Ranking the Top 10 Receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft features one of the best receiver classes in recent memory that has both incredible top-end talent and depth, with there being plenty of talented play-makers beyond the first round. Today I’m going to break down my top 10 ranked receivers in the draft so far, and with the combine and team interviews rapidly approaching, changes could be coming soon.

Marvin Harrison Jr, Ohio State Buckeyes

The term ‘Generational Prospect’ has been thrown around far too easily in recent years, but Marvin Harrison Jr. is one of the few players that I think truly deserves that classification. It’s not easy to follow in the footsteps of a father who is an NFL Hall of Famer at the same position that you play, but so far Marvin Harrison Jr. is certainly on the right track. Between his above average size, route-running, catching ability, and consistency, Marvin Harrison Jr. is a no-brainer for whichever team in the top 3-5 is looking for a receiver.

Malik Nabers, Louisiana State Tigers

A receiver who would likely be the best in nearly every other draft class, Malik Nabers is a tremendous prospect. Nabers comes into the draft with every quality you look for in a star receiver, he has the prototypical size at 6 '0”, 200 lbs, he has game-breaking speed, the ability to run a complex route tree, and best of all, he has proven to be able to put it all together and produce on a consistent and high level. Despite the unbelievable amount of hype behind Marvin Harrison Jr, don’t be surprised if Nabers ends up being taken around the same spot in the draft, and potentially even before.

Rome Odunze, Washington Huskies

Photo Credit: Scott Eklund, Red Box Pictures

Odunze is the definition of a big-play receiver who is a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball. Star quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and Odunze combined to be possibly the most electric quarterback and receiver duo in the country in 2023, and carried to Huskies all the way to a national championship game appearance, and if we learned one thing from watching Washington play this season, it’s that you can count on Odunze to make a big play when it’s needed. Finishing the season with over 1,600 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, as well as averaging a whopping 17.8 yards per reception, Odunze is an absolute technician on the field. With his combination of elite speed, catching ability, and route running, there isn’t another receiver in this class I’m as confident about going into the draft.

Keon Coleman, Florida State Seminoles

Considered by many to be one of the best overall athletes that we’ve seen in a while, Keon Coleman possesses a versatility that few players on the NFL level do. Standing at 6’4”, 230 lbs, Coleman is imposing for a receiver, and is able to make extremely difficult contested catches such as his game-winning grab against Clemson this fall, but what makes Coleman so interesting as a prospect is that he also possesses the speed and agility to return kicks and punts. Some analysts have been lower on Coleman in recent weeks, but as the combine approaches and the draft gets closer, I have full faith in Coleman to continue to impress scouts and general managers league wide.

Brian Thomas Jr, Louisiana State Tigers

The second half of the best wide receiver duo in the country this past season, Brian Thomas Jr. is an absolute machine in the red zone. Leading the nation with 17 touchdown catches, and having 6 multiple touchdown games, Thomas Jr. showcased his ability to be a reliable target in one of the best offenses in the country. Thomas Jr. has remarkable movement skills for his size, standing at 6 '4”, 205 lbs, while still being quick to get off the line, but what really draws people in to him as a prospect is his fantastic hands and body control, especially in the red zone. Despite not even being the best receiver on his own college team, Thomas Jr. has the skills to make a major impact on the NFL level.

Troy Franklin, Oregon Ducks

Another remarkable deep-threat receiver, Troy Franklin is in contention for having some of the best speed in this draft class, along with stellar body control and catching ability. Franklin went off for 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2023, and his size at 6 '3”, 187 lbs has teams intrigued. I think that Franklin is a quality receiver prospect who deserves to have a first round grade, the only problem is that in this draft class there are so many talented receivers who do the same thing as Franklin, just slightly better, such as Rome Odunze and Malik Nabers. With the combine rapidly approaching, Franklin does have an opportunity to advance his draft stock slightly, but regardless as to where he’s drafted in the first or second round, I think he can make an impact on day one as a rotational receiver at the very minimum.

Xavier Worthy: Texas Longhorns

One of my personal favorite prospects in the draft this year, Xavier Worthy possesses other-worldy speed. After having a historic freshman season for the Longhorns, Worthy followed it up with solid production in his sophomore and junior seasons, proving his consistency as a player. Many analysts main dig with Worthy is his skinny frame and lack of a diverse route tree at Texas, however over the past few years we have seen multiple players shake off these same concerns such as Devonta Smith and Tank Dell, while Worthy also is much faster than both of them. If Worthy can go to a team that will properly utilize him on more than just go routes, he could end up being a monster on the NFL level.

Adonai Mitchell: Texas Longhorns

Despite having one of the highest ceilings of any receiver prospect in this draft, injuries have hampered Mitchell’s production throughout his college career, concerning some teams. Mitchell had an excellent season for Texas in 2023, racking up 845 yards and 11 touchdowns, and his 6’4”, 200 lb frame is ideal for a potential outside receiver, it’s just a matter of Mitchell proving that he can consistently stay on the field and make contributions to his team. A good combine would certainly help Mitchell’s draft stock, as he is currently thought of as around an average athlete. So depending on how his combine and medical testing in the pre-draft process go, Mitchell could end up being ranked much higher or lower on this list.

Xavier Legette: South Carolina Gamecocks

After having a major breakout season in 2023, Legette has quickly rocketed up draft boards due to his size and speed. Standing at 6’ 3”, 227 lbs, Legette is built more like a linebacker than an average wide receiver, but his ability to make big plays from anywhere on the field was evident in 2023. Legette will likely be an early to mid-second round pick, but I would not be surprised if he turns out to be one of the better receivers in this draft class. Any team that can take full advantage of his versatility to take short routes to the house as well as make incredibly difficult contested catches could be getting an incredible steal.

Ladd McConkey: Georgia Bulldogs

Photo Credit: Steve Limentani, Getty Images

After having one of the best Senior Bowl performances by a receiver in recent memory, Ladd McConkey has cemented his status as a capable receiver prospect. Standing at 6’0”, 185 lbs, and possessing above average athleticism, what really makes McConkey stand out is his crisp route-running. McConkey’s relatively low production over the past few seasons has made him fly slightly under the radar, but it’s largely due to him playing in a run-focused Georgia offense and having had to split targets with other stellar pass-catchers such as Brock Bowers, George Pickens, and Jermaine Burton. McConkey profiles as a likely slot receiver on the NFl level, but his elite agility and acceleration could see him play on the outside as well.

Honorable Mentions:

Jay’Lynn Polk: Washington Huskies

Tez Walker: University of North Carolina Tarheels