6 rings prospect preview: wide receivers
Check out my full Google Doc of ongoing NFL draft prep HERE as I analyze and scout the 2024 class.
The NFL Combine came to a close on Sunday in Indianapolis, and the way the off this week also kicks off our 6 Rings and Football Things draft coverage. From now through the end of April, Andy Hart, Chris Scheim, and I will preview each position group in three NFL Draft to get a feel for the prospects in this year’s class.
We hit the wide receivers this week. You can watch it here:
The class is stacked so, rather than just give a top-five, here’s a look at my three tiers of wide receiver prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft class:
Honorable Mentions:
– Jalen McMillan, Washington
– Ja’Lynn Polk, Washington
– Tez Walker, North Carolina
– Roman Wilson, Michigan
Tier 3:
– Keon Coleman, Florida State
While the former Seminole failed to impress with his 2.61-second 40-yard dash this weekend, Keon Coleman’s tape is unmatched. The 6-foot-3, 213-pound freak of an athlete hauled in 50 catces for 658 yards and a team-high 11 touchdowns last seasons. He’s elite at the catch point and is a reliable pass catcher. His separation skills, however, may hold him back.
– Xavier Legette, South Carolina
South Carolina’s Xavier Legette measured in at 6-foot-1, two full inches under what he was listed at at South Carolina. Who cares. The 1,200+ yard receiver for the Gamecocks in 2023 already showed his second-gear on his game film, and matched it and then some this weekend with a 4.39-second 40.
– Ricky Pearsall, Florida
Ricky Pearsall is shooting up boards faster than he gets off of coverage. The 6-foot-1 pass catcher shined at the Senior Bowl back in late January, and matched it with an impressive NFL Combine. Pearsall is shifty and has ridiculous hands that are both reliable and highlight-reel-worthy.
Tier 2:
– Ladd McConkey, Georgia
Too versatile to be your typical New England slot receiver and too fast to be Cooper Kupp, Georgia’s Ladd McConkey is the real deal. The 5-foot-11 pass catcher is the best route-runner in the class, leaving defenders in the dust play after play after play. His sub-4.4 second 40 makes him a fringe first-round pick.
– Adonai Mitchell, Texas
One of many winners out in Indy this past week was Texas’ Adonai Mitchell. AD for short, the former Longhorn measured in at 6-foot-2, 205 pounds and notched a 4.34 40-yard dash. He also tallied the longest broad jump of all wide receivers at 11’4” and put together the No. 1 RAS among his position group with a 9.98/10. Mitchell hauled in 55 catches for 845 yards and a team-high 11 touchdowns in 2023. He’s a top-50 player in the class for sure.
– Xavier Worthy, Texas
A new record holder! Despite coming in at just 165 pounds, Xavier Worthy was the talk of the Combine, setting the events all-time record for a 4.21 (!!) second 40-yard dash, breaking the previous record of 4.22 held by John Ross. His speed alone will likely push him into the first round.
Tier 1:
– Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
Not only is Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. the best wide receiver – he may be the top prospect in the entire 2023 class. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound former Buckeye didn’t test or even meet with the media this week in Indy, but it won’t matter. He’s all-but locked into the top-five and for good reason. He hauled in 67 passes for 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2023 after a 77/1,263/14 showing the season prior. Harrison Jr. won the Fred Bilentnikoff Award this past season as the nation’s top wide receiver.
– Malik Nabers, LSU
Though Harrison Jr. won the Bilentnikoff, it probably should have went to LSU's Malik Nabers. Nabers was absolutely dominant for the Tigers in 2023, catching 89 passes for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns. Like his quarterback Jayden Daniels, Nabers didn't work out or test at the Combine - and it won't hurt his draft stock one bit.
– Rome Odunze, Washington
Though he projects as a traditional 'X' wide receiver in the NFL, Washington's Rome Odunze is a do-it-all player in my eyes. Heisman Trophy runner-up Michael Penix Jr.’s favorite target last season, Odunze caught 92 passes for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023. He'll look to continue that momentum at the next level.
– Brian Thomas, LSU
LSU’s Brian Thomas turned himself into a tier 1 wide receiver for me this week with his 4.33 40-yard dash. At 6-foot-2, 209 lbs, Thomas is fast as heck, has incredible hands, and is a top-tier playmaker. He led the NCAA with 17 TD in 2023.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick !
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