The hype main as much as the 2024 NFL Draft at large receiver was primarily based solely on the generational expertise of Marvin Harrison Jr. and the game-breaking potential of Malik Nabers. Positive, there have been different guys deeper within the draft who had promise, however exterior of these prime two gamers and possibly Rome Odunze there wasn’t lots of religion this class could be all that particular.
4 weeks into the season it’s shaping as much as be a legendary, league-defining yr at WR in terms of rookies — significantly these chosen within the first two rounds. A complete of 11 receivers have been taken in both the primary or second spherical, and up to now the overwhelming majority are displaying potential of high-caliber NFL starters. Even in a yr the place offenses across the league are struggling, the rookies are displaying out. It’s not unusual for one or two rookies to make a huge impact, nevertheless it’s uncommon to have this many younger receivers instantly change into their quarterback’s No. 1 or No. 2 goal so early of their profession.
Listed below are the rookie stats as they stand, in addition to how they undertaking to complete the season assuming the identical charge of manufacturing.
No. 1: Malik Nabers — New York Giants (sixth decide)
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 think about him placing up large numbers, however having this large of an influence within the Giants offense has been on a wholly totally different stage. Nabers may break the rookie receiving report and instantly cement himself as one of many prime gamers within the league.
No. 2: Brian Thomas Jr. — Jacksonville Jaguars (twenty third decide)
17 receptions, 275 yards, 2 TD (Projected: 72 rec, 1,169 yds, 9 TD)
It’s been far too simple to miss what Brian Thomas Jr. has been doing in Jacksonville due to how hapless the Jaguars have been this season. They’re a large number of a group, however the rookie receiver has been a vibrant spot, forming an immediate reference to Trevor Lawrence and primarily turning into the one factor about their offense value watching.
No. 3: Marvin Harrison Jr. — Arizona Cardinals (4th decide)
28 receptions, 243 yards, 4 TD (Projected: 64 rec, 1,033 yds, 17 TD)
Marvin Harrison Jr. is the monster we anticipated. An absolute landing machine, he’s solely lagging behind in complete yards as a result of the inconsistent Cardinals offense has lots of holes. There’s completely little doubt he’ll change into a monster receiver who leads the league sooner, quite than later. It’s nearly how shortly Arizona can put all of it collectively.
No. 4: Ladd McConkey — Los Angeles Chargers (thirty fourth decide)
15 receptions, 176 yards, 2 TD (Projected: 64 rec, 748 yds, 9 TD)
This was the right scheme match for the Chargers, and McConkey is prospering. A YAC monster, 86 of McConkey’s yards this season have come after the catch and he’s discovering an ideal dwelling as a brief catch, flip upfield receiver with the agility to make a linebacker miss.
No. 5: Rome Odunze — Chicago Bears (ninth decide)
10 receptions, 166 yds, 1 TD (Projected: 43 rec, 706 yds, 4 TD)
Odunze has all the trimmings of being nice. The most important situation proper now could be that the Bears offensive line can’t purchase sufficient time for the offense to get vertical, which is the place Odunze shines. A case the place the stats might be deceiving, it’s obvious this was the correct decide long-term for the offense, and when the road can maintain a block he’ll rocket up the receiving rankings.
No. 6: Xavier Worthy — Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (twenty eighth decide)
9 receptions, 154 yards, 2 TD (Projected: 64 rec, 655 yds, 9 TD)
The current harm to Rashee Rice means Worthy is quickly to return into his personal. Primarily used as a gadget participant up to now, it’s one hell of a gadget displaying main shades of Tyreek Hill to his sport. Issues are very promising right here as effectively.
No. 7: Xavier Legette — Carolina Panthers (thirty second decide)
12 receptions, 143 yards, 1 TD (Projected: 51 receptions, 608 yds, 4 TD)
One other case the place stats might be deceiving. Legette primarily misplaced two weeks of manufacturing with Bryce Younger beneath heart, however with the change to Andy Dalton he’s come into his personal. With a mixed 108 yards within the final two video games his utilization goes up, whereas additionally proving to be an elite blocking WR within the run sport.
No. 8: Keon Coleman — Buffalo Payments (thirty third decide)
8 receptions, 126 yards, 1 TD (Projected: 34 rec, 536 yds, 4 TD)
Largely an element of the Payments depth chart, Coleman is beginning to get extra reps and making probably the most out of them. Coleman is adept at discovering holes in protection and making groups pay, and with extra reps he’ll be capable to spotlight this much more. The long run is vibrant.
No. 9: Ja’Lynn Polk — New England Patriots (thirty seventh decide)
8 receptions, 61 yards, 1 TD (Projected: 34 rec, 259 yds, 4 TD)
It’s been robust to essentially consider Polk with the frankly atrocious Patriots offense, paired with three straight weeks of enjoying top-tier defenses. We’ll have to see this progress, however there have been flashed.
No. 10: Adonai Mitchell — Indianapolis Colts (52nd decide)
2 receptions, 32 yards (Projected: 9 rec, 136 yards)
Largely buried on the depth chart, it’s a ready sport for Adonai Mitchell.
No. 11: Ricky Pearsall — San Francisco 49ers (thirty first decide)
Injured
If we take a look at this class doubtlessly having three 1,000 yard receivers of their rookie yr, with a handful of fellows who will end with 600 or 700 yards will probably be a in contrast to every other class in historical past. The legendary 1996 class that included NFL legends like Marvin Harrison Sr, Terrell Owens, and Keyshawn Johnson (amongst others) didn’t handle to have a single 1,000 yard receiver. Positive, offenses have modified rather a lot over the past 28 years, however this nonetheless foreshadows a possibility for the category to be good.
We actually may very well be wanting again at 2024 as creating a number of the finest receivers within the NFL, and we’d not want to attend lengthy for it.
