard dash and vertical jump, showcasing his ability to compete at the NFL level as a vertical target. However, his limitations in route diversity and short-area quickness suggest a need for development to become a more well-rounded receiver.
Grade Assignment: Reflecting on Walker's combine performance, which highlights his top-end speed and ability to make contested catches, his grade is Above Average to Good (6-7). His physical attributes and improvement in combat catches offer a solid foundation for a role specifically designed to leverage his vertical threat capabilities. If Walker can enhance his route-running skills and demonstrate physicality consistent with his size, he has the potential to surpass the expectations of a backup and secure a significant role in an NFL offense, particularly within schemes favoring deep passing plays.
Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia (6’ 0’’, 186 lbs)
Combine Data & Ranking Within His Position Group:
40-Yard Dash: 4.39 seconds (6th among wide receivers)
10-Yard Split: 1.52 seconds (7th among wide receivers)
Vertical Jump: 36'' (16th among wide receivers)
Broad Jump: 10’ 4’’ (20th among wide receivers)
Scouting Report Connection: Ladd McConkey is noted for his precise route running, enabling him to get open across all field levels. His combine performance underscores his agility and speed, particularly evident in his 40-yard dash time, which complements his on-field route-running prowess. Though he may struggle against press coverage and in making contested catches, his ability to create separation and manipulate coverage leverages his strengths effectively.
Grade Assignment: Considering McConkey’s combine metrics, which highlight his speed and route running, combined with his skilled leverage and understanding of defenses, his grade is Above Average to Good (6-7). While there are areas for improvement, particularly in physical matchups, his refined route running and quickness suggest he has the potential to develop into a productive slot receiver in the NFL. If McConkey can improve his strength and continue to evolve his game, he could exceed the expectations set by his current projection.
Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina (6’ 1’’, 221 lbs)
Combine Data & Ranking Within His Position Group:
40-Yard Dash: 4.39 seconds (8th among wide receivers)
10-Yard Split: 1.54 seconds (20th among wide receivers)
Vertical Jump: 40'' (6th among wide receivers)
Broad Jump: 10’ 6’’ (8th among wide receivers)
Scouting Report Connection: Xavier Legette exhibits a powerful combination of strength and athleticism, as evident in his combine performance. His capabilities in jump-ball situations are underscored by his significant vertical leap and broad jump results, highlighting his effectiveness in contested scenarios. Despite concerns about his agility and route-running fluidity, Legette's physical attributes make him a formidable deep threat and contested-catch receiver.
Grade Assignment: Given Legette’s solid combine metrics and his potential as indicated by his physical style of play, his grade is Above Average to Good (6-7). His physical tools, combined with his competitive nature and ability to make challenging catches, provide a strong foundation for development into a more significant role. If Legette can refine his route-running skills and improve his release against press coverage, he has the potential to exceed the backup role and become a valuable starter in an NFL offense.
Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida (6’ 1’’, 189 lbs)
Combine Data & Ranking Within His Position Group:
40-Yard Dash: 4.41 seconds
10-Yard Split: 1.57 seconds
Vertical Jump: 42'' (3rd among wide receivers)
Broad Jump: 10’ 9’’ (9th among wide receivers)
Scouting Report Connection: Ricky Pearsall stands out as a dependable slot receiver known for his meticulous route-running and reliable hands. His combine performance, particularly in the vertical jump, indicates his ability to contest catches despite a lack of physicality. While he may lack the quickness to consistently beat press coverage, his understanding of how to manipulate defensive looks and create openings through precise route execution highlights his potential.
Grade Assignment: Considering Pearsall’s solid combine metrics against his potential challenges in the NFL, his grade is Above Average to Good (6-7). His excellent vertical leap and broad jump measurements showcase his athletic ability, which, combined with his route-running acumen, could make him a valuable asset in the slot. To transcend his projected status and become more than a quality backup, Pearsall will need to demonstrate an ability to consistently separate from NFL-caliber defenders and leverage his skills in contested situations more effectively.