Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze, and Malik Nabers lead an elite 2024 NFL Draft wide receiver class
By John Blair
![Marvin Harrison Jr. leads a strong 2024 NFL Draft wide receiver group Marvin Harrison Jr. leads a strong 2024 NFL Draft wide receiver group](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4000,h_2250,x_0,y_50/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/25/01hk8hjnbejsf8d6rk7r.jpg)
2024 NFL Draft wide receiver class ranking No. 13-16
13. Brenden Rice, USC
2023 was a true breakout season for Jerry Rice’s son Brenden Rice. He set career highs with 45 receptions, 791 yards, a 17.6 average yards catch, and 12 touchdowns. In addition to putting up these numbers on offense he averaged 16 yards per punt return. His top trait was also his dad’s top trait which is strong hands. While I highly doubt he caught bricks as a kid, like his dad he nonetheless has great grip strength which allows him to consistently come away with the tough catch. In addition to his strong hands, he is also a physical receiver who is tough to bring down after the reception. Overall, Rice has the talent to become an NFL starter at the next level. Draft Grade: Fourth Round
14. Jalen McMillan, Washington
Washington wide receiver Jalen McMillan missed most of the 2023 season, only playing in five games. However, when he was in the lineup he put up impressive numbers being held under 95 yards only once. This production should be enough to show NFL scouts he is worth a high day three pick. His top trait is his consistent hands which rarely saw him drop a pass. He also shows good elusivness after the catch especially for a 6-foot-1 192 pound wide receiver. The biggest concern with him going into the predraft process is the injuries he battled this year. He also lacks elite speed and might be more of a possession receiver in the NFL. Draft Grade: Fourth Round
"“I don't know if there is much more. He’s one of the biggest gym rats on our football team, he’s always catching jugs machines, footballs, tennis balls, watching film. All that work paid off, because you saw him doing a lot of different things.” "
- Kalen DeBoer on Jalen McMillan
15. Roman Wilson, Michigan
One of the top slot wide receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft is Michigan’s Roman Wilson. What makes him such a threat as the inside receiver is his speed which allows him to consistently gain separation. He also can gain his separation due to his ability to cut on a dime. Another big positive with him is his sure hands having only dropped one pass this season. While Wilson should be able to eventually earn a starting job as a slot receiver there are some concerns with his game especially when it comes to how well he blocks, which is especially important for a slot receiver. He also is not going to win many jump ball situations, so running a slot fade route could be a concern for him. One more concern is that he battled some nagging injuries this year. Draft Grade: Fourth Round
Roman Wilson made the catch of his LIFE to keep Michigan's season alive. pic.twitter.com/xGEEw1LrqB
— Alejandro Zúñiga (@ByAZuniga) January 2, 2024
16. Jacob Cowing, Arizona
Arizona wide receiver Jacob Cowing ended his 2023 season on a hot streak. In his last two games, he had two of the three most productive games of his Wildcat career catching 9 passes for 157 yards vs Arizona State and 7 passes for 152 yards vs. Oklahoma. In addition to putting up monster numbers at the end of the year he is also the only FBS player with 90+ catches and 12+ touchdowns this season. Along with his strong production Cowing is one of the quicker wide receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft and is a major threat after the catch. One thing that will likely force him down the draft board is his lack of size, and only average catch radius. Draft Grade: Fourth Round