2024 Rookie Wide Receiver Rankings (UPDATED) | Top 12 Rookie Wide Receivers – The Scholar Series with John Laub

by John Laub · Featured

These are the 2024 Rookie Wide Receiver Rankings UPDATED! Which wide receiver prospects should be on your radar entering the 2024 NFL Draft?

PlayerProfiler is home to the very best dynasty rankings and tools in the industry. Our Dynasty Deluxe package includes complete Dynasty Rankings, Rookie Rankings, Trade Analyzer, Draft Planner, Mock Drafts, and more. Check it out. This is The Scholar Series with John Laub. John breaks down the incoming 2024 Rookie Wide Receivers and their outlooks for the upcoming NFL Draft.

Updated WR Rankings

  1. Malik Nabers, LSU
  2. Marvin Harrison, Jr., Ohio State
  3. Rome Odunze, Washington
  4. Brian Thomas, LSU
  5. Troy Franklin, Oregon
  6. Xavier Worthy, Texas
  7. Javon Baker, UCF
  8. Keon Coleman, Florida State
  9. Ladd McConkey, Georgia
  10. Roman Wilson, Michigan
  11. Ricky Pearsall, Florida
  12. Xavier Legette, South Carolina

Rating the Receivers | 2024 Wide Receiver Prospects

I do not like to engage in hyperbolic statements. Nevertheless, it has become clear to me that the Class of 2024 wide receivers ranks with the 2014 class, the first group of prospects that I analyzed. That class featured Mike Evans, Odell Beckham, Brandin Cooks and Davante Adams. Upon reflection, I was lucky to begin publishing scouting reports with such an amazing class of competitors who have impacted the NFL and fantasy rosters for the past decade.

Two years later, the Class of 2016 provided the worst cadre of first round receivers in the past 10 years. Corey Coleman, Will Fuller, Josh Doctson and Laquon Treadwell were among the first 32 picks, and all washed out of the league rather quickly. None deserved their draft status in retrospect.

Not wanting to replicate mistakes of the past, I spent hours contemplating analysis of the incoming rookie class, scouting and model in order to improve and better rank these college standouts. Over the past summer, I liked the 2024 Class of receivers, but held back on any embellishment because so much changes over the course of a season.

2024 Wide Receiver Class

After spending the past two months scrutinizing over 35 receivers, I’ve determined the 2024 Class is top heavy with first round studs who will surely impact fantasy rosters for years to come. The class is also deep, with potential difference-makers who will be selected in the second and third rounds of Dynasty drafts.

Click the link below to see the WR model, Class of 2024 prospects and player statistics:

2024 PlayerProfiler WR Draft Rankings

Among wide receiver prospects, five indicators—career receptions, yards per reception, catch percentage, Team Aerial Dominator, and Receiving Yards Per Team Pass Attempt (RYPTPA) — are indicators of long-term NFL potential and anchor my WR production model. After plugging in the numbers and grading the preeminent playmakers on tape, my top six wide receivers are profiled for readers below…enjoy, fellow Draftniks!

Malik Nabers, LSU

Prospect Resume

Last summer, Malik Nabers did not garner a lot of attention in the Devy and NFL Industrial Scouting Complex. The sleek-footed playmaker silenced all doubters with a season for the ages. He was the nation’s top wide receiver and earned Consensus All-America status. Nabers corralled 89 passes for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 17.6 yards per catch (YPC). He was also named First Team All-SEC and was a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award. In 2022, Nabers concluded his sophomore crusade by surpassing the 100-yard barrier in three of the final four games. He displayed a prelude of future performances in the Citrus Bowl, snatching nine passes for 163 yards and a score and earning the game’s MVP.  In each of the past two campaigns, he led the SEC in receptions with 72 and 89 catches and posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.

As a True Freshman in 2021, he suited up in 11 games and started six for LSU. He earned Freshman All-SEC honors after catching 28 passes for 417 yards and four touchdowns. The junior finished his campus career as the Tigers’ all-time leader in receptions (189) and yards (3,003) over three seasons: only the second player (Josh Reed, 3,001) at LSU to surpass the 3,000-yard mark. A four-star recruit, Nabers transferred high schools as a senior and could not play after being denied a waiver. He was rated as the No. 6 prospect in Louisiana and No. 18 receiver in the nation, competing on the hardwood and in track and field.

Key Career Stats

Receptions: 189

Yards per Reception: 15.9

2024 Season

Catch Percentage: 69-percent

Team Aerial Dominator: 38-percent

Film Breakdown and Skills

At 6-0 and 200-pounds, Nabers is a thrilling receiver who makes plays all over the field, at all three levels of the defense. The three-year collegian can be employed either in the slot or outside. He is very fluid, making his athleticism look effortless. He easily transitions from one gear to the next, and eliminates defender’s angles. With incredible YAC ability, he can make a big play or score a touchdown every time he has the ball.

An elusive runner in the open field, it is nearly impossible to corral and tackle Nabers one-on-one. With sticky hands, he tracks the ball well and has exceptional ball skills. He also rapidly stacks defenders on deep routes. Nabers is physical and has exceptional leaping ability. A home run hitter, he forces safeties to backpedal as he is a threat to take the top off at any moment. He could improve against press coverage and grow as a route runner. Without any reservation, Nabers is my No. 1 WR prospect in the class and will be a fantasy star from the first snap of the 2024 season.

Scholar’s Grade: First Round

Marvin Harrison, Ohio State

Prospect Resume

Over the past decade, Marvin Harrison, Jr. ranks among an elite cadre of wide receiver prospects. The Buckeyes’ playmaker earned unanimous All-American honors the past two seasons — the only two-time receiver in Ohio State history. He was also named the Biletnikoff Award winner last year. Harrison logged back-to-back 1,200-yard campaigns with 28 touchdowns on 144 receptions. In 2023, Harrison was identified as the No. 2 athlete on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List. He was also a Heisman Trophy Finalist, Big Ten Graham-George Offensive Player of the Year, Big Ten Richter-Howard Wide Receiver of the Year and Academic All-Big Ten.

In 2022, Harrison was named Big Ten Richter-Howard Wide Receiver of the Year, Biletnikoff Award finalist, All-Big Ten Conference, OSU Scholar-Athlete and Academic All-Big Ten. In 2021, he earned the OSU Scholar-Athlete and logged a Rose Bowl record-tying three touchdown receptions. Harrison finished his campus tenure sixth in receptions (155) and yards (2,613) and third in touchdowns (31). He tied the school mark with eight 100-yard receiving games in 2023 and set a career record with fifteen 100-yard performances. In high school, he garnered four stars as a prospect and was ranked as the No. 91 player in the nation.

Key Career Stats

Receptions: 155

Yards per Reception: 16.9

2024 Season

Catch Percentage: 57-percent

Team Aerial Dominator: 36-percent

Film Breakdown and Skills

Marvin Harrison, Jr. has rare agility, speed and athleticism for a competitor his size: 6-4 and 205-pounds. He profiles as an idyllic “X” receiver with extraordinary boundary skills. While working on the outside, he paints a beautiful picture on the sideline with footwork, body control and hands. He uses his big frame and long arms to box out defenders and pluck the pigskin out of the air. He is very strong and imposes his will on smaller corners and opponents.

Harrison has quick-twitch skills and makes acrobatic catches. For a big receiver, he rapidly accelerates off the line of scrimmage and is quick in and out of breaks. He wins contested catch clashes and jump balls with vice-like hands, long arms and great leverage. The former Buckeyes playmaker is a stupendous leaper, who high-points the ball well. He does have a few areas of his game to improve: release off the line of scrimmage and sharper cuts on breaks. A future Pro Bowler, Harrison will be selected among the top five picks in the NFL Draft.

Scholar’s Grade: First Round

Rome Odunze, Washington

Prospect Resume

Rome Odunze was one of the more dynamic deep threats in the nation last season for the Huskies. The team captain garnered First Team All-America honors, First Team All-Pac-12 and was a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award. He posted career highs with 92 receptions for 1,640 yards (a school record), averaging 17.8 ypc., and 13 touchdowns. He also notched 10 100-yard performances. In the classroom, Odunze earned CSC Academic All-America First Team, and last summer, he was identified on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List at No. 58.

In 2022, he was named Third Team All-America and First Team All-Pac-12 after securing 75 passes for 1,145 yards (led the Pac-12) and seven scores. He became the first Washington receiver to log four consecutive 100-yard games. In 2020 and 2021, he saw limited playing time and caught 47 passes for 487 yards and four scores. In high school, the four star recruit was named Nevada Gatorade Player of the Year in 2019. Odunze was a standout sprinter on the track and field team and named All-State, winning the 4A state title in the 200 meters and the 4×100 relay.

Key Career Stats

Receptions: 214

Yards per Reception: 15.3

2024 Season

Catch Percentage: 66-percent

Team Aerial Dominator: 32-percent

Film Breakdown and Skills

At 6-3 and 215-pounds, Odunze profiles as a prototypical “X” receiver who can dominate secondaries outside the hash marks and deep down the field. He is an excellent ball tracker and back shoulder catcher with tremendous body control and stupendous size and strength.

The four year playmaker has a sturdy frame, long wingspan and natural hands. With a great Catch Radius and strength, he easily boxes out defenders and attacks the ball at the high point. For a big-bodied athlete, he is flexible, explosive and easily changes directions.

With the ball in his hands, Odunze is slippery in space and gains YAC yards. He is an elite tap dancer on sideline catches and recorded numerous eye-popping receptions near the white stripes on film. He is an excellent route runner, who attacks secondaries vertically and finds open space against zone coverage. At the line of scrimmage, Odunze can be slowed with press coverage and occasionally loses in hand-to-hand combat. He does not always gain a clean release or employ ankle-breaking speed. Odunze is a lock as a top-15 pick in the first round of the Draft and future fantasy gamebreaker.

Scholar’s Grade: First Round

Brian Thomas, LSU

Prospect Resume

A big play threat last year in Baton Rouge, Brian Thomas evolved into a potential first round selection by the time the season ended. Nabers and Thomas provided LSU with the most explosive receiver tandem in the country. The Tigers duo joined Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry in 2013 and Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson in 2019 as the third pair of 1,000-yard receivers in a single season. In 2023, Thomas was named Third Team All-American, Second Team All-SEC and was a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award for his outstanding performance. He paced the nation with 17 touchdowns and logged 68 catches for 1,177 yards. In the FBS, he ranked No. 6 with six catches of 40-plus yards and fourteenth with 11 receptions of 30-plus yards.

In 2022, Thomas appeared in 13 games with six starts and finished fourth on the team with 31 receptions. He accumulated 361 receiving yards and five scores on the limited catches. In 2021, he made the most starts among the freshman class at LSU with nine, and recorded 28 catches for 359 yards and two touchdowns. In high school, Thomas was a two-sport star, playing football and basketball. As a football recruit, he earned four stars and was rated as the No. 13 receiver in the nation. On the hardwood, he scored more than 1,000 points in each of his three seasons on varsity.

Key Career Stats

Receptions: 119

Yards per Reception: 15.1

2024 Season

Catch Percentage: 78-percent

Team Aerial Dominator: 27-percent

Film Breakdown and Skills

At 6-4 and 205-pounds, Thomas was a big target for the Tigers and is a future difference maker in the NFL. A gifted natural competitor, he possesses tremendous speed and great hands and employs outstanding leaping ability. Due to his measurements, Thomas creates mismatches with cornerbacks and rarely gets beat on a 50-50 ball. He rapidly accelerates at the snap and opponents open their hips to prevent being beaten vertically. While route running, he violently leans into and out of breaks and immediately gears up to top speed.

Thomas utilizes double moves and vertical tempo to gain separation. The lanky and fluid playmaker tracks the ball well and easily navigates open space. In the red zone, he high-points the ball exceptionally to score.

Can Thomas improve his route tree as a professional? He predominantly ran go routes, crossers and hitches on tape. The LSU wideout struggles to corral the ball in traffic. Despite his size, Thomas is not the most physical competitor. He only produced at a high level one season in Baton Rouge. A prototypical “X” receiver with elite speed, Thomas likely gets plucked late in the first round to a playoff team looking to upgrade the receiver unit.

Scholar’s Grade: First Round

Troy Franklin, Oregon

Prospect Resume

Troy Franklin produced big plays throughout his collegiate career in Eugene for the Ducks. In 2023, he was named First Team All-Pac-12 after catching 81 passes for 1,383 yards and 14 scores. He established school single-season receiving records for yards and touchdowns, and also broke the Ducks’ mark for most receiving touchdowns in a career with 25. In 2022, the speedster earned Second Team All-Pac-12, corralling 61 passes for 891 yards and nine touchdowns. In the past two campaigns, he eclipsed 100-yards receiving 11 times in 26 games (42-percent).

As a true freshman in 2021, he played all 14 games for the Ducks and logged 18 catches for 209 yards and two scores. He concluded his first year on campus with four receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown versus Oklahoma in the Valero Alamo Bowl. As a high school recruit in California, Franklin earned four stars, ranked as a top-10 receiver in the nation and the second best player in the state. Alabama, Florida, LSU, Miami, Oklahoma and other notable programs recruited Franklin.

Key Career Stats

Receptions: 160

Yards per Reception: 15.5

2024 Season

Catch Percentage: 70-percent

Team Aerial Dominator: 31-percent

Film Breakdown and Skills

A fluid burner, Franklin dominates opponents vertically and easily separates at the second level. At 6-3 and 187-pounds, he is a lanky, slim and sleek gamebreaker, who is a precision route runner. The dynamic Duck is a superior second level separator, breaking defensive backs’ ankles down field. He is a crafty route runner who changes tempo and transitions smoothly in and out of breaks.

Franklin’s calling card is elite speed. In the 40-yard dash, he tested at 4.35 on campus. With great body control and agility, he is a very good ball tracker, with long legs and strides. He rapidly closes cushions, stacks opponents and kicks into another gear to gain separation. Franklin can be employed on the outside and in the slot to challenge secondaries. With his thin frame and lack of play strength, can he beat press coverage in the NFL? He does not really engage opponents well in blocking with a skinny frame. He is also inconsistent at the catch point when engaged with a defender. Franklin is not an idyllic “X” receiver. Yet, he is a coveted field stretcher who provides a needed home run hitter in the aerial assault.

Scholar’s Grade: First Round

Xavier Worthy, Texas

Prospect Resume 

Organizations and coaching staffs covet vertical speed to attack deep zones of the gridiron, and Xavier Worthy provides home run hitting ability that keeps safeties on their heels. The Longhorns’ sensational speedster cements first-round draft status after breaking the NFL Combine record in the 40-yard dash with a 4.21. In 2023, the three-year starter garnered a plethora of awards: First Team All-Big 12 (receiver), Second Team All-America (punt returner) and Third Team All-American (all-purpose). He posted a career high 75 receptions for 1,014 yards with five scores. He also returned 22 punts for 371 yards (16.9 yards per return), including a 75-yard touchdown. 

In 2022, Worthy was named Second Team All-Big 12 after logging 60 catches for 760 yards and nine scores. As a true freshman in 2021, the sleek sprinter earned First Team All-Big 12, and both the Offensive Freshman of the Year and Newcomer of the Year in the Conference. He established Texas single-season marks for a freshman with 62 receptions for 981 yards and 12 touchdowns. In three campaigns on campus, Worthy played and started every one of the past 39 contests for the Longhorns and recorded a catch in every outing. In high school, he was a four-star recruit who participated in the 2021 All-American Bowl. He also ran track and field, and as a sophomore, posted a 10.55 in the 100-meter dash.

Key Career Stats

Receptions: 197

Yards per Reception: 14.0

2023 Season

Catch Percentage: 62%

Team Aerial Dominator: 25%

Film Breakdown and Skills

At 5-11 and 165 pounds, Xavier Worthy runs past corners in the blink of an eye and defensive coordinators must adjust coverage vertically for the speedster. He is so incredibly valuable to an offensive aerial assault. Worthy immediately wins at the line of scrimmage with lightning feet, quick burst, and rapid acceleration. With a deadly first step, he easily reaches top speed and stacks defensive backs. A versatile home run hitter, the former Texas’ sprinter can play outside the hash marks and in the slot, presenting a headache for opponents, who must play “Where’s Worthy” on every down.

When the ball is in the air, Worthy tracks it well and positions himself to make the catch. He combines first-class body control, balance, and competitiveness to win. Fearless, he will not back down and fights for the football. A very good route runner, Worthy speedily makes cuts and leaves corners gasping for air, flourishing on post and circle routes. He does have a slight frame and might be pushed off routes by stronger and more experienced defenders in the NFL. Also, there are plenty of drops on film, and he must improve his hands in order to earn a bigger target share. The ceiling is incredibly high for Worthy as a fantasy player. Nonetheless, many speedsters have washed out as professionals and astute Draftniks must account for the possibility.  

Scholar’s Grade: First Round

Javon Baker, UCF

Prospect Resume

Since the curtain closed on the Knights’ season, Javon Baker has climbed the wide receiver rankings among his comrades. Baker spent two years at Alabama before transferring to UCF and blossoming as a playmaker. In 2023, the UCF wide out earned First Team All-Big 12, Phil Steele Honorable Mention All-American and garnered a Senior Bowl invite. He seized 52 passes for 1,139 yards and seven touchdowns. He paced the Big 12 in receiving yards and finished second in the nation in yards per catch at 21.9. In 2022, Baker wore the black-and-gold uniform for the first time and recorded a career-best 56 receptions for 796 yards and five scores.

As a member of the Crimson Tide, Baker played in 21 games and saw limited opportunities, remaining behind DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, John Metchie and Jameson Williams on the depth chart. In 2020 and 2021, he grabbed only nine passes for 116 yards and a touchdown. Coming out of high school, he was graded as a four star prospect, rated as the No. 109 overall player and the No. 20 wideout in the country.

Key Career Stats

Receptions: 117

Yards per Reception: 17.5

2024 Season

Catch Percentage: 58-percent

Team Aerial Dominator: 34-percent

Film Breakdown and Skills

At 6-1 and 208-pounds, Baker beats defensive backs with size, strength and fortitude. A confident competitor, he plays with a swagger and believes he is the best player on the field. He easily corrals poor throws with vice-like hands and a contortionist’s fluidity and flexibility. Baker rapidly gets off the line of scrimmage and has the speed to blast downfield. He tracks the ball well and snatches it in the air with his hands, making great adjustments mid-air to corral the pass.

Baker is a great route runner with stop-start ability and sinks hips to get open. A quick-twitch athlete, the four year receiver uses foot speed and violent jab steps while employing a variety of head fakes and shoulder shimmies to disguise routes. Baker lacks elite-level separation skills and ends up in too many contested battles. He needs to be more consistent on patterns and stop rounding off routes. Baker resides in the same tier as recent second round picks Rashee Rice, Jayden Reed, George Pickens and Michael Pittman in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Scholar’s Grade: Second Round

Keon Coleman, Florida State

Prospect Resume 

Keon Coleman is a prospect darling among film grinders and NFL scouts. Nevertheless, my wide receiver model identifies a few red flags in his college production profile. I am clearly lower on the former Seminoles’ playmaker compared to the majority of the industrial scouting complex. Two data points pinpoint uneasiness in my analysis: Receiving Yards Per Team Pass Attempt (1.62) and catch percentage (56%) last year both are negative indicators. Also, he recorded a disappointing 4.61 in the 40-yard dash at the Combine. 

In 2023, Coleman earned First Team All-ACC honors at wide receiver, all-purpose and return specialist as well as the FSU Newcomer of the Year. He recorded 50 catches for 658 yards and 11 touchdowns. Nearly 20 percent of his production came against LSU in the opening game of the campaign: 9 catches (18%) for 122 yards (19%) and three scores (27%). On special teams, he returned 25 punts for 300 yards, which was the highest in the ACC and third-most in the nation. His punt return average of 12.0 yards finished second in the ACC and ninth nationally,

In 2022, Coleman played at Michigan State and accumulated 58 catches for 798 yards and seven scores, earning Third Team All-Big 10 and recording 15 catches for over 20 yards. In two seasons as a Spartan, he totalled 65 receptions for 848 yards and eight touchdowns. He also played basketball for Michigan State in 2021-22. In high school, Coleman was a 4-star prospect and ranked as the No. 8 prospect in Louisiana. He was a two-time all-state selection in football and garnered second-team all-state honors in basketball his junior year after averaging 26.0 points.

Key Career Stats

Receptions: 115

Yards per Reception: 13.1

2023 Season

Catch Percentage: 56%

Team Aerial Dominator: 20% 

Film Breakdown and Skills

Any scouting analysis of the former Seminole must consider his age (only 20 when drafted) and calculate growth as a professional. At 6-4 and 215 pounds, Keon Coleman has an imposing and muscular frame with long arms. He is a physical playmaker, who intimidates defenders, and is an outstanding competitor in the open field. With prime athletic build, Coleman dominates opponents with a large wing span, great leaping ability, and physical presence. After the catch, he explodes up the field and weaves through traffic to reach the promised land. He blasts through arm tackles and gains chunk yards with the ball in his hands.

In college, the three-year playmaker did not run an advanced or a diverse route tree and lacked quick-twitch moves and ankle-breaking cuts to gain separation. Needless to say, Coleman excelled in contested-catch battles, which can be a double-edged sword as a scout. Does he lack separation skills? Why so many one-on-one skirmishes? Regrettably, contested catches are not an easily translatable trait from college to the NFL in the modern game. He also does not have world-class long speed (recorded a 4.61 in the 40-yard dash). Organizations always crave speed and size, and Coleman offers a big-bodied receiver, who has prototypical X-receiver traits.

Scholar’s Grade: Second Round 

Ladd McConkey, Georgia

Prospect Resume 

Since the season ended, Ladd McConkey has impressed scouts and Draftniks throughout the pre-draft process. First, he participated in the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama and opened the eyes of many onlookers. Second, he went to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana and illustrated the athletic ability of an NFL playmaker. In the 40-yard dash, he sprinted the length of the track in 4.39 seconds, which was the eighth best time among the receivers.

In 2023, McConkey played in nine games with one start. He captured the SEC Offensive Player of the Week and Senior Bowl Co-Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against Florida with six receptions for 135 yards and a touchdown. For the season, he made 30 catches for 478 yards and two touchdowns. The Bulldogs’ playmaker captured the Wuerffel Trophy award for the player “who best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.” In 2022, he started 14-of-15 games for the National Champion Bulldogs. He posted career highs with 58 receptions for 762 yards and seven touchdowns. He also returned 16 punts for 197 yards, averaging 12.3 yards. When the curtain closed on the campaign, he earned Second Team All-SEC.

In 2021, McConkey was named Coaches’ Freshman All-SEC Team after snatching 31 passes for 447 yards and five touchdowns. During his campus tenure, he carried the ball 13 times for 216 rushing yards and four scores. In high school, he was a three-star recruit and the No. 23 wide receiver in Georgia. As a senior, he played quarterback, running back, receiver, and returner and recorded 3,051 all-purpose yards.

Key Career Stats

Receptions: 119

Yards per Reception: 14.2 

2023 Season

Catch Percentage: 76%

Team Aerial Dominator: 17% 

Film Breakdown and Skills

At 5-11 and 187 pounds, McConkey profiles as a prototypical slot/inside receiver as a professional. The Georgia receiver is fearless in the middle of the hash marks and absorbs big hits in order to snatch the pass. He is a smooth and fluid zone beater with a high route-running IQ. A space manipulator, he quickly separates with natural feet and excellent short-area quickness. McConkey beats press jams at the line of scrimmage and sinks, stops, starts, and explodes out of cuts to break open. He is also a capable run blocker who gives maximum effort.

Despite a lean frame, McConkey uses his speed and savvy moves to stack corners vertically. He tracks the ball well and fights for possession. In addition, he can play special teams and will earn playing time immediately. At Georgia, the sleek receiver was not tasked with “taking the top” off the defense and is not a classic home run hitter. Last year, McConkey endured back and ankle injuries that limited production. Can he hold up against bigger and more physical opponents? Despite experience lining up outside, he looks like an inside/slot receiver as a professional. An organization might fall heads over heels for McConkey; yet, he grades out as a second rounder in the NFL Draft for me.

Scholar’s Grade: Second Round

Roman Wilson, Michigan

Prospect Resume 

In a run-heavy offense, Roman Wilson led the wide receiver corps for the National Champion Wolverines last year. Earning Second Team All-Big Ten, he predominately was employed as a slot receiver, lining up inside 68% of the time. Wilson posted his best season at Michigan with 48 catches for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns. In the Rose Bowl/CFP Semifinal against Alabama, the fourth-year receiver scored the game-tying touchdown to force OT. He also set career highs against Purdue with nine receptions for 143 yards. Last summer, Bruce Felman placed Wilson at No. 73 on his Freaks List.

In 2022, Wilson made four starts in 12 games and corralled 25 passes for 376 yards and four touchdowns. He logged his first 100-yard game against TCU in the Fiesta Bowl/CFP Semifinal. As a sophomore in 2021, Wilson started five games, recording 25 catches for 420 yards and three scores. He also rushed for two touchdowns. A four-star prospect from Hawaii in 2019, WIlson played for a program that won four consecutive titles and 38 straight games to conclude his career. He also ran track and field in high school. 

Key Career Stats

Receptions: 107

Yards per Reception: 16.0 

2023 Season

Catch Percentage: 73%

Team Aerial Dominator: 25% 

Film Breakdown and Skills

At 5-10 and 186 pounds, Wilson is an electric receiver, who is a stupendous route runner with vice-like hands to secure the pass in traffic, posting an outstanding two-percent drop-rate last year. Wilson combines athleticism, explosiveness, and speed to subjugate opponents. He instantly bursts off the line of scrimmage and gains separation. He tracks the ball well deep and beats corners vertically. In traffic with defenders harassing him, Wilson remains focused, absorbs punches and latches onto the ball with long arms and strong hands.

Wilson speeds up and down in order to disguise routes, changing direction easily. He has great lateral agility and rare dynamism. The Wolverines’ catcher attacks the ball at the high point and wins the battle. A long strider, he stacks opponents on vertical routes and is excellent through breaks. With a limited frame and play strength, he struggles when confronted with physicality. Can he withstand the punishment of bigger and stronger defenders? Playing in a run-heavy offense, he was never required to carry the aerial assault with double-digit targets and has endured injuries that limited opportunity. Wilson has captured the interest of scouts and organizations and likely comes off the board on Day 2 of the Draft.

Scholar’s Grade: Second Round

Ricky Pearsall, Florida

Prospect Resume 

At the Combine, Ricky Pearsall gained the attention of laymen and analytic experts, who had not dived into the film. The Gators’ receiver smashed the drills in Indianapolis: 4.41 in the 40-yard dash, 6.64 in the 3-cone drill, 4.05 in the 20-yard shuttle, 42” in the vertical jump and 10’9” in the broad jump, displaying explosive athleticism, burst, and agility.

In 2019, Pearsall enrolled at Arizona State before transferring to Florida in 2022 and earning his bachelor’s degree in Education Sciences. In Tempe, AZ, Pearsall saw limited action during his first two campaigns as a Sun Devil, catching only 13 passes for 214 yards and a touchdown. As a junior in 2021, he finally made an impact on the field with 48 catches for 580 yards and four touchdowns, earning honorable mention All-PAC-12. He recorded 11 multi-catch games and eight outings with three-plus receptions. 

Making a business decision, Pearsall moved to Gainesville in order to compete at a higher level of competition and improve his draft stock. His confidence was warranted: he posted two impressive campaigns as a Gator with 98 catches for 1,626 yards and nine scores. In 2023, Pearsall led the team in receptions (65) and receiving yards (965), accumulating 41 first downs—63.1% of his catches. 

Key Career Stats

Receptions: 159

Yards per Reception: 15.2

2023 Season

Catch Percentage: 72%

Team Aerial Dominator: 31% 

Film Breakdown and Skills

At 6-1 and 193 pounds, Pearsall is an intriguing rookie with a long resume, late production profile, and eye-popping athletic skills. He graduated high school in 2019 and played three years before making an impact in the SEC as a fourth-year competitor. Dynasty owners who prefer early breakout performers will likely bypass Pearsall. In Indianapolis, he exhibited his flexibility, agility, and athletic skills. He logged a 6.64 in the 3-cone drill, 4.05 in the 20-yard shuttle, and a 42” vertical jump. Last year, he posted some impressive numbers in my WR model: Team Ariel Dominator (31%), Catch Percentage (72%) and career Yards per Reception (15.1).

From the slot, Pearsall dominated opponents and was a mismatch inside against smaller defensive backs. Courageous in the middle of the gridiron, he is a technically sound route runner, who rapidly separates from opponents. A versatile playmaker, he has illustrated high-end toughness, excellent body control, and stupendous hand-eye coordination. Pearsall easily contorts his body in conjunction with his natural hands to corral poorly thrown passes. He can be lined up inside and outside and recognizes defensive coverages to get open. Despite being an older prospect, scouts really like Pearsall’s tape, and most likely he earns second-round draft capital in April.

Scholar’s Grade: Second Round

Xavier Legette, South Carolina

Prospect Resume 

Some Dynasty managers will write off Xavier Legette as a potential selection based upon late-breakout age. While there is merit to avoiding players who do not pop for years on campus, astute Dynasty managers will be willing to draft Leggette at a nice value if he falls. In the summer last year, the South Carolina playmaker did not garner any praise as a prospect. Nonetheless, he took advantage of an opportunity to blossom and the fifth-year competitor snatched 71 passes for 1,255 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. He earned Second Team All-SEC, Third Team All-American, and was tracked at 22.3 MPH, third fastest all season in the nation. At the NFL Combine, he posted a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash at 221 pounds.

As a freshman at South Carolina, Leggette participated on Special Teams and during his career, he returned 29 kicks for 767 yards and a touchdown. In his first four campaigns, he snatched only 42 passes for 423 yards and five touchdowns. A four-star recruit, Leggett graduated high school in 2019 and played quarterback. He rushed for 1,826 yards, scored 19 touchdowns, passed for 887 yards, and completed 14 scores. He also played basketball and baseball as a high schooler.

Key Career Stats

Receptions: 113

Yards per Reception: 14.8 

2023 Season

Catch Percentage: 73%

Team Aerial Dominator: 38% 

Film Breakdown and Skills

Reviewing tape before the Senior Bowl, I absolutely loved watching and grading Legette. South Carolina had him listed at 6-3. Regrettably in Mobile, he measured two inches shorter, and he did not appear impressive on the field. Nonetheless, as the week of practices advanced, Legette looked more comfortable in the drills. At the Combine, he posted an electrifying 4.39 in the 40-yard dash, which is incredible when adjusted for size. My WR model highlights some positive production numbers: Receiving Yards Per Team Pass Attempt (3.05), Catch Percentage (73%), and aDOT (13.8). 

Very few wide receiver prospects offer the tantalizing size-speed combination as Legette, and organizations will surely grade him highly. With a rock-solid frame, strong hands and elite play strength, Legette provides a huge target for a quarterback as a contested-catch maestro. He is extremely dangerous with the ball in his hands and explodes up field for massive YAC totals. For a big athlete, Legette is agile, flexible, quick, and physical. He excels on the boundary with toe-tapping expertise and in the middle of the defense with toughness and fortitude. 

Is he a one-year wonder? He needs to be a more technical receiver and learn some nuances of the position as a professional. Legette is not a quick-twitch athlete and does not gain a ton of separation as a route runner. At the right Dynasty value (a possible steal in third round), Legette’s risk-to-return ratio warrants a selection in rookie drafts.     

Scholar’s Grade: Third Round

Read John Laub’s breakdown of the top running back prospects in this year’s draft here: 2024 NFL Draft Prospects – Top 6 Rookie Running Back Rankings | The Scholar Series with John Laub