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Anyone who follows college football knows who the best players are. Sometimes this does not fit with what the teams at the top of the NFL Draft need. Luckily, this year, there are several top WR candidates and just as many teams who can use a weapon. So, which are the teams who need to pick up a WR in the 2024 NFL Draft?
Below, we have a list of five teams who could use an addition to the wide receivers group.
Whether it be due to an aging star or an upcoming contract battle, these are the teams who should look to the wide receiver position in the upcoming draft.
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Top Receivers: Justin Shorter, Mack Hollins, Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel
2023 Stats: 4,154 yards (eighth), 244.4/game
With Stefon Diggs and his 107 receptions for 1,183 yards now in Houston, the Buffalo Bills will be forced to take a WR...likely with their first-round selection in the draft.
While losing Diggs is a huge loss, the loss of Gabe Davis to Jacksonville will also be felt by Josh Allen. Both top receivers are gone and with Khalil Shakir being the only name of note returning, this could be a banner year for James Cook and Allen in the running game. Allen is a gunslinger, and the Bills will have to gather some weapons if they want to continue in their Super Bowl window.
This will be a good spot for any receiver to go to with an elite QB in Allen and a solid run game with Cook. Look for the Bills to get their man in round one.
Carolina Panthers:
Top Receivers: Jonathan Mingo, Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen
2023 Stats: 2,741 yards (32nd), 161.2/game
The Carolina Panthers had no receivers on their team in 2023 which finished in the top 25 in receiving yards. Even with the addition of Diontae Johnson, the Panthers do not have a WR who finished top 25 in 2023.
Adam Thielen is getting older and while Johnson is a younger receiver who can build alongside Bryce Young, more needs to be done by Carolina to build up an offense which ranked last in pass yards in 2023.
Carolina does not have a first-round pick, but they do have two top-10 selections in the second round. Look for one of these to be a receiver.
Los Angeles Chargers:
Top Receivers: Quentin Johnston, Joshua Palmer, Derius Davis
2023 Stats: 3,957 yards (13th), 232.8/game
After trading Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears for salary cap relief, the Chargers must replace 108 receptions and 1,243 yards in the receiving game. Those stats led him to a top-11 WR finish in just 13 games in 2023.
Along with Allen, the Los Angeles Chargers also are replacing talented yet oft-injured Mike Williams and his ability to out leap defenders for 50/50 balls.
What is left on the roster does not provide much hope for new head coach Jim Harbaugh. Although Harbaugh will want to run the ball, he will also need to throw from time to time. Especially with a talent like Justin Herbert behind center.
The Chargers will have a great chance to grab the WR of their choosing with the fifth pick. They will also need to come back later in the draft and snag someone else to fill out their group of receivers.
Miami Dolphins:
Top Receivers: Tyrek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, River Cracraft, Braxton Berrios
2023 Stats: 4,514 yards (first), 265.5/game
Although Tyrek Hill is coming off an all-pro season with 1,799 yards receiving, this is more about the future. Although Hill signed a multi-year contract after being traded to the Dolphins by the Chiefs, it has little guaranteed money left after 2024 and Hill has hinted to some about a possible retirement. Even if this is a ploy, Hill wins with his speed. Speed which will lessen with age.
The Miami Dolphins still have Jaylen Waddle, but with the way they have managed contracts, they may find it difficult to afford an ascending WR. Especially in this day of WR contracts going through the roof.
Adding to this group will be a need in 2025 and beyond. With the depth of the position in the 2024 draft, this is a great season to make their first splash into the market to find replacements.
New York Giants:
Top Receivers: Jalen Hyett, Isaiah Hodgins, Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson, Isaiah McKenzie
2023 Stats: 2,886 yards (31st), 169.8/game
Notice how many receivers were listed above? Well, also notice the names. There is not a star amongst them. This means that whether it be Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, or even a rookie, the New York Giants will find it difficult to provide them with any form of talent to succeed.
A major fumble by the organization in signing Kenny Golladay has been wronged with his release. However, there is no one on the roster to take his place as a WR1 option for the team. With Saquon Barkley now also gone to Houston, The Giants' offense will need to rely more on the passing game. A passing game with no weapons.
While they may want to use the sixth pick in the upcoming draft to take a replacement for Jones and Lock, The Giants need to also consider taking one of the top three receivers should they still be on the board.
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