NFL Analysis
3/6/24
13 min read
2024 NFL Draft: Ranking Top 20 Wide Receiver Prospects
The 2024 NFL Draft is just 50 days away, and this year's receiver class is highly touted. Several receivers are expected to be selected into the first round, with plenty more going in the middle rounds.
Here's a look at our top 20 wide receiver prospects.
>> READ MORE: Full 2024 Draft Board
Ranking 2024 Wide Receiver Prospects
20. Jamari Thrash, Louisville 
Big Board Rank: 145
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 188
Jamari Thrash projects as a No. 4 receiver who can line up outside as a Z or slide into the slot. He is quicker than fast, showing some ability to stretch the field, but is better in the short-to-intermediate levels where he can show off his ability to get in and out of breaks quickly.
He shows sufficient hands, catching the balls he should catch, but he doesn’t possess a huge catch radius. With the ball in his hands, he shows a little indecision but has some wiggle to make defenders miss and run through arm tackles.
He brings physicality as a blocker but lacks the size and strength to sustain it for long. On third downs, he'll best be utilized by being put on the outside to win at the top of routes. His physicality and toughness should allow him to contribute to some special teams units.
>> READ MORE: Thrash's Full Scouting Report
19. Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, Georgia 
Big Board Rank: 141
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 195
Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint projects as a No. 4 wide receiver who can play on the outside or serve the bigger slot role on run downs. He does not have great speed or separation ability and is not a player you target to make plays after the catch.
However, he is a reliable hands-catcher who has a large catch radius and is an extremely willing and plus blocker in the run and screen game. He does not bring a ton to be on the field during third downs, but he will be a solid red zone option.
He played more than 400 special teams snaps at Georgia and will be a valuable special teamer at the next level, just not as a returner.
>> READ MORE: Rosemy-Jacksaint's Scouting Report
18. Jacob Cowing, Arizona 
Big Board Rank: 137
Height: 5-foot-8
Weight: 168
Jacob Cowing projects as a No. 4 WR who fits best in the slot. His suddenness is highlighted by his precision routes, quick acceleration, and devastating double moves. Cowing's suddenness creates separation at the top of the routes, but he struggles to consistently win 50-50 balls.
His small catch radius, inconsistent hands and hesitancy when attacking the ball are factors. Despite his explosiveness, he is not ultra-elusive after the catch and typically goes down with the first arm tackle.
Cowing can be utilized all over the field laterally but is not a consistent deep-play threat without a good offensive route concept. On third downs, his sharp breaks and quick burst make him an ideal target in the slot. He has some punt return experience and should be competitive for that role at the next level.
>> READ MORE: Cowing's Full Scouting Report
17. Jalen McMillan, Washington 
Big Board Rank: 96
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 197
Jalen McMillan projects as a No. 3 receiver at the next level where he works mostly out of the slot. He could work off the line as a Z on the outside and will need to get stronger before he can line up on the line consistently.
On third downs, allowing him to stretch the seams or run option routes, working inside or out, out of the slot should allow him to be successful. His competitiveness and play speed should allow him to be a solid contributor on special teams, ideally on kickoff or as a gunner on punt.
He also has some punt return experience, and that’s something he could do at the next level.
>> READ MORE: McMillian's Full Scouting Report
16. Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky 
Big Board Rank: 95
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 210
Malachi Corley projects as a No. 3 receiver in a spread offense, working predominantly out of the slot. He will be at his best when he’s getting the ball quickly and given the ability to create after the catch, so screens and crossing routes will cater to his strengths.
On third downs, Corley can be a reliable target for clutch yards in short-yardage situations on quick-hitting routes. His playmaking abilities and vision to find routes through defenders will make him a solid return option at the next level.
>> READ MORE: Corley's Full Scouting Report
15. Brenden Rice, USC 
Big Board Rank: 91
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 208
Brenden Rice projects as a No. 3 WR who fits best on the outside. His ability to stretch the field will need to improve as he struggled to create separation outside of sharp breaks on shallower routes.
There are some opportunities for him on the inside to create a mismatch against smaller defenders while getting away from more physical corners on the outside. While he likely will not be the primary target on third down, he can draw some targets and could draw some flags downfield as well.
He has some return experience at Colorado and should be in consideration for that role at the next level.
>> READ MORE: Rice's Full Scouting Report
14. Ricky Pearsall, Florida 
Big Board Rank: 90
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 189
Ricky Pearsall projects to be a No. 3 receiver at the next level, mainly playing in a slot role, but he does have some outside versatility to line up off the ball as a Z if needed.
His dependable hands and route savvy should allow him to become a contributor for most offenses, though he may lack the big-play ability of other similar receivers.
He'll have the most success on third downs, where he can win off the line and at the top of routes. Thanks to his high effort level, overall toughness and athleticism, Pearsall could also see work on special teams and potentially as a punt return man with his tracking ability and hands.
>> READ MORE: Pearsall's Full Scouting Report
13. Roman Wilson, Michigan 
Big Board Rank: 88
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 189
Roman Wilson projects as a No. 3 receiver in a pro-style offense where he can work primarily out of the slot and stretch the defense through the middle and on crossing routes. He can be used on the outside to use his speed on the boundary and take some deep shots.
On third downs, he can be moved around to use his speed out of bunches or reduced sets to attack through the middle of defenses. His athletic abilities and willingness to block should allow him to be a core member of the punt return unit.
>> READ MORE: Wilson's Full Scouting Report
12. Xavier Legette, South Carolina 
Big Board Rank: 87
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 221
Xavier Legette is a versatile role player who can contribute in many fashions for various schemes. However, he will excel in an offense that can move him around and manufacture touches.
While he has shown the ability to line up, stretch the field vertically and command the catch point, his potential as a mismatch is the key to unlocking his full potential. Legette can be used on any down and has return ability along with the size, speed, and aggression to play on special teams.
>> READ MORE: Legette's Full Scouting Report
11. Xavier Worthy, Texas 
Big Board Rank: 82
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 165
Xavier Worthy projects as a No. 3 wide receiver who could start in the slot or provide a vertical threat out wide when needed. Coordinators could get creative in his touches, utilizing him on jet sweeps or screens to get him the ball.
Putting him in a stack or bunch to remove the physical defender and try to blow past him would allow him to thrive more. On third downs, he could play inside or outside but would likely be more effective in the slot.
He has been the primary punt returner for Texas for the last two years and should compete for that job at the next level.
>> READ MORE: Worthy's Full Scouting Report
10. Ladd McConkey, Georgia 
Big Board Rank: 81
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 186
Ladd McConkey projects best as a No. 3 receiver and role player working mainly out of the slot with strong special teams ability at the next level. He has a three-down starter ceiling if everything comes together, especially if he can fill out the rest of his frame and improve his hand strength and deep route running.
While he doesn’t have the elite skills of a top receiver, he has the savvy route running ability to get open and be an effective piece of an offense. On third downs, he should work out of the slot, but he can also be put in motion to get him into space.
His return experience, coupled with his play speed and toughness, makes him a solid special teams contributor at the next level.
>> READ MORE: McConkey's Full Scouting Report
9. Devontez Walker, North Carolina 
Big Board Rank: 75
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 193
In the NFL, Devontez Walker projects as a No. 3 receiver who best fits in an offensive scheme that will deploy him exclusively on the outside and utilize his speed and playmaking ability on vertical shots and in the quick game.
From X/Z alignment, he has the skill set to be an asset on every down. Walker has limited return experience, but his tracking and run-after-catch ability suggest he has some potential in that role. He likely doesn’t bring a ton to other areas of special teams.
>> READ MORE: Walker's Full Scouting Report
8. Ja'Lynn Polk, Washington
Big Board Rank: 74
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 203
Ja'Lynn Polk projects best as a No. 3 wide receiver who fits on the outside in a scheme that relies on crossing routes. He has the route savvy, toughness and reliable hands to work over the middle. However, he lacks the burst and explosiveness to consistently play in the slot.
On third downs, Polk can be a versatile route runner, threatening the defense down the field, over the middle or in the screen game. His toughness and size should make him a contributing special teams member if needed.
>> READ MORE: Polk's Full Scouting Report
7. Adonai Mitchell, Texas
Big Board Rank: 72
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 205
Adoani Mitchell projects as a No. 3 receiver who will do most of his work on the outside. He can stretch the defense deep or across the middle in the intermediate. On third downs, he will be most effective running crossers in the short and intermediate areas over the middle to move the chains.
He can win on the outside with double moves, setting up DBs and being a clutch target near the goal line. His sufficient toughness suggests he could be a special teams contributor, but he should not be relied on as a core member unless he adds some weight and muscle to his frame.
>> READ MORE: Mitchell's Full Scouting Report
6. Troy Franklin, Oregon 
Big Board Rank: 70
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 176
Troy Franklin projects as a No. 3 receiver who fits best in the slot and in an offense where he can stretch the field. He should get the ball in his hands quickly so that he can use his speed and quickness to create big plays.
He could occasionally be used as the Z in two-receiver sets, so he can line up off the line and use his foot quickness to avoid immediate jams. On third downs, playing him in the slot to run crossers or stretch the seams is where he’ll be most effective.
His skill set suggests he could have some punt return ability, but aside from that, he would be a sufficient-at-best special teams player on some units.
>> READ MORE: Franklin's Full Scouting Report
5. Brian Thomas Jr., LSU 
Big Board Rank: 21
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 209
Brian Thomas Jr. projects as a solid No. 2 receiver at the next level where he can use his speed as a vertical threat to take the top off of a defense. While he does need to learn an NFL route tree, the routes he ran his limited route tree well.
On third downs, placing him on the outside where he can threaten the defense vertically is his best spot, but he can also slide inside as a big slot to stretch the seams. If asked to play special teams, he could be a strong member on most units, given his speed and toughness as a receiver and blocker.
>> READ MORE: Thomas Jr.'s Full Scouting Report
4. Keon Coleman, Florida State 
Big Board Rank: 18
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 213
At the next level, Keon Coleman projects to be a reliable No. 2 receiver and will perform best for a team that utilizes him as a possession receiver who can make plays above the rim and bail out his quarterback.
With good size and the ability to get open from both outside and in the slot, Coleman has some scheme versatility and can be effective in multiple ways. While not the most polished route runner, he already shows the ability to attack leverage and create throwing windows for the passer.
There is plenty of room for improvement in Coleman’s game. His ability to win 50-50 balls and pick up yards after the catch will allow him to provide production while he grows as a player. Coleman’s size, athleticism, physical play and experience as a punt returner should lend him to being a contributor on special teams.
>> READ MORE: Coleman's Full Scouting Report
3. Rome Odunze, Washington
Big Board Rank: 5
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 212
Rome Odunze projects to be a prototypical “X” at the next level, with the flexibility to play in the slot. He can stretch the defense vertically and be a mismatch downfield because of his tracking ability and consistency as a contested-catch ball winner.
He can easily be a No. 1 WR in an offense or serve as a high-end No. 2 to another wide receiver with a complementary skill set. Odunze also has experience as a returner in college and has even returned a punt for a TD in 2023.
>> READ MORE: Odunze's Full Scouting Report
2. Malik Nabers, LSU
Big Board Rank: 4
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 200
Malik Nabers projects to be a No. 1 wide receiver who plays mostly on the outside with flexibility to play in the slot. He will be best suited running a route tree with a lot of curls, digs and crossers due to his ability to separate at the top of routes.
Nabers is a dynamic player who can separate and run with the ball after the catch to move the chains on third downs. Nabers has limited experience as a returner, but his playmaking ability with the ball in his hands could speak to his ability to add value on special teams.
>> READ MORE: Nabers' Full Scouting Report
1. Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State 
Big Board Rank: 1
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 209
Marvin Harrison Jr. has all the makings of an elite receiver at the next level. He can do just about everything for an offense. He should be fed the ball often, and even when he’s not open, he’s open.
In any situation, he fits best as an X receiver but can also slide into the slot to create mismatches with smaller or less athletic defenders. He could be a sufficient-to-good member on some special teams units, but a team shouldn’t waste his reps in that area of the game.
>> READ MORE: Harrison Jr.'s Full Scouting Report
