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Today, we will discuss the top 2023 college football WR's that we have an early grade for. These players will be eligible to enter the 2024 NFL Draft after the 2023 college football season.
2024 NFL Draft WR Rankings: A True Elite Player at the Top
The 2024 NFL Draft WR rankings provide us with something that the 2023 draft class did not, and that is a true elite player at the top. Marvin Harrison Jr., to no one's surprise, is the top projected WR in the class and could elevate to the top player overall.
2022 WR Draft: Three Elite-Graded Prospects
The 2022 WR draft provided us with three elite-graded WR prospects ahead of the draft and a handful of players with elite-level potential. The three elite 2022 pre-draft WR grades included Ohio State WR Garrett Wilson, Alabama WR and former Ohio State WR Jameson Williams, and Ohio State WR Chris Olave. The other WR's on the cusp of a pre-draft elite grade included USC WR Drake London, drafted by the Falcons; Georgia WR George Pickens, drafted by the Steelers; and Penn State WR Jahan Dotson, drafted by the Commanders.
2022 WR Draft Class: Competing to Become the Best Ever
The 2022 WR draft class has a shot at competing to become the best ever. The class was deep and is proving that its elite tier players were legit, and the 2nd tier players are also legit, with two or three of them on the cusp of hitting the elite tier in their 2nd season.
2021 WR Draft Class: Deep Class with Elite Talent
The 2021 WR draft class is also in the same conversation as the 2022 class. It was also a deep class with elite talent at the top, starting with LSU WR Ja'Marr Chase, drafted by the Bengals; Alabama WR's DeVonta Smith and Jalen Waddle received elite predraft grades and were ranked in the top ten on the Football Scout 365 NFL Draft board. The next tier in the class included Minnesota WR Rashod Bateman, drafted by the Baltimore Ravens; Ole Miss WR Elijah Moore drafted by the Jets; and Florida WR Kadarius Toney drafted by the Giants.
2023 NFL Draft Class: Depth with No True Front-Runner
The 2023 NFL Draft Class provided depth with no true front-runner at the top. Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba was close to an elite grade; TCU WR Quentin Johnston and USC WR Jordan Addison followed him. Boston College WR Zay Flowers is also in the conversation of near-elite potential.
The Recent Benchmark: 2014 WR Draft Class
The WR draft class that every recent WR class is compared to is the 2014 class. The 2014 class produced Mike Evans, Davante Adams, Sammy Watkins, Allen Robinson, and Brandin Cooks.
Below is a list of top early grades ranked from the highest to the lowest.
Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (6’4”, 205 lbs)
Ceiling Grade: Elite
Player Comparisons: Keenan Allen, A.J. Green, Michael Thomas
X receiver can play all over the formation. He is not a burner, but his route running and ability to separate is why he is considered elite.
Play Style/Scheme: Marvin Harrison Jr.'s play style is dynamic and adaptable to various offensive strategies. His exceptional route running and ability to create separation mirror the skills of distinguished NFL receivers like Keenan Allen, AJ Green, and Michael Thomas. Harrison Jr. consistently creates explosive plays by exploiting defensive weaknesses. His strong hands, precision in route running, and capacity for big plays make him a valuable asset in any offensive scheme.
LSU WR Malik Nabers (6'0", 195 lbs)
Ceiling Grade: Near Elite
Player Comparisons: Garrett Wilson, Odell Beckham Jr., Daesean Hamilton
He can play the X role or flip inside as needed. His route running and explosiveness in and out of his breaks are what separates him.
Play Style/Scheme: Malik Nabers showcases a versatile play style, with the capability to perform both inside and outside. He possesses commendable route-running skills and the ability to create separation from defenders, making him a potent receiver. This capacity for versatility and adaptability mirrors the traits of NFL receivers such as Garrett Wilson, Odell Beckham Jr., and Daesean Hamilton. Nabers excels in short passes and timing routes, making him a good fit for offenses that emphasize these strategies. His ability to create plays after the catch and his adaptability to various offensive strategies make him a promising asset for any team.
Texas WR Xavier Worthy (6'1", 170 lbs)
Ceiling Grade: Near Elite
Player Comparisons: DeSean Jackson, Will Fuller, Marquise Brown
A slot or off-ball move receiver. Worthy will be used similarly to Tyreek Hill to stretch the field and has the route running chops to work underneath.
Play Style/Scheme: Xavier Worthy has the potential to excel in a vertical-oriented offense due to his game-changing speed and capacity to stretch defenses. His skill in route-running and speed makes him a suitable fit for a slot receiver role, while his return skills could provide a valuable boost to a team's special teams. His play style mirrors elements from Hill, Jackson, and Moore, despite not being physically imposing, he compensates with speed, agility, and separation ability. Worthy's skill set makes him an exciting prospect for the upcoming NFL draft.
Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka (6'1", 205 lbs)
Ceiling Grade: Near Elite
Player Comparisons: Deebo Samuel, Devin Duvernay, Bisi Johnson
He has the size to be effective on the outside and will likely play in the slot or an off-ball role where he can be moved around as needed. His sudden route-running ability is a key to his success.
Play Style/Scheme: Egbuka's skillset as a vertical receiver naturally aligns him with schemes that utilize the deep ball, enhancing his potential as a key playmaker for teams looking to orchestrate explosive plays. However, his football acumen and versatility transcend specific systems, making him an adaptable asset for various offensive strategies. His adept route-running and dependable hands make him a potent threat on any part of the field. Egbuka's playing style parallels those of Deebo Samuel, Devin Duvernay, and Bisi Johnson, making him a versatile asset for any team.
Washington WR Rome Odunze (6'3", 212 lbs)
Ceiling Grade: Near Elite
Player Comparisons: Michael Thomas, Keenan Allen, Jordan Matthews
A big-bodied outside receiver. He will likely become a full-time X. He is versatile enough to move around the formation.
Play Style/Scheme: Rome Odunze is a versatile receiver who can fulfill various roles on the field. He excels as a possession receiver with a knack for winning on contested catches and creating plays after the catch. Odunze's size, athleticism, and playstyle draw parallels to NFL receivers like Michael Thomas, Keenan Allen, and Jordan Matthews. His proficiency with slants, curls, and other short routes makes him an ideal fit for offenses that utilize these strategies. With reliable hands and the ability to create separation from defenders, Odunze represents a promising prospect for the upcoming NFL draft.
Oregon WR Troy Franklin (6'3", 180 lbs)
Ceiling Grade: Near Elite
Player Comparisons: DeVonta Smith, Chris Olave, Jordan Addison
Franklin’s leaner build will land him in the slot or in an off-ball move WR role.
Play Style/Scheme: Troy Franklin is a talented wide receiver with the speed, athleticism, and ball skills to be a star in the NFL. He would fit well in any offensive scheme, but he would be especially effective in a West Coast offense that relies on timing and precision. He would also be a good fit for an offense that uses a lot of screens and other short passes. Franklin has been compared to several receivers, but some of his most similar comparisons include Devonta Smith, Chris Olave, and Jordan Addison. All of these receivers are known for their speed, athleticism, and route-running ability. Franklin has the potential to be a first-round pick in the NFL Draft, but he will need to improve his blocking and durability.