The BSJ 2024 NFL Draft Preview Series rolls on with a look at the wideouts. A blind squirrel could figure out the Patriots needs to add weapons at the skills positions, specifically at receiver. This year's crop has a chance to go down in NFL history as one of the best ever! Make sure you a prepared for the upcoming draft with the BSJ NFL Draft HQ Page! You can find all of our positional previews here:
BSJ 2024 NFL Draft Positional Preview Series: Tight Ends | Offensive Tackles | Guards | Centers | Defensive Tackles | Edge Rushers | Linebackers | Cornerbacks | Safeties
Patriots Projected Wide Receivers
Left Wideout: KJ Osborn / Jalen Reagor / Kayshon Boutte
Right Wideout: Kendrick Bourne / Tyquan Thornton / TJ Luther
Slot Wideout: DeMario Douglas / JuJu Smith Schuster / KaWaan Baker
Granted there were quarterback issues but the Patriots wide receiver output was putrid in 2023. This unit lacks game-changers, or any type of offensive weapons who can stretch the field. In fact, no one on the team with at least 15 catches was able to muster more than 11 yards per catch. This current croup is hardly a threat to any foe and has oppssoing defensive coordinators sleeping easy the night before game day.. Meanwhile, sixth round rookie Demario Douglas was a rockstar, leading the Pats with 561 yards receiving.
New England must put an end to making erred sided judgments at the wide receiver position. Douglas provides a silver lining but the Patriots have missed frequently via the draft, most recently with Tyquan Thornton (2022) and N’Keal Harry (2019). Ironically, another former first round bust in Jalen Reagor also occupies space on the roster. Other than being a serviceable return man, he offers very little in the pass game.
The organization obviously had buyers remorse over the bad contracts doled out to JuJu Smith-Schuster (set to earn $10.3M in 2023), whom they were unwilling to find a trade partner with and DeVante Parker (Eagles), who will cost $6.3M in cap space following his release this offseason. A wise bargain bin investment, New England inked KJ Osborn to a one-year, $4M deal. A proven commodity, who offers vast return experience and versatility, Osborn is an excellent locker room influence. Landing a bonafide WR1 might be wishful thinking but any draft equity invested at wideout would be welcomed.
Urgency Level: Major Need For Playmakers!
2024 NFL Draft: Wide Receivers
In what has been bandied about as one of the strongest wide receiver classes of all-time, the first day of the 2024 NFL Draft is expected to bring a flurry of new wideouts to enter the league.
Remarkably, three wide receivers are expected to be chosen inside the top ten. There are several teams who view Ohio State standout Marvin Harrison Jr. as the top overall prospect in the entire draft class. He is a more polished version of his Hall of Fame father, (Marvin Harrison) was coming out of Syracuse back in ‘96. Others include LSU speed burner Malik Nabers and Washington dynamo Rome Odunze.
Be faithful Pats fans, there is depth aplenty amongst the ‘24 wideout class and New England has been poking around many of the talented prospects It would not be surprising to see over a half dozen receivers chosen on Day 1 and close to a total of 20 taken by the end of Day 2. Holding the No.34 overall pick, New England could focus on adding one of the top-tier targets for their new signal-caller.
There is bound to be a receiver who carries a round one grade that slips into the second round. A big-bodied wideout would be preferable such as explosive talents like Adonai Mitchell of Texas or Keon Coleman of Florida State. Sure, both players come with their share of concerns but each offers immense upside.
Should the Patriots decide to wait until the third round, keep an eye on USC prospect Brenden Rice, son of the legendary GOAT Jerry Rice. More than one draft pick could be used to address the wideout spot. Some local northeast late-round or undrafted free agent names to remember include lengthy boundary target Bub Means of Pittsburgh, high-flying small school star Jalen Coker of Holy Cross and Yale blazer Mason Tipton, who turned heads by timing in the low 4.3-range at his pro day.
Here’s a snapshot of the 2024 NFL Draft wide receiver class:
Note: HPFA = High Priority Free Agent | PFA = Priority Free Agent | FA = Free Agent | HPFA usually results in higher signing bonus, while FA types tend to be rookie camp / tryout types.
RANK | NAME | SCHOOL | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | FORTY | PROJECTION
1. Marvin Harrison Jr, Ohio State, 6-3, 209, 4.46, Rd1
A physical, possession-type wideout who can run all the routes, Harrison Jr. has shown that you cannot stop him, you can only hope to contain him. A two-time All-Big Ten selection, he took home the Fred Biletnikoff Award in 2023, with back-to-back seasons of 1,200-plus receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. Harrison Jr. has been nearly as elusive off the field, as he has been on the field. However, after skipping the combine and pro day workouts, he did manage a pre-draft visit with New England. There has certainly been a too-cool-for-school attitude that follows the future NFL superstar. Harrison Jr. did not sign with an agent. Dad handles all business affairs (and is a tough negotiator from what we’ve been told). Even more challenging for opponents is keeping up with where ‘Marv’ lines up on each snap. Despite his high marks, using the No.3 overall selection on Harrison Jr. may be a bit too rich, considering the bullish market on quarterbacks.
“Whatever is needed. Being out wide, it’s easier for the opponent to know where I’m at and to give me the double team.” Harrison told GQ Sports in November. “But it’s a lot harder in the slot. Wherever I’m at, I pick through the coverage. I make it challenging for defensive coordinators to game-plan because I don’t line up in one spot. I can line up anywhere on the field.”
2. Rome Odunze, Washington, 6-3, 212, 4.45, Rd1
The Vegas native has been a popular interviewee amongst NFL teams, including the Pats, and has the personality to blend into a big market. Coming down with balls in traffic is his specialty (75% contested catch rate per PFF) but Odunze possesses all the elite traits NFL teams crave. He collected 92 passes, while leading the nation with 1,640 receiving yards, to go along with 13 touchdowns. Odunze is unlikely a Pats target unless they trade back. One thing remains clear, he pulls no punches when it comes to his goals and aspirations for the NFL.
“I think a successful career would be ending in the Hall of Fame. I want to go for at least 10 years,” Odunze stated. “That would hopefully be what it would take but I want to be one of the best to ever play the game and end up in the Hall of Fame.”
3. Malik Nabers, LSU, 6-0, 200, 4.41, Rd1
There is no doubt that Nabers can take the top off of a defense on any given play. His game speed shows up even faster than his timed speed suggests. The Tigers track bandit has made a slew of extraordinary catches throughout his career, clashing big-time ability to pick up yards after contact and brings valuable versatility. With over 3,000 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns for his career, including 14 touchdowns as a senior, few wideouts have been more productive than Nabers. Outside the lines, there are some off-field behavioral concerns, including an arrest for illegally carrying a weapon (charges dropped) and other whispers about his lack of maturity. Between the white stripes, Nabers has experience lining up both inside and outside, as he projects as an outside WR1. A mutual sentiment shared by the scouting community, in addition to Nabers.
“I would say the outside came easier because I’ve been playing that my whole life,” he said. “When I came to LSU, I was primarily a slot guy. After my sophomore year, I started getting more outside, so it became easier to play outside than in the slot. The slot is easier to play because you have a lot of room, a lot of space to create space for yourself.”
4. Brian Thomas Jr, LSU, 6-3, 209, 4.33, Rd1
A big-play threat who can run by defenders, Thomas Jr. has electrifying speed that often translates to touchdowns. He elevated his play to another level this past year playing with Heisman Trophy quarterback Jayden Daniels, demonstrating great ball instincts, to go along with ideal size. Thomas Jr. totaled 68 catches, for 1,177 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns, playing Robin to Malik Nabers’ Batman. One of many wideout prospects to visit with the Patriots, Thomas Jr. is a passionate player with a love for the game, which he discovered as a true youngster.
“I started playing football when I was six and played ever since then. I just took a year off my freshman year in high school. My dad wanted me to get stronger before I just went out there playing varsity.”
5. Xavier Worthy, Texas, 5-11, 165, 4.21, Rd1
The fastest player in the history of the NFL Scouting Combine, Worthy is sure to draw plenty of allure with his cheetah-like quickness. However, his thin-frame leaves a lot to be desired. Another red flag is his 15 drops over the past two seasons, although he had just five in ‘23. Where Worthy brings additional x-factor value is in the return game. He was ultra productive for the Longhorns aerial attack, accumulating 197 receptions, for 2,755 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns in three years. The ultimate cheat code in the NFL has and always will be the speed element. Worthy owns plenty but is out to prove that he’s more than just a one-trick pony.
“I feel like I talked to a lot of teams and I feel like I can fit into either one of their offenses. I like intermediate, down the field routes, I feel like a lot of teams that I’ve talked to do that.”
6. Ladd McConkey, Georgia, 6-0, 186, 4.39, Rd1
Big things sometimes arrive in small packages. While there isn’t as much fanfare surrounding McConkey as some other prospects, he certainly offers immediate impact ability. He missed five games this past season due to an ankle injury, which required tightrope surgery. He still managed to recover in time to run an eye-popping 3.97 short shuttle and 6.72 three-cone drill at his pro day, after registering a sub-4.4 forty at the combine. McConkey, who has been praised for his toughness, could have a razzle-dazzle, Percy Harvin-like role (four career rushing touchdowns) if paired with a creative enough offensive coordinator.
“Yeah, they talk about it, but at the end of the day, you know, they just want to see you go out there and like it doesn't matter if you feel good, you're hurt, like you're not putting good stuff on tape. It is what it is. It’s part of the sport. You’re not gonna feel 100% all the time, especially the SEC, the way we play, the way we practice, so it just kind of became a lifestyle. We're getting out there, we're playing, it don’t matter what we got to do.”
7. Adonai Mitchell, Texas, 6-2, 205, 4.34, Rd1
The ultimate risk/reward gamble, Mitchell remains a first-round wildcard. His combination of size, speed and agility are unmatched, in addition to being a massive red zone weapon. However, Mitchell has never been one to truly dominate. Plus, recent media reports about his poor interviews with NFL teams and type one diabetes could make some teams feel a bit queasy. Mitchell managed to rattle off 845 receiving yards on 55 catches and 11 touchdowns this past season. If he doesn’t appear to play up to his timed speed on film, there’s a reason for that, as he explained at Indy.
“I like to change my pace in routes. I never run routes full speed. That’s just a part of my game that allows me to run routes for the whole drive. I mostly feel I’m in control when I’m running routes with the people I’m going against. I try to model my game after a lot of guys. There’s a lot of guys out there doing really great things. Just trying to take every little nugget that I can out of one person’s game and try to add it to my game. If you ain’t cheating, you ain’t trying. So I definitely try to cheat a lot.”
8. Keon Coleman, Florida State, 6-3, 213, 4.61, Rd2
Don’t be fooled by the forty-time, Coleman is an incredible athlete who plays with physicality and also happens to be one of the top punt returners in this year’s draft. He was the fastest player running through the dreaded gauntlet drill at the combine (23 mph). Coleman averaged over 30 points per game in basketball during high school and his hardwood background definitely shows up on the gridiron, as he plays above the rim. He recorded a 38" vertical jump and 10-foot-7 broad jump at Indy but he had to bide his time patiently with the Seminoles until opportunity arose. Coleman talked about his journey from East Lansing to Tallahassee at the combine.
"Coming out of Michigan State, that's the one flaw people thought I had in my game. I'm like, 'It's kind of hard when you have Jayden Reed (Packers) there to catch all the screens, catch all the routes and take them to the crib.' And he was the punt returner. But, hey, I wasn't mad at that. I was accepting my role and proud for him, happy for him every time. I got there (to FSU) and was able to showcase that my very first catch. Hopefully just going there to answer all the questions anybody would have."
9. Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky, 5-11, 207, 4.56, Rd2
How high can he go? Corley continues to ascend as we inch near Detroit for draft weekend. A compact wideout, Corley is capable of running by you, around you, or through you. He has frequently been dubbed as this year’s ‘Deebo Samuel,’ and brings a fierce personality. He made a strong lasting impression for the Hilltoppers by participating in their final Bowl game, providing a glimpse inside his competitive mindframe.
"Specifically, my brother and my trainer don't want me to play in this game," Corley said at the time, according to the Bowling Green Daily News. "I feel like the scouts, the people that are in charge of the bowls, they also feel like I don't play in this game as well. They feel like I have nothing to prove. But for myself, I feel like I have everything to prove. That's the chip I carry myself every single day. I feel like I have everything to prove to everybody."
10. Troy Franklin, Oregon, 6-2, 176, 4.41, Rd2
A lengthy, fast receiver with great acceleration, Franklin does the majority of his damage after the catch. He adapts to balls as well as any wideout in this class, demonstrating excellent body balance and concentration. He shredded the Pac-12 for 1,383 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns during his final year in Eugene this past year, including eight catches that went for 40-plus yards. New England sorely lacks an explosive big-play threat such as Franklin, a good reason why they made sure to have him in for a pre-draft visit.
“I think I just work real hard at my craft. I think I try to perfect it the most I can. I take pride in my release game. Just knowing the receiver as a whole. I think that helps me a lot.”
BEST OF THE REST
Xavier Legette, South Carolina, 6-1, 221, 4.39, Rd2
Plenty of teams have done their homework trying to figure out Legette, including the Pats who had him in for a 30-visit. A natural hands-catcher who takes pride in his blocking, Legette has a frame built like AJ Brown but was nowhere to be found aside from the back of milk carton during his first four years with the Gamecocks. Teams will need to determine whether they are getting the big-play machine who gained 1,255 receiving yards on 71 receptions and seven touchdowns this past year, or the previous model (just 42 catches during his first four seasons). One area where Leggette comes up big is back home in his community.
“I’m proud to be from Mullins (South Carolina) - it will always be home for me. The years I spent at Mullins High School are memories I will hold on to for a long time. It was great to be able to give back to the football program, a lot of those kids I’m still close with, and donate some equipment I know they need and will put to good use. As I get busy with visits and meetings, I of course wanted to make time to go back home and see everyone,” said Legette.
Jalen McMillan, Washington, 6-1, 197, 4.47, Rd2
Brenden Rice, USC, 6-2, 208, 4.50, Rd2
Jermaine Burton, Alabama, 6-0, 196, 4.45, Rd3
Ricky Pearsall, Florida, 6-1, 189, 4.41, Rd3
Devontez Walker, North Carolina, 6-2, 193, 4.36, Rd3
Cornelius Johnson, Michigan 6-3, 212, 4.44, Rd3
Johnny Wilson, Florida State, 6-6, 231, 4.52, Rd3
Malik Washington, Virginia, 5-9, 191, 4.47, Rd4
Roman Wilson, Michigan, 5-11, 185, 4.39, Rd4
Jacob Cowing, Arizona, 5-8, 168, 4.38, Rd4
Javon Baker, UCF, 6-1, 202, 4.54, Rd4
Ainias Smith, Texas A&M, 5-9, 190, 4.56, Rd5
Ja’Lynn Polk, Washington, 6-1, 203, 4.52, Rd5
Anthony Gould, Oregon State, 5-8, 174, 4.39, Rd5
Jamari Thrash, Louisville, 6-0, 188, 4.46, Rd5
Bub Means, Pittsburgh, 6-1, 227, 4.43, Rd5
Lideatrick Griffin, Mississippi St., 5-10, 181, 4.43, Rd6
Luke McCaffrey, Rice, 6-2, 198, 4.46, Rd6
Ryan Flournoy, SE Missouri State, 6-1, 202, 4.44, Rd6
David White Jr., Western Carolina, 6-2, 195, 4.59, Rd6
Devaughn Vele, Utah, 6-4, 203, 4.47, Rd7
Jalen Coker, Holy Cross, 6-1, 210, 4.57, Rd7
Tahj Washington, USC, 5-10, 174, 4.58, Rd7
Mason Tipton, Yale, 5-10, 182, 4.33, Rd7
Josh Cephus, UTSA, 6-2, 193, 4.62, HPFA
Jordan Whittington, Texas, 6-1, 205, 4.48, HPFA
Isaiah Williams, Illinois, 5-9, 182, 4.61, HPFA
Tayvion Robinson, Kentucky, 5-11, 191, 4.76, HPFA
Xavier Weaver, Colorado, 6-0, 169, 4.50, HPFA
Ayir Asante, Wyoming, 5-10, 181, 4.52, HPFA
Jalen Knox, Mississippi, 6-0, 209, 4.44, HPFA
Tejhaun Palmer, UAB, 6-2, 210, 4.45, HPFA
Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, Georgia, 6-1, 195, 4.84, HPFA
Jha’Quan Jackson, Tulane, 5-9, 188, 4.42, HPFA
Jeshaun Jones, Maryland, 6-1, 186, 4.51, PFA
Dayton Wade, Mississippi, 5-9, 176, 4.45, PFA
Jaelen Gill, Fresno State, 6-0, 189, 4.51, PFA
Jeff Foreman, Arkansas State, 6-0, 182, 4.41, PFA
Bradley Rozner, North Carolina State, 6-4, 202, 4.59, PFA
Jaxon Janke, South Dakota State, 6-2, 214, 4.59, PFA
Jadon Janke, South Dakota State, 6-2, 212, 4.53, PFA
Leon Johnson III, Oklahoma State, 6-5, 210, 4.54, PFA
Casey Washington, Illinois, 6-1, 201, 4.48, PFA
Jalon Jones, Charlotte, 6-3, 205, 4.50, PFA
Hilaire Odieu, Bowling Green, 5-11, 182, 4.58, PFA
Chris Autman-Bell, Minnesota, 6-0, 203, 4.59, PFA
Jarett Garner, East Carolina, 6-3, 211, 4.46, PFA
Ramel Keyton, Tennessee, 6-2, 191, 4.47, PFA
Amad Anderson Jr., Temple, 5-10, 169, 4.66, PFA
Jelani Baker, Limestone, 6-0, 187, 4.52, PFA
Devin Carter, West Virginia, 6-3, 207, 4.66, PFA
Shane Hooks, Auburn, 6-4, 210, 4.65, PFA
Kameron Johnson, Barton, 5-9, 184, 4.46, FA
Heron Maurisseau, New Hampshire, 5-10, 188, 4.46, FA
Daniel George, Akron, 6-2, 209, 4.58, FA
Julian Hicks, Albany, 6-2, 201, 4.53, FA
Nick Mardner, Auburn, 6-6, 208, 4.58, FA
Monroe Young, California, 6-0, 202, 4.52, FA
Jesiah Irish, Oregon State, 5-11, 186, 4.51, FA
Tanner Knue, Eastern Michigan, 5-10, 179, 4.58, FA
Hayden Hatten, Idaho, 6-1, 207, 4.63, FA
Qadir Ismail, Samford, 6-7, 232, 4.66, FA
Xavier Johnson, Ohio State, 6-1, 202, 4.63, FA
Noah Frith, Liberty, 6-4, 201, 4.62, FA
Zach Mathis, North Dakota State, 6-7, 220, 4.63, FA
Curtis Raymond III, TCU, 6-4, 220, 4.63, FA
Drake Stoops, Oklahoma, 5-10, 186, 4.72, FA
Darryle Simmons, Marshall, 6-2, 215, 4.84, FA
Assanti Kearney, Monmouth, 6-1, 191, 4.85, FA
PATRIOTS SLEEPER TO WATCH
Javon Baker, UCF, 6-1, 202, 4.54, Rd4: Count Baker amongst the numerous wideouts who were in Foxborough for a 30-visit. An adept pass-catcher with great balance and natural instincts, he can often make the difficult catch look easy. Baker isn’t afraid to go over the middle and is an inside slant specialist. While he owns great size and quick get-off, questions remain as to whether he’ll be able to separate at the next level. The Alabama transfer went for 1,139 receiving yards and seven touchdowns this past year, averaging an astounding 21.9 yards per catch!
UDFA CANDIDATE
Tejhaun Palmer, UAB, 6-2, 210, 4.45, HPFA: A projected undrafted free agent, Palmer was one of the 30-visits New England had in after running in the mid 4.4-range, along with a 35” vertical jump and 10-2 broad at his pro day. He set career-highs this past year with 83 catches, 1,409 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Palmer has been clocked at a max in-game speed of 23 mph and was named to the annual Bruce Feldman’s Freak List back in the preseason, an accolade he was proud to receive.
“I’m honored to get that accomplishment,” Palmer said. “I’ve been putting in hard work and it really paid off. The harder you work every day, the better your results. Our coaches preach the same thing every day. The enemy of elite is good. We don’t want to be good, we want to be elite.”
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