Looking to find the gem in this year’s wide receiver draft class? Of course you are, why else would you be here?
We’re targeting receivers who possess the ideal combination of athletic profile, production efficiency, and NFL opportunity. The rankings are based on our NPS Score, which rates players compared to top NFL wide receivers’ attributes coming out of college. Here are my top 10 rookie wide receivers for 2024.
*For reference, Justin Jefferson’s NPS Grade was 9.69 coming out of college*
10. Luke McCaffery, Commanders
- NPS Grade: 8.40
- NFL Comp: Adam Thielen
The name itself is intriguing. With a father known for his exceptional hands and a brother who is the best running back in the NFL, McCaffery has significant potential. His size, speed, and pedigree set him up for success. If Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels lives up to his Heisman hype, McCaffery could become a key player in the future.
Advice: Draft McCaffery in the late rounds. If his connection with Daniels proves strong, he could provide solid flex value with WR2 upside.
9. Roman Wilson, Steelers
- NPS Grade: 8.43
- NFL Comp: TY Hilton
Wilson comes from a Michigan team that didn’t pass much, yet he excelled with impressive yards per reception and touchdown efficiency. His landing spot with the Steelers elevates his stock. The Steelers have a history of finding stars in mid-round picks (see Antonio Brown and Hines Ward). Wilson’s blocking and route-running draw comparisons to Ward, making him an intriguing option in a slot role for a potent offense.
Advice: Draft Wilson, but seek value in later rounds. As a starter for the Steelers, he could return flex value.
8. Brian Thomas Jr., Jaguars
- NPS Grade: 8.50
- NFL Comp: DJ Moore
Thomas Jr. is the second-best receiver from LSU this year and finds himself in a great position with the Jaguars. With the departures of Calvin Ridley and Zay Jones, Thomas Jr. has a clear path to make an immediate impact. Built like a prototypical X receiver, his speed and production history are promising. If Trevor Lawrence performs well, Thomas Jr. could be part of a dynamic trio in Jacksonville.
Advice: Target Thomas Jr. for your flex spot. He has the potential to produce WR2/3 numbers occasionally.
7. Troy Franklin, Broncos
- NPS Grade: 8.61
- NFL Comp: Robert Woods
Franklin is currently in a challenging situation with the Broncos, being a backup behind Marvin Mims Jr. and Josh Reynolds. Mims Jr. has been underwhelming, and Reynolds is a third receiver who has exceeded expectations. With fellow Oregon Duck Bo Nix as the starter, Franklin’s talent could see him move into a starting role by mid-season.
Advice: This is a wait-and-see situation. He may be drafted, but more likely, he will be a waiver wire addition mid-season.
6. Jermaine Burton, Bengals
- NPS Grade: 8.70
- NFL Comp: Stefon Diggs
Burton, drafted to fill Tyler Boyd’s role, has the potential to be a top NFL wideout. However, he faces the challenge of competing for targets with star receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, and a top-five quarterback in Joe Burrow. Watch the competition for the third receiver spot in Cincinnati.
Advice: Burton could be a valuable flex option with WR2 upside if injuries occur. He’s also a strong candidate for dynasty leagues if Higgins leaves next year.
5. Ja’Lynn Polk, Patriots
- NPS Grade: 8.76
- NFL Comp: Chris Godwin
Polk steps into a starting role with the Patriots, a team in transition. They’ve drafted their future QB in Drake Maye, and Polk will compete with DeMario Douglas and Kendrick Bourne for targets. While the team situation is uncertain, Polk has the size and speed to fit the prototype of an ideal receiver. He’s expected to be the X receiver, with Douglas in the slot.
Advice: If Maye performs well for the Patriots, expect Polk to see flex play throughout the season.
4. Xavier Worthy, Chiefs
- NPS Grade: 9.02
- NFL Comp: Henry Ruggs (on-field)
Worthy was my sleeper pick until he ran a 4.21 forty-yard dash and was drafted by the Chiefs in the first round. His exceptional speed makes him a natural fit for the Chiefs, with comparisons to Tyreek Hill. Worthy is expected to have a role similar to Kadarius Toney, with plenty of opportunities from Patrick Mahomes.
Advice: While there is only one ball to go around in Kansas City, Worthy’s talent and situation should position him as a WR2/3 this year.
3. Rome Odunze, Bears
- NPS Grade: 9.13
- NFL Comp: Demaryius Thomas
Odunze brings size, speed, and a strong production pedigree. He joins a Bears team with a revamped offense, including Caleb Williams, Keenan Allen, and D’Andre Swift, alongside DJ Moore. If Williams performs well, this WR trio could generate significant fantasy points.
Advice: Draft Odunze as a WR3 with WR2 upside. If he surpasses Keenan Allen in targets, he could become a great player.
2. Marvin Harrison Jr., Cardinals
- NPS Grade: 9.24
- NFL Comp: A.J. Green
Harrison Jr. is arguably the most polished, NFL-ready receiver in this class. His top-tier production and situation with the Cardinals, where he will be the number one receiver alongside Trey McBride, are noteworthy. Despite his exceptional talent, he’s ranked second due to the rarity of dominant receivers over 6’4″.
Advice: Draft Harrison Jr. as a WR2 with the potential for WR1 bursts throughout the year. His talent and opportunity make him a valuable addition.
1. Malik Nabers, Giants
- NPS Grade: 9.27
- NFL Comp: Ja’Marr Chase
Nabers is the closest to the prototypical top WR coming out of college. His combination of size, speed, and production puts him at the top of our list. Joining a Giants team in need of a playmaker, Nabers could become the focal point of the offense by mid-season, offering a significant boost.
Advice: Nabers may fall behind Harrison Jr. in fantasy drafts, but he should be a WR 2 with WR1 updside. Expect him to become a key player for the Giants.