2024 NFL 1st round WR (and 1 TE!) landing spots
The 2024 NFL draft boasted one of the deepest receiving prospects in NFL history. It should come as no surprise then that 8 pass catchers (seven receivers and one tight end) were taken in the first round. Below I note what I saw from each of them and what I think of their landing spot from a fantasy perspective.
MARVIN HARRISON JR
6’4” 205 4.35 (Cardinals)
What I saw:
Elite speed, elusiveness & route running which is impressive at his size. Terrific body control and concentration to make very tough catches. Can beat you lon routes and win 50-50 balls. Generational talent, will be a top WR for years to come
NFL Comp = Randy Moss
FFC Take:
The Cardinals are all in on KYLER MURRAY and are building around him. It starts with getting an true alpha receiver and Harrison is just that. He’s an absolute star and in a perfect spot to be a fantasy dominator. He is easily my top rookie WR for 2024 and dynasty.
ROME OZUNZE
6’3” 216 4.45 (Bears)
What I saw:
Terrific size and plus speed for the next level. Versatile to play inside but more dangerous outside. Elite hands and ball skills. Tremendous ability to win in tight coverage
NFL Comp = Larry Fitzgerald
FFC Take:
I am high on Odunze as a pro because I favor the big physical guys. For fantasy this isn’t the best spot in what has become a crowded offense. DJ MOORE is a terrific receiver and while aging, KEENAN ALLEN has been a fantasy dominator. With two ball hogs on the team, Odunze could struggle year one to be a dominant fantasy option. But he’s my #2 rookie WR for dynasty
MALIK NABERS
6’0 200 4.35 (Giants)
What I saw:
Very dangerous outside WR. Solid size and speed combined with terrific feet and quickness in routes to create separation. Agile and explosive, he’s a true playmaker
NFL Comp = Stefon Diggs
FFC Take:
The Giants are absolutely devoid of weapons with their best options being DARIUS SLAYTON & WAN’DALE ROBINSON. Nabers should immediately become a high volume target just like Diggs when he came out. Provided he develops chemistry with DANIEL JONES, he has terrific upside. I like him as a PPR machine to make a fantasy impact right away & my #3 for dynasty…easy case to be #2.
BRIAN THOMAS
6’4” 205 4.33 (Jaguars)
What I saw:
Prototypical size with elite speed, Thomas is a big play threat. Terrific hands, concentration and body control to be a red zone threat as well. He is ideally suited to play outside the numbers lacking a diverse route tree and could be more physical for his size
NFL Comp = Tee Higgins
FFC Take:
Like Higgins, will flourish as a 1b to the CHRISTIAN KIRK 1a in the Jaguars offense. EVAN ENGRAM is also a high target option so don’t expect Thomas to see a lot of targets with those two around. Feels like a make or break season for TREVOR LAWRENCE who has been solid but not lived up to the #1 overall billing. Thomas should help Lawrence climb the ladder although for fantasy Thomas is likely hit or miss year 1. He’s still a great dynasty asset as a WR2 with WR1 upside.
XAVIER WORTHY
6’1” 165 4.21 (Chiefs)
What I saw:
In a word, Speed. In another word, slight. He broke the combine 40 time record but his very thin frame is a concern. At 6’1 has room to add weight & could use it or will struggle vs big NFL corners. Not a traditional “speed guy”, Worthy has strong route skills and hands with insane breakaway speed
NFL Comp = Desean Jackson
FFC Take:
There’s no better spot for a burner like Worthy to
land than in the PATRICK MAHOMES led offense. They have really missed that big
play threat since TYREEK HILL took his talents to South Beach. I wasn’t overly
high on Worthy but landing spot makes a difference. Feels like a perfect
landing spot for Worthy to be special…if he can stay on the field.
RICKY PEARSALL
6’1” 190 4.41 (49ers)
What I saw:
Known for one of the most ridiculous one handed catches ever. If you haven’t seen it, pause here and go check it out. Needless to say, great hands. Good speed but not great at creating separation in routes. Tools for next level and reliable hands but lacks elite traits to be an alpha weapon
NFL Comp = Alec Pierce
FFC Take:
At the point of writing this, both BRANDON AIYUK and DEEBO SAMUEL are the starters in San Fran with GEORGE KITTLE a strong 3rd option. In a run first offense that flows through CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY, this was a puzzling fit. If one of those two receivers leaves the bay, this take will prove cold. But I don’t see fantasy viability for Pearsall, at least not short term. And kind of a gamble dynasty asset.
XAVIER LEGETTE
6’3” 225 4.39 (Panthers)
What I saw:
Big and fast, Legette has the physical tools for the next level. When at his best, plays like an unstoppable receiver but needs to improve on route running and separation to be a consistent threat. Only 1 year of real production but possesses traits to become elite
NFL Comp = DK Metcalf
FFC Take:
Legette was a steady riser over the last year & combine pushed him over the 1st round line. BRYCE YOUNG now has 3 terrific weapons with the always open FA acquisition of DIONTE JOHNSON and 2nd year man JONATHAN MINGO. Legette will immediately assume the #2 role but his limited route tree could make him more TD dependent early on. But love him for dynasty because his upside is outstanding.
BROCK BOWERS
6’4” 240 4.5 (Raiders)
What I saw:
Looks like a wide receiver in a tight end body. Excellent route running skills and great hands, or hand when making one handed catches. Top end speed for a tight end. Not a big blocking frame but a pass catching TE that should excel as a receiving weapon
NFL Comp = George Kittle
FFC Take:
There was a lot of concern over landing in Las Vegas. First, they already have MICHAEL MAYER at Tight end, who was taken 35th last year. But the pick is more of a fantasy hit to Mayer than Bowers. In fact, I’d expect a lot of two TE sets in Vegas where Bowers is the high target option & Mayer more of a blocker & red zone threat, which is what he’s ideally suited. Second is the QB because GARDNER MINSHEW & AIDEN O’CONNELL hardly inspire confidence. Bowers is a legit talent. I don’t know his 2024 season will be elite or even top 10, but his career should produce many top 5 seasons so a top pick for dynasty.
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