NFL Analysis
3/21/24
5 min read
2024 NFL Draft: 7 Best Deep Threats Among Wide Receivers
The 2024 NFL Draft is almost upon us, so it’s time to look at some of the top traits of draft-eligible players.
Teams covet speed more and more, something recent drafts bear out. They draft receivers higher strictly because of their speed and deep-threat ability. Not all top prospects are necessarily deep threats, but some names have risen to the top because of their ability to take the tops off of defenses and make explosive plays downfield.
With that in mind, let’s dive into the seven best deep threats entering the 2024 NFL Draft.
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All rankings are a minimum of 20 targets.
7 Best Deep Threats in 2024 NFL Draft
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7. Xavier Worthy, Texas 
Xavier Worthy was one of the combine’s stars, setting the record for the fastest 40-yard dash in the event’s history. His speed shows on the field, too. Our scouts gave him a “7” grade for his play speed and listed some of his main strengths as “speed” and “vertical threat.”
Worthy’s explosiveness and open-field quickness helped Texas to the College Football Playoff with a highly productive and efficient season. He is also reliable downfield, posting a 73 percent on-target catch percentage and a 0 percent drop rate on throws at least 15 yards down the field.
6. Troy Franklin, Oregon 
Our scouts described Troy Franklin as a deep threat with a “7” grade for play speed. What he lacks in strength and stature (he's 6-foot-2 but weighs less than 180 pounds) he makes up for with speed and quickness.
Franklin posted a 130.8 receiver rating on targets more than 15 yards down the field, which ranked 17th among receivers in college football last season. He was efficient, catching 58.3 percent of targets 15-plus yards downfield, good enough for 15th in the country.
Jermaine Burton is having a DAY.
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5. Jermaine Burton, Alabama 
One of our scouts described Jermaine Burton as a “certified deep-threat receiver.” The SEC player is no stranger to top-end defenses, and he consistently hauls in deep targets with his “7” play speed and “6” contested catch trait grades.
Burton is an experienced deep-route runner and ranks second in the draft class in Deep Route Percentage (48 percent). Throughout his college career, roughly 77 percent of his receiving yards have come through the air while his 18.9 yards average depth of target is the highest in the class.
4. Brian Thomas Jr., LSU 
At 6-foot-3, 209 pounds, Brian Thomas Jr. ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash. His deep-threat ability is unquestionable, and he routinely makes plays down the field. His body type, “7” grade play speed and clutch playmaking ability mean defenses will always have to account for Thomas’ ability to go deep.
On 25 catchable targets 15-plus yards down the field, Thomas hauled in 20 and posted 27.6 Yards Per Route Run, which ranked second. He also had a receiver rating of 138.4, which ranked No. 7, right behind teammate Malik Nabers.
3. Malik Nabers, LSU
Primarily known for his playmaking and after-catch ability, Malik Nabers poses a threat on deep routes because of his separation ability. His “quick, aggressive release” allows him to beat press coverage and despite his size, “he thrives in contested-catch situations.”
Nabers posted the highest yards per route run in the group at 3.9. His 37 percent deep route percentage proves he can win down the field consistently.
Additionally, Nabers posted the highest receiver rating in the group (138.6) when targeted 15 or more yards down the field.
2. Devontez Walker, North Carolina 
At 6-foot-2, 193 pounds, Devontez Walker is as explosive as they come. He plays fast and is known for building up speed and accelerating down the sideline. At the combine, Walker posted a 4.36-second 40-yard dash and a 40.5-inch vertical, solidifying himself as one of the better pure athletes in the draft.
Walker posted the second-highest average depth of target in the group at 17.1. Despite playing only eight games and posting 699 receiving yards last season, 573 of those yards came through the air. That accounted for about 82 percent of his total yards, which ranks first in the group.
1. Rome Odunze, Washington 
Although he isn’t considered one of the draft's faster wide receivers, Rome Odunze is still a certified deep threat. Our scouts touted his contested-catch ability and downfield tracking, giving both traits a “7” or very good grade. At 6-foot-3, 212 pounds, Odunze’s ability to make plays down the field should be unquestioned.
In 2023, Odunze ranked first among receivers in this class with 2,307 intended air yards, 622 more yards than second place. His 42 percent deep route percentage was also one of the highest in the class, showing receivers don’t need to have great speed to be considered a deep threat.
Stats and ranks as of 3/18/2024
This article was written by Ryan Rubenstein.
