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The 2024 NFL Draft class saw seven wide receivers selected in the first round. While Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze were top-10 picks, four wide receivers were drafted in the final 12 selections.
Xavier Legette and Ricky Pearsall were the last two picks on Day 1 of the NFL Draft. The San Francisco 49ers drafted Pearsall with the 31st overall pick. Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers traded up to the 32nd overall selection to draft Legette.
Both rookie receivers have a bright future ahead of them in the NFL. However, should fantasy players draft Legette or Pearsall in 2024? Let’s break down their fantasy football outlook for this season.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Xavier Legette 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook
Legette had a breakout season in 2023, totaling 71 receptions for 1,255 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. By comparison, he had 42 receptions for 423 receiving yards and five touchdowns over his other four years at South Carolina.
While many scouts consider the rookie receiver a developmental project, Legette flashed upside during practice this offseason. More importantly, he could work his way into the starting lineup opposite Diontae Johnson.
Can confirm this is a Bryce to Xavier video 🎥 pic.twitter.com/SeCH4ubTA8
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) May 13, 2024
Ricky Pearsall 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook
Many were surprised when the 49ers used their first-round pick on Pearsall. The former Florida star was considered by most as a second-round prospect. Pearsall had an impressive 2023 season despite awful quarterback play, totaling 65 receptions for 965 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
Unfortunately, the talented rookie is stuck behind Deebo Samuel Sr. and Brandon Aiyuk on the depth chart. Furthermore, George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey play massive roles in the passing game for San Francisco. While Pearsall’s chance at significant targets is slim, things could change if Aiyuk gets traded before the start of training camp.
🚨🚨BREAKING
San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk has been taking contract negotiations "personal" and is unhappy with the current offers from San Francisco.
Aiyuk is the one who requested a meeting today - and is comfortable playing elsewhere if the 49ers are willing to… pic.twitter.com/MPygLOn0Xq
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) June 24, 2024
Who Should I Draft?
Both rookie wide receivers are late-round dart throw options. While Legette has less competition for targets, he plays on a far weaker offense. Meanwhile, Pearsall could see his ADP jump several rounds if the 49ers trade away Aiyuk.
Hopefully, fantasy players can wait until training camp to make a draft decision between these two wide receivers. I would take Pearsall over Legette because the potential upside is significantly more with Aiyuk’s future in San Francisco up in the air.
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