NFL Draft – WRs
Everything you need to know about the greatest WR class in a decade
The 2024 WR class is exceptional. It rivals that of the 2014 class, which boasted future Hall of Famers in both Davante Adams and Mike Evans, as well as the likes of Odell Beckham Jr, Jarvis Landry, Sammy Watkins, and many more.
This year’s WR class boasts an extensive list of receivers, ranging from those expected to be selected in the first round to those offering value in the mid to late rounds later in the weekend.
Of course, a brand-new injection of WR talent means completely reevaluating your draft stock, especially in dynasty leagues. We’re covering the value of those dynasty draft picks going into the draft, and covering the players and landing spots to look out for when it comes to this year’s receivers.
Dynasty Pick Value(s)
The top two picks in this year’s dynasty drafts will hold far more weight than those selections behind them. Whether it’s Caleb Williams followed by Marvin Harrison Jr. or vice versa, both are certain to be top picks in the draft. We’ll then see another bunched set of three picks at 1.03 and 1.04, this time expected to be dual threat QB Jayden Daniels and receivers Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze.
If you’re hoping to secure one of the three elite wideouts in this year’s class, you’ll need to secure a spot in the top five of the draft. You won’t see running backs claiming those spots, and Brock Bowers shouldn’t threaten the top five either.
In terms of securing a trade, you’re looking at exchanging somebody around the A.J. Brown, Garrett Wilson mark for a top two pick. The 1.03 to 1.05 are estimated to cost in the region of Amari Cooper or Christian Kirk, for comparison.
Ultimately, if you believe Marvin Harrison Jr. to be the talent he’s anticipated to be in the NFL, you’ll have to give up an All-Pro level talent to trade up to get him. That’s a high price to pay for a slice of the future.
The Elite Three
The first round of the 2024 NFL draft features three elite wide receivers before a slight drop off. Marvin Harrison Jr. from Ohio State, Malik Nabers from LSU, and Rome Odunze from Washington are all projected to be picked within the top 10, likely in that order.
Their landing spots are crucial, of course, but several teams inside the top ten are missing a true WR1. This only increases the potential value of all three stars, leaving dynasty players eagerly anticipating their landing spots before deciding which player they prefer the most.
The Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Chargers, and New York Giants, all picking at 4th, 5th, and 6th respectively, are each in search of a primary receiver. Out of those three teams, the Chargers are the most appealing spot for a receiver given the pairing with Justin Herbert, but there are question marks to consider there too. Under Jim Harbaugh, the volume of pass attempts may come down in 2024.
The owners of dynasty picks in this region will have to decide if a Rome Odunze in Denver might produce more than the likes of Christian Kirk. Alternatively, trading out of a top five pick could be the move, or possibly considering the Brock Bowers option with the 1.05 pick.
Marvin Harrison Jr. is a home run selection no matter where he lands, but the expectation right now is having him head to Arizona. The Cardinals have lost both Deandre Hopkins and Marquise Brown in the past two off-seasons, and are now in desperate need of a high volume superstar at the position. Harrison Jr. on that team is easily a 150+ target rookie.
The rest of the first round
While the top three receivers deserve the most praise, there are several more who could easily notch 1,000-yard seasons early in their careers. One of these prospects is Brian Thomas Jr., who served as the #2 receiver alongside Malik Nabers in the explosive LSU offense this past season.
Some believe he might be a WR1 at the next level, but in all likely cases the team selecting him will get a productive and reliable WR2 to pair with their star. Keep an eye on the Indianapolis Colts to pull the trigger on him at #15.
One of the most polarizing is Adonai Mitchell, the Texas Longhorn breakout standing six foot three with elite athleticism. The scheme he plays in will largely determine his rookie production, but he absolutely has the upside to be a true WR1 in the league.
There are a few spots late in the first round in which teams will be seeking WR1 potential, none more obvious than the Buffalo Bills. Their current WR1 option is Curtis Samuel, and it’s pretty common knowledge that this isn’t his strong suit. Buffalo may run the football a little more under Joe Brady’s command as the offensive coordinator, but they still need a reliable primary target outside of the tight ends.
Keep an eye on record breaking Xavier Worthy, the new holder of the 40-yard dash record and a teammate of Adonai Mitchell’s at Texas, as well as Troy Franklin out of Oregon and Ladd McConkey out of Georgia.
Watch out for these guys’ landing spots
Xavier Worthy is the first name in this category, mainly because his value sways anywhere between being selected in the top 20 and the back of the second round. According to reports, the Miami Dolphins have showed significant interest at pick #21, which is either lazy reporting because he’s fast, or has some legitimacy to it.
Miami may be looking for their long-term replacement for Tyreek Hill, or perhaps a cheaper option than Jaylen Waddle, who has a contract extension approaching.
Worthy may end up being a 700-yard WR3 in the league, with a ton of speed paying off from time to time. But he also might be a star, and he’s so much more than just a speedster. He could land in Carolina early on day two, with the Chargers a few picks later, or anywhere throughout the second round with the likes of Las Vegas, New Orleans, or the blue side of New York.
Each spot changes the value of Xavier Worthy as a dynasty pick, and if he does land in Miami, you can expect to see that value rise significantly.
Others I would keep an eye on include Ricky Pearsall, Xavier Legette and Malachi Corley.
Pearsall has earned a reputation as a sure handed slot receiver, but he can truly play anywhere. He’s going to be a high production WR2 somewhere, and could be a great option for the Chargers at #37 or the Colts at #46. It’s unlikely that we’ll see him selected any later than that.
Xavier Legette is a fifth-year breakout at South Carolina, having overcome significant challenges in his young life. Don’t let his late breakout put you off, he has every tool, trait, and measurement you could hope for from a pro ready receiver. Now he just needs to put it all together at the next level.
He’s the type of talent that coaches like Brian Callahan in Tennessee or Dave Canales in Carolina could really develop. He’ll have opportunities in rotation early in his career, but both spots offer great long-term upside for the former Gamecock.
Lastly, Malachi Corley has drawn endless comparisons to players like Deebo Samuel, with such position versatility and performance with the ball in his hands. While it’s not expected Corley will hit quite that peak, he is something of an enigma having come from Western Kentucky.
If he lands in a spot with little competition ahead of him, he’s going to be one of a few who shoot up fantasy boards. Look out for New England early in round three, or the Arizona Cardinals just a few spots later at #71. I would absolutely expect the Cardinals to double dip at wide receiver in an all-time stacked class.
Late Round Sleepers
There’s a lot of NFL bloodlines coming through this year’s draft, with mid to late rounders Brenden Rice and Luke McCaffrey. Rice hails from USC, and is the son of the legendary receiver Jerry Rice, while Luke McCaffrey comes from a family with a rich NFL lineage.
Jordan Whittington from Texas and Anthony Gould from Oregon State are both intriguing late-round sleepers. The late rounds of this draft are filled with potential for impactful production.
The second round of your dynasty drafts is going to be loaded with receivers too. Roman Wilson out of Michigan is going to get plenty of opportunities in the league, as are the likes of Jalen McMillan and Ja’Lynn Polk out of Washington, Arizona’s Jacob Cowing and UNC’s Devontez Walker. Pay close attention to each of their landing spots, and the depth chart ahead of them going into the new football year.
Summary
In summary, if your roster is short of receiver talent, you’re going to be able to get at least two guys from this draft to bolster your squad. A top five pick will secure one of the elite three prospects or a promising quarterback. Even in the late first round, you’ll still have the opportunity to draft players like Ricky Pearsall or Xavier Legette.
In terms of making a trade, if it’s not a top four/five pick, and you’re not going all in for Marvin Harrison Jr. or Malik Nabers, then don’t stress. But if you are overloaded at running back and in need of a receiver, the estimated value of trading into the top two picks is Jonathan Taylor/Travis Etienne territory. For a top five dynasty pick, you’re looking at Isiah Pacheco or D’Andre Swift.