The talk surrounding the 2024 NFL Draft has revolved predominantly around the star-studded quarterback class, but if we look a little closer this is a draft littered with offensive talent. Several mock drafts project 12-13 offensive picks in the first 15 selections and there are numerous other offensive lineman, tight ends and wide receivers that could break into the top two rounds.
Take away the quarterbacks from this draft, and there are a handful of wide receivers that appear as potential top five picks.
Texas’ Adona Mitchell is coming off a phenomenal year where he finished with 845 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns over 14 games. LSU’s 21-year-old Brian Thomas Jr. is considered one of the receivers with the most upside. He finished the 2023 season with 1177 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns and could be a sleeper for a top 10 pick. Xavier Worthy may only be 172 pounds but it is hard to deny he is one of the most desirable picks on the market. The 20-year-old broke the previous 40-yard record at the combine with an incredible 4.21 second finish. Yet none of those players are expected to be the top wide receiver off the board.
We ask the question: Which Wide Receiver Will Go First In The 2024 NFL Draft?
Malik Nabers, Louisiana State University
For many experts and NFL aficionados, Nabers is the man that can transform a franchise. He is fast, has great hands and has the numbers to back it up. Last season with the Tigers, the 6-1 receiver posted an incredible 1569 receiving yards to complete back-to-back 1000-yard seasons.
.@ESPNBooger believes Malik Nabers is the best WR in the NFL draft.
Agree? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/gpc2BPTyvy
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) April 17, 2024
LSU has produced some of the game’s elite wide receivers over the last two decades (Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, Odell Beckham Jr, etc.) and teams may be willing to trade up to take a chance on this dynamic future star.
Rome Odunze, University of Washington
Odunze was instrumental in guiding the Huskies to the College National Championship where they fell just short agains the Michigan Wolverines. In most draft classes, Odunze would be a clear top three pick. He finished with 1640 receiving yards, 14 total touchdowns and a whopping 17.8 receiving yards per reception.
At 6-3, 200 pounds, Odunze offers great size and power. He is an exceptional route runner and is one of the better receivers at contesting catches when he is in one-on-one situations.
Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State University
Nabers and Oduze have been outstanding over the last few seasons but it is going to be tough for any team to pass on Marvin Harrison Jr. The Ohio State receiver has it all: size, strength, speed, route running ability and great hands. At 6-4, 205 pounds, he is the quintessential receiver that NFL teams are looking for.
The son of former Indianapolis Colts star Marvin Harrison Sr., who finished his career as an eight-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, Harrison Jr. has been educated by one of the game’s elite receivers.
In a recent report from Bleacher Report, Colts owner Jim Irsay (who holds the no. 15 pick) refused to rule out trading up to sign the talented receiver.
“I wouldn’t rule anything out. We’re open-minded,” said Irsay.
“I wouldn’t rule anything out”
-Jim Irsay on the possibility of the Colts trading up for Marvin Harrison Jr.
— The Colts Cast (@TheColtsCast) April 24, 2024
Last season with the Buckeyes, Harrison Jr. recorded 1211 yards, 15 total touchdowns and averaged 18.1 yards per receptions. Over his three-year career with the Buckeyes, he has racked up over 2,600 yards and 32 touchdowns.
Verdict: Marvin Harrison Jr.
Marvin Harrison is a generational talent and in any other draft class that wasn’t loaded with quarterback talent, he would likely be a no. 1 overall pick. It is hard to see anyone passing on the Fred Biletnikoff Award winner. The only question now is, how high will he go?
