The 2024 NFL Draft is fast approaching and while quarterbacks and trade rumors are generating most of the buzz in the weeks following the NFL Combine, one other key position potentially could be the biggest storyline in Round 1.
Most of the focus during the pre-draft process has been on quarterbacks Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels and J.J. McCarthy. While three of the top passing prospects didn’t even participate in drills or athletic testing at the NFL Combine, they generated the most discussion coming out of Indianapolis.
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While the spotlight is squarely on the quarterbacks, there’s another position in the 2024 NFL Draft class that scouts, talent evaluators and executives are the highest on. It could even lead to the approaching one of its NFL Draft records that has stood for nearly two decades.
According to ESPN’s Jordan Reid and Matt Miller, scouts and talent evaluators continue to rave about the top wide receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft. With just a few weeks until draft day, there’s a distinct possibility that seven receivers might be picked in the first round.
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“I heard a lot of chatter at the combine about how much scouts and evaluators love this year’s receiver class. It’s not only strong at the top, but there’s also depth throughout. I expect pass-catchers to fly off the board very quickly, starting with Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr., LSU’s Malik Nabers and Washington’s Rome Odunze in the top 10. There’s a real possibility that seven receivers could be picked in Round 1, which would tie for the most since 2004.”
ESPN’s Matt Miller and Jordan Reid on the 2024 wide receiver class
Ohio State Buckeyes’ All-American Marvin Harrison Jr. is widely viewed as the best wide receiver in this class. Drawing comparisons to future Hall of Famers, there’s a belief around the NFL that Harrison Jr. could challenge for second-team All-Pro honors by 2025.
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However, the son of Hall of Fame wideout Marvin Harrison Sr. isn’t the only pass-catcher generating massive buzz. LSU Tigers wide receiver Malik Nabers and Washington Huskies wideout Rome Odunze are both viewed as consensus top-10 prospects.
Beyond the three wide receivers expected to be taken within the first 10 picks, this class also boasts significant depth. Brian Thomas Jr (LSU) and Adonai Mitchell (Texas) will also likely be taken in Round 1. Other names earning some first-round grades from NFL teams are Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Ladd McConkey and Oregon Ducks vertical threat Troy Franklin. There are also starting-caliber receivers who will be available on Day 2, including Xavier Worthy (Texas), Roman Wilson (Michigan), Ricky Pearsall (Florida) and Keon Coleman (Alabama).
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