Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images
This could be a class we talk about for YEARS.
The hype leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft at wide receiver was based entirely on the generational talent of Marvin Harrison Jr. and the game-breaking potential of Malik Nabers. Sure, there were other guys deeper in the draft who had promise, but outside of those top two players and maybe Rome Odunze there wasn’t a lot of faith this class would be all that special.
Four weeks into the season it’s shaping up to be a legendary, league-defining year at WR when it comes to rookies — particularly those selected in the first two rounds. A total of 11 receivers were taken in either the first or second round, and so far the vast majority are showing potential of high-caliber NFL starters. Even in a year where offenses around the league are struggling, the rookies are showing out. It’s not uncommon for one or two rookies to make a big impact, but it’s rare to have this many young receivers immediately become their quarterback’s No. 1 or No. 2 target so early in their career.
Here are the rookie stats as they stand, as well as how they project to finish the season assuming the same rate of production.
No. 1: Malik Nabers — New York Giants (6th pick)
35 receptions, 386 yards, 3 TD (Projected: 149 rec, 1,641 yds, 13 TD)
Nabers has been a revelation. It wasn’t a stretch to imagine him putting up big numbers, but having this big of an impact in the Giants offense has been on an entirely different level. Nabers could break the rookie receiving record and immediately cement himself as one of the top players in the league.
No. 2: Brian Thomas Jr. — Jacksonville Jaguars (23rd pick)
17 receptions, 275 yards, 2 TD (Projected: 72 rec, 1,169 yds, 9 TD)
It’s been far too easy to overlook what Brian Thomas Jr. has been doing in Jacksonville because of how hapless the Jaguars have been this season. They are a mess of a team, but the rookie receiver has been a bright spot, forming an instant connection with Trevor Lawrence and essentially becoming the only thing about their offense worth watching.
No. 3: Marvin Harrison Jr. — Arizona Cardinals (4th pick)
28 receptions, 243 yards, 4 TD (Projected: 64 rec, 1,033 yds, 17 TD)
Marvin Harrison Jr. is the monster we expected. An absolute touchdown machine, he’s only lagging behind in total yards because the inconsistent Cardinals offense has a lot of holes. There is absolutely no doubt he will become a monster receiver who leads the league sooner, rather than later. It’s just about how quickly Arizona can put it all together.
No. 4: Ladd McConkey — Los Angeles Chargers (34th pick)
15 receptions, 176 yards, 2 TD (Projected: 64 rec, 748 yds, 9 TD)
This was the perfect scheme fit for the Chargers, and McConkey is thriving. A YAC monster, 86 of McConkey’s yards this season have come after the catch and he’s finding a perfect home as a short catch, turn upfield receiver with the agility to make a linebacker miss.
No. 5: Rome Odunze — Chicago Bears (9th pick)
10 receptions, 166 yds, 1 TD (Projected: 43 rec, 706 yds, 4 TD)
Odunze has all the trappings of being great. The biggest issue right now is that the Bears offensive line can’t buy enough time for the offense to get vertical, which is where Odunze shines. A case where the stats can be deceiving, it’s apparent this was the right pick long-term for the offense, and when the line can hold a block he’ll rocket up the receiving rankings.
No. 6: Xavier Worthy — Kansas City Chiefs (28th pick)
9 receptions, 154 yards, 2 TD (Projected: 64 rec, 655 yds, 9 TD)
The recent injury to Rashee Rice means Worthy is soon to come into his own. Primarily used as a gadget player so far, it’s one hell of a gadget showing major shades of Tyreek Hill to his game. Things are very promising here as well.
No. 7: Xavier Legette — Carolina Panthers (32nd pick)
12 receptions, 143 yards, 1 TD (Projected: 51 receptions, 608 yds, 4 TD)
Another case where stats can be deceiving. Legette essentially lost two weeks of production with Bryce Young under center, but with the switch to Andy Dalton he’s come into his own. With a combined 108 yards in the last two games his usage is going up, while also proving to be an elite blocking WR in the run game.
No. 8: Keon Coleman — Buffalo Bills (33rd pick)
8 receptions, 126 yards, 1 TD (Projected: 34 rec, 536 yds, 4 TD)
Largely a factor of the Bills depth chart, Coleman is starting to get more reps and making the most out of them. Coleman is adept at finding holes in coverage and making teams pay, and with more reps he’ll be able to highlight this even more. The future is bright.
No. 9: Ja’Lynn Polk — New England Patriots (37th pick)
8 receptions, 61 yards, 1 TD (Projected: 34 rec, 259 yds, 4 TD)
It’s been tough to really evaluate Polk with the frankly atrocious Patriots offense, paired with three straight weeks of playing top-tier defenses. We’ll need to see this progress, but there have been flashed.
No. 10: Adonai Mitchell — Indianapolis Colts (52nd pick)
2 receptions, 32 yards (Projected: 9 rec, 136 yards)
Largely buried on the depth chart, it’s a waiting game for Adonai Mitchell.
No. 11: Ricky Pearsall — San Francisco 49ers (31st pick)
Injured
If we look at this class potentially having three 1,000 yard receivers in their rookie year, with a handful of guys who will finish with 600 or 700 yards it will be a unlike any other class in history. The legendary 1996 class that included NFL legends like Marvin Harrison Sr, Terrell Owens, and Keyshawn Johnson (among others) didn’t manage to have a single 1,000 yard receiver. Sure, offenses have changed a lot over the last 28 years, but this still foreshadows an opportunity for the class to be brilliant.
We really could be looking back at 2024 as creating some of the best receivers in the NFL, and we might not need to wait long for it.
