The top of the 2024 draft board features an intriguing trio of wideouts (Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze). While the order in which they will hear their names called is in question, there will be other prospects at the position who are selected on Day 1. 
In the case of many of the top options in that regard, the pre-draft process has resulted in positive developments. LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr., for instance, has long been ranked as a first-round prospect. The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman notes Thomas has impressed evaluators both on and off the field, something which will help his already high draft stock. The 6-3 junior posted 1,177 yards and an FBS-leading 17 touchdowns in 2023, flashing the potential to serve as a high-end secondary WR option (as he did playing alongside Nabers) at a minimum in the NFL.
Aside from the top four receiver prospects, several others have a strong chance of landing near the back end of the first round. Two candidates on that front are Texas’ Xavier Worthy and Georgia alum Ladd McConkey. Both of those wideouts have received first-round grades from a number of NFL teams, Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda reports.
Worthy broke the all-time 40-yard dash record during the 2024 Combine, posting a time of 4.21 seconds. Already known to be one of the top vertical threats in this year’s strong class, Pauline notes his Pro Day helped ease concerns about his all-around game translating to the pro level. In the case of McConkey, a faster-than-expected 40 time (4.39) has also helped his stock. Regarded as an elite route runner, the 5-11, 186-pounder will likely be destined to hold a slot role in the NFL but his floor is believed to be higher than most other prospects in the class.
Around the same time that Worthy and/or McConkey are selected, Adonai Mitchell could also very well come off the board. The latter spent his first two seasons at Georgia, making just 38 catches during that span. At transfer to Texas paved the way for a larger offensive role and a sharp increase in production, though; Mitchell posted 854 yards and 11 touchdowns on 55 receptions in 2023. Depending on how teams view him relative to other WR prospects in the same range, Mitchell could be the fifth wideout taken on Day 1.
Of course, a number of highly-regarded pass-catchers will still be available on Day 2. Pauline adds that Ricky Pearsall has seen his stock rise considerably in the lead-in to the draft. The Florida alum has received an early second-round grade from “several teams,” per Pauline and he could be one of many receivers added in the top 50 selections. As teams continue to evaluate the top options at every position over the coming days, receiver remains on track to be a very popular target throughout the top of this year’s draft.
Economics is the driver for 1st round pick selections for most franchises, the best player available approach is no longer a viable strategy. Getting that 5th year option on a player you’d have to go 15-20 million dollars plus for equivalent talent on the free agent market is genuine salary cap relief. This is why QB, DE, DT, CB and WR are domineering as first round picks, GMs want their cap space. 10 years ago Daniels and McCarthy and Maye would be 3rd rounders. A high floor slot receiver would be a 5th round pick possibly cut in camp. The allure of having a cheap QB and building the team outwards around that cheap contract like Lamar in BAL, Russ in SEA and Dak in DAL is what teams are trying to copycat. Dallas and Baltimore need to draft gems in the late rounds to stay afloat while carrying a $50 mil QB salary.
It is not just the fifth year option driving the decision because many of these GM’s won’t even be in the same position five years from now. It is the economics of having to go out today and find suitable receivers. Even average ones are expensive. Try to find an elite one in his prime (rare and if there is one he is gonna cost a lot of money). A mistake made on a Free agent signing, like a Kenny Golladay, can set a team back for years (and cost a GM his job).
Texans are doing it the best. Sophomore high caliber cheap QB, top 5 in cap 2024 offseason and look at the moves made BEFORE draft
Has Keon Coleman dropped so far off after his disappointing combine to not even be listed? He was the clear WR 4 before then, and even now I usually see him listed around the same range as Worthy and McConkey.
IMHO, if you don’t get one of the top-3, you might as well wait. There are a ton of pretty good WRs that can be picked up much cheaper.