The NFL draft is a time for teams to compensate in areas they may lack in and bring in fresh talent. One of the most important positions on the field is the wide receiver spot. Without players to throw the ball to, quarterbacks are relegated to a wildcat offense where passing is almost nonexistent. Coming out of college, lots of fresh faces will be looking to make an impact and make a name for themselves in the league. With that, these are 10 college receivers to keep an eye on in the 2024 NFL draft.
10. Ladd McConkey – University of Georgia
Georgia Bulldog and certified SEC stud McConkey has only caught 30 passes for 478 yards and two touchdowns but has a talent for days. The speedy six-foot receiver had a down year in 2023 from his sophomore campaign but is entering the draft with enough impact plays to make him a candidate to consider.
9. Jermaine Burton – University of Alabama
Burton is one of the last bastions of Alabama’s glory days. The fourth-year senior put up 798 yards and eight touchdowns on 39 receptions. While consistent and ramping up his numbers with his elevating role, Burton has never been the flashiest receiver on the field. Burton is a player worth taking a shot at in a mid-later round as a project player to become great in the NFL.
8. Troy Franklin – University of Oregon
Franklin is a product of his system and a long-term connection with Oregon quarterback Bo Nix. In 2023, Franklin caught 81 passes for 1,383 passes and 14 touchdowns. The third-year player took bumps year to year in terms of production, crescendoing in the standout junior season.
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7. Xavier Legette – University of South Carolina
The fifth-year senior Gamecock put up 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns on 71 receptions in 2023 with an average yards per reception of 17.7 yards per grab. The 6’3 downfield receiving country boy put up monster numbers in his final season, outpacing his four previous years combined over threefold, setting him up for success looking into this year’s draft
6. Roman Wilson – University of Michigan
Wilson was quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s favorite target in 2023, racking up 789 yards and 12 touchdowns on 48 catches. The fourth-year senior almost doubled his numbers from the year prior on a championship team, leading Wilson to get hot at the right time.
5. Brian Thomas Jr. – Louisiana State University
Thomas and Malik Nabers combined for a historic season at LSU this year, with thanks in no small part to quarterback Jayden Daniels. With 1,177 yards and 17 yards on only 68 receptions, Thomas could very easily be the most underrated player in this year’s draft, not the receiver—player.
4. Adonai Mitchell – University of Texas
You know exactly what you’re getting when you draft Adonai Mitchell. The 6’4, 200-pound receiver is a lengthy threat to catch from anywhere on the field. Playing against SEC and Big 12 opponents, Mitchell displayed his skill sets against the highest level among his peers. While he was short of a 1,000 yards in 2023, he was able to secure 11 touchdowns on 55 catches.
3. Rome Odunze – University of Washington
Odunze, to me, feels a lot like Quinten Johnson did last season. The question of whether the player makes the team successful or the team makes the player successful has yet to be answered, but it’s a big one that will determine Odunze’s return on investment. Odunze put up 1,640 yards and 13 catches on 92 catches as quarterback Michael Penix Jr.’s favorite target. Odunze looks the part, but can he compete at the next level?
2. Malik Nabers – Louisiana State University
Nabers got into some hot water over illegal sports betting, but that doesn’t stop him from being the highest-ceiling receiver in this year’s class. The Louisiana native put up 14 touchdowns and 1,569 yards on 89 catches in 2023. Nabers is sure to be the next great LSU receiver in a long line of success so long as he can stay out of trouble. If he can’t, things do not look as hot for this otherwise sure bet.
1. Marvin Harrison Jr. – The Ohio State University
Son of Hall of Fame Colts receiver Marvin Harrison, junior is looking to make his own legacy in the league. Harrison Jr. put up 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns on 67 receptions for the Buckeyes in 2023. After a freshman campaign where he hardly saw playing time, he put up back-to-back 1,200-yard seasons. At 6’4, 205 lbs., Harrison is expected, and will almost certainly be, the first receiver taken in this year’s class — rightly so.
