Who Is WR1 In The 2024 NFL Draft Class?

The 2024 NFL Draft is just one day out, but there's still debate on who is the top wide receiver in the class.

Many believed Marvin Harrison Jr. would be the clear-cut No. 1 wide receiver in this draft class since his breakout season in 2022. However, Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze are elite prospects and have a case to be the first wide receiver off the board.

Let’s look at each candidate’s case to be the first wide receiver picked in the 2024 NFL Draft.

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Marvin Harrison Jr. – Ohio State

The Ohio State star is the son of former Indianapolis Colts’ NFL Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison. He had a limited role as a freshman, playing behind Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba at Ohio State. However, the superstar prospect was outstanding in his final two years in college.

Harrison had over 1,200 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in 2022 and 2023 despite only playing one year with C.J. Stroud. Surprisingly, the former Buckeye star didn’t work out at the NFL Combine or his Pro Day. While some don’t see it as a problem, others were unhappy with the wide receiver’s unusual decision.

𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: WR Marvin Harrison Jr. will not be working out for scouts at the Ohio State Pro Day, per @AlbertBreer

No Combine….no Pro Day 🤔 pic.twitter.com/az9ntrScx2

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 20, 2024

Malik Nabers – LSU

LSU’s offense was unbelievable last season. Jayden Daniels won the Heisman Trophy, and the Tigers had arguably the top passing attack in college football. Nabers played a massive role in the team’s success. He had 89 receptions on 1,569 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, all among the league leaders.

Nabers is a better athlete than Marvin Harrison Jr. Furthermore, he was the clear-cut top wide receiver in college football in 2023, finishing first in PFF grade against man and zone coverage. However, some have concerns about Nabers’ one year of elite production. Before last season, he had receptions for 1,434 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in his college career.

STAR: LSU WR Malik Nabers in 2023

- #1 in Yards/Route Run
- #1 in PFF Grade vs Man Coverage
- #1 in PFF Grade vs Zone Coverage
- #2 in Missed Tackles Forced
- #2 in Deep Catches

🤯🤯🤯

ONE #NFL TEAM IS ABOUT TO GET A SUPERSTAR pic.twitter.com/zTG5wYFatC

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 22, 2024

Rome Odunze – Washington

While he doesn’t get the same national attention as Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers, Odunze has a case to be the top wide receiver drafted this year. The Washington star had an outstanding 2023 season, leading the team in receptions (92), receiving yards (1,640), and touchdowns (13). More importantly, he is a do-it-all wide receiver.

Odunze is a bigger receiver but can play outside and in the slot. Some have compared him to Larry Fitzgerald. While that is high praise, Odunze’s game is similar to the future Hall of Famer. Last year, the star receiver caught 34.2% of Washington’s receiving touchdowns.

All roads lead to Rome 📈🔥@RomeOdunze highlights ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/NH8Fn1QXzh

— Washington Football (@UW_Football) March 21, 2024

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