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The 2024 NFL Draft wide receiver class is deep, with several players at the top of the rankings showing elite or near-elite ceiling potential. Currently, there are 21 receivers in the top 100 of the Football Scout 365 NFL Draft Big Board.
We evaluate every player using a proprietary grading process that involves film evaluation combined with advanced data. On the back end, our scouting process mirrors the same process deployed by current NFL front-office personnel so that we can deliver the most in-depth player scouting reports available. All of this is currently free (subject to change).
Each player scouting report includes:
In-depth player scouting report
Play Style and Scheme Fit Analysis
Player Strengths & Weaknesses
Player Comparisons
Today, we're focusing on the top 10 wide receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft class ahead of the 2024 NFL Combine. A lot can change post-NFL Combine, so we plan to revisit this analysis post-combine to discuss potential risers and fallers at the wide receiver position.
The Top 10 WR's
(1) Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
Analysis: Marvin Harrison Jr. is an outside X-receiver known for his polished route running, exceptional hands, and ability to create separation from defenders consistently. He excels in various offensive schemes due to his ability to run precise routes across all field levels and his effectiveness in contested catch situations. Harrison's size and body control make him an ideal target in the red zone and on the boundary. His skill set suggests he would thrive in a pro-style offense that values precise route running and the ability to win one-on-one matchups.
Draft Projections
Projected NFL Draft Round: 1st
Consensus Overall Pick #: 2nd
NFL Teams Mocked: Cardinals, Patriots
Grade Analysis: Elite prospect with the potential to be an NFL difference-maker, showcasing rare physical tools and consistent high-level performance.
(2) Malik Nabers, LSU
Analysis: Nabers excels with his dynamic playmaking ability, combining speed, explosiveness, and agility to create separation and make plays in open space. His physicality and strong hands make him a reliable target in contested situations. While he continues refining his route-running, his skill set matches offensive schemes prioritizing vertical threats and versatile receivers capable of making an impact across the field.
Draft Projections
Projected NFL Draft Round: 1st
Consensus Overall Pick #: 5th
NFL Teams Mocked: Giants, Bears, Chargers
Grade Analysis: High-end starter Potential, projected to be a top starter within his early NFL years, possessing significant playmaking ability.
(3) Rome Odunze, Washington
Analysis: Odunze is versatile, capable of playing across the formation, in the slot, and out wide. His key strengths are his exceptional hands and ability to dominate in contested catch situations. Despite lacking elite speed, his agility and ability to maintain concentration in traffic stand out. The refinement in route running, especially for routes requiring sharp separation, is an area for development. His play style suits a scheme that leverages his ability to win 50-50 balls and his effective use in the red zone.
Draft Projections
Projected NFL Draft Round: 1st
Consensus Overall Pick #: 7th
NFL Teams Mocked: Bears, Cardinals, Giants
Grade Analysis: High-end starter Potential, indicating readiness to become a significant contributor with versatile deep-threat capabilities.
(4) Keon Coleman, Florida State
Analysis: Coleman is a physical and aggressive receiver at the catch point, with strong hands that maintain catches through contact. He is effective in crowded spaces, tracks the ball well on downfield routes, and is comfortable using his body to shield defenders, making him a formidable target for contested catches. Coleman's ability to decelerate quickly and use efficient footwork makes him a threat on comeback routes. His physicality also extends to blocking, where he is effective in the run game. Coleman fits best as an X receiver in a scheme that values physicality and the ability to win contested catches.
Draft Projections
Projected NFL Draft Round: 1st
Consensus Overall Pick #: 23rd
NFL Teams Mocked: Buccaneers, Broncos, Jaguars
Grade Analysis: High-end starter Potential, poised for significant contribution and development as a top starter within the NFL framework.
(5) Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
Analysis: Brian Thomas Jr. is a tall, physically imposing wide receiver. His size and ball-tracking ability make him an ideal fit for offenses emphasizing a deep passing game. He needs to improve in route running precision and physicality in run blocking. His style is well-suited for a vertical or spread offense where he can utilize his deep route and jump-ball abilities.
Draft Projections
Projected NFL Draft Round: 1st
Consensus Overall Pick #: 21st
NFL Teams Mocked: Bengals, Bills, Cowboys
Grade Analysis: Mid-Level Starter Potential, suggesting capability for significant growth and the potential to exceed early expectations.
(6) Troy Franklin, Oregon
Ranking Analysis: Troy Franklin is a talented wide receiver with the speed, athleticism, and ball skills to be a star in the NFL. He would fit well in any offensive scheme, but he would be especially effective in a West Coast offense that relies on timing and precision. He would also be a good fit for an offense that uses a lot of screens and other short passes. Franklin has been compared to several receivers, but some of his most similar comparisons include Devonta Smith, Chris Olave, and Jordan Addison. These receivers are known for their speed, athleticism, and route-running ability. Franklin can potentially be a first-round pick in the NFL Draft, but he must improve his blocking and durability.
Draft Projections
Projected NFL Draft Round: Potential 1st, requiring further development
NFL Teams Mocked: Bills, Texans, Chiefs
Grade Analysis: Mid-Level Starter Potential, indicating the likelihood of becoming a solid contributor with the capacity for significant growth.
(7) Ladd McConkey, Georgia
Ranking Analysis: Ladd McConkey is a versatile wide receiver known for his route-running precision and ability to create separation. While he excels in the slot due to his quickness and understanding of defensive schemes, McConkey's ability to track the ball and his hands make him a reliable target on the outside.
Draft Projections
Projected NFL Draft Round: Late 1st to 3rd round variance
NFL Teams Mocked: Chiefs, Bills
Grade Analysis: Mid-Level Starter Potential, with room for exceeding expectations through versatility and open-field prowess.
(8) Adonai Mitchell, Texas
Ranking Analysis: Adonai Mitchell is a versatile and athletic wide receiver, proficient in deep routes and tracking the ball effectively. His long arms and frame enable him to play bigger than his size, making him a threat in various passing situations.
Draft Projections
Projected NFL Draft Round: 2nd to 3rd
NFL Teams Mocked: Giants, Titans
Grade Analysis: High-end starter Potential, with athleticism and skill suggesting a significant role in an NFL offense.
(9) Tez Walker, North Carolina
Ranking Analysis: Tez Walker is recognized for his deep-route proficiency and ball-tracking abilities, making him a valuable asset for teams seeking a vertical threat. His speed and agility enable him to excel in various offensive schemes, particularly those prioritizing downfield passing. Walker's solid route-running across different levels adds to his versatility and NFL appeal.
Draft Projections
Projected NFL Draft Round: 2nd to 3rd
NFL Teams Mocked: Patriots, Ravens
Grade Analysis: High-end starter Potential, indicating readiness to contribute and evolve into a key player in the NFL.
(10) Roman Wilson, Michigan
Ranking Analysis: Roman Wilson's vertical threat capability stands out, with the potential to excel in offensive schemes that leverage his speed and deep route proficiency. While his primary strength lies in stretching the defense, further development in his route tree could enhance his overall game and make him a more comprehensive threat.
Draft Projections
Projected NFL Draft Round: 2nd-4th round variance
NFL Teams Mocked: Bears, Lions
Grade Analysis: Mid-Level Starter Potential, with the athleticism and performance level suggesting a capacity for growth and significant contribution.