Rookie wide receivers have emerged into some of the most desirable players in the world of fantasy football. That wasn’t always the case, of course, as it often took a year or two for a receiver to make the transition from college to the pros. But with more pro-style offenses in the amateur ranks and the NFL’s transition into more of a passing league, these rookie receivers are making a more immediate impact.
Case in point, we’ve seen 13 rookie wideouts score more than 200 fantasy points in the last five years. That includes six who have gone over 220 points and three who posted more than 274 points. That trio is Ja’Marr Chase, Puka Nacua and Justin Jefferson. With a loaded class of wideouts for 2024, that trend will continue.
So, with Super Bowl LVIII in the rearview mirror and a very exciting offseason right ahead of us, let’s take a look at some of the best wideout prospects you’ll need to know about when it comes time to prepare for dynasty and re-draft leagues.
Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
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Harrison is the top rookie wideout in the class and he’s the top fantasy option as well. The son of a Hall of Famer, he produced over 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns in each of his final two seasons at Ohio State. At 6’4” and 205 pounds, he’s a bigger receiver than his father and has virtually no holes in his game. Harrison will be a top-five pick in the NFL draft, and he has No. 1 fantasy receiver written all over him. In fact, I’ve seen him picked in the third round in very early fantasy mock drafts.
Harrison will also be the consensus No. 1 wide receiver selected in rookie-only drafts, and he’ll be a very high selection in all fantasy dynasty startup formats.
NFL player comparison: A.J. Green
Malik Nabers, LSU
Nabers had his best statistical season in 2023, posting 89 catches for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns in 13 games. An athletic freak, Nabers is elusive with the ball and was able to beat single coverage at the collegiate level on a regular basis. He has all the looks of the next great wide receiver to come out of LSU. He’s likely to be drafted in the top 10 and possibly in the top six soon after Harrison is picked.
Nabers could make an immediate fantasy impact if he lands with the right team, and at just 20 years old he’ll be a long-term option for managers in dynasty leagues.
NFL player comparison: Odell Beckham Jr.
Rome Odunze, Washington
Odunze had a monster final season with the Huskies, posting 92 catches for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns while averaging 17.8 yards per catch. He’s a big-bodied receiver at 6’3” and 215 pounds, making him a physical specimen who should and likely will be a No. 1 wideout at the next level. Odunze also has the ball skills and route running ability that could make him a top-10 pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
There’s not much not to like about the Huskies receiver, but if he does have one knock against him it’s that he’s been inconsistent in terms of speed in game conditions. Overall, though, he has the tools to make an impact.
NFL player comparison: Courtland Sutton
Keon Coleman, Florida State
Coleman is a big wideout at 6’4” and 215 pounds who features elite size and the athletic build required to be successful at the next level. No matter what evaluation you might read on Coleman, you’re almost guaranteed to see the term "highlight reel” used. A former basketball player, he’s a big man with soft hands who should be able to win jump-ball and contested catch battles against opposing defensive backs.
Coleman needs to be more consistent in the stat sheets to become a fantasy star, however. In 12 games for the Seminoles last season, he finished with fewer than 55 yards eight times. Coleman also needs to shore up skills as a blocker when needed.
NFL player comparison: Drake London
Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
Thomas was a stat-sheet stuffer in his final season with the Tigers, posting 1,177 yards and an FBS-leading 17 touchdown rerceptions while playing alongside Nabers. He’s a big receiver at 6’4” who could turn into a serious deep threat in the NFL due to his top-end speed and athleticism. He could be a nice No. 2 pro wideout.
If he has to improve any aspect of his game, Thomas is going to have to improve his route tree at the next level. The fact that he didn’t face No. 1 cornerbacks, who went to Nabers’s side of the field, was also a huge advantage for him in college.
NFL player comparison: Christian Watson
Troy Franklin, Oregon
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Franklin had a breakout campaign in his final season with the Ducks, posting 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns (both career bests). He’s a tall wideout at 6’3”, but he’s also uber slender at just 187 pounds. That makes him quick as a gazelle, on a positive note, making him a prime candidate to become a strong vertical threat.
The fact that he’s so slender will make Franklin susceptible to stronger cornerbacks at the next level, and his frame could be a bit problematic when he needs to block. Still, he’s going to be fun to watch when he gets open and makes plays downfield.
NFL player comparison: Tyquan Thornton
Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
Egbuka played second fiddle at Ohio State to Harrison, but don’t be fooled … he has the tools to emerge into a solid NFL wideout. A polished receiver, he has a nice combination of quickness, acceleration and great hands. His 2023 numbers won’t pop off the page as he missed time with an injured ankle, but he did post 74 catches for 1,151 yards and scored 10 touchdowns in his 13 games the previous campaign.
At 6’1” and 206 pounds, Egbuka figures to be utilized in the slot at the next level. That’s where he ran 72.5% of his routes in his final season with the Buckeyes. He might not be as athletic as some others in the class, but Egbuka is certainly pro-ready.
NFL player comparison: Jarvis Landry
Adonai Mitchell, Texas
Mitchell is a tall wideout at 6’4”, and has the build to be an X receiver at the next level. He also has good speed and can use his height and athleticism to beat enemy defenders on jump balls and contested catches. Those tools helped him produce 55 catches, 845 yards and 11 touchdowns in what was a productive 2023 campaign.
NFL teams could be a bit concerned about Mitchell’s durability, as he missed most of his sophomore season with injuries. He also has to develop as a route runner and his level of intensity has been questioned, but Mitchell has No. 2 wideout upside.
NFL player comparison: George Pickens
Xavier Legette, South Carolina
Legette is a big wideout at 6’1” and 223 pounds who used his size and speed to produce a career season in 2023. He was a playmaker with the football, averaging more than 17 yards per catch while playing both on the outside and inside. In fact, he ran 34% of his routes out of the slot (though he figures to be more of an X wide receiver in the NFL). Legette has the build to be a strong wideout as a pro.
If there’s a concern, it’s that Legette had just one good season in college, so he could have been a one-year wonder. He also needs to refine his route tree to be the best possible receiver for the NFL team that calls his name in the upcoming draft.
NFL player comparison: Kenny Britt
Xavier Worthy, Texas
Worthy brings insane speed to the table, as he's a serious playmaker who can create separation and make plays down the field. A versatile receiver, he ran nearly 40% of his routes in the slot but was also used plenty out wide. Worthy also made an impact right out of the gate for the Longhorns, scoring 12 touchdowns as a freshman. He had a productive 2023, posting 75 receptions for 1,014 yards.
The downside with Worthy is his size, or lack thereof, as he’s very light at just 172 pounds. That’s going to make it tough for him to get off the line of scrimmage on press coverage. He’ll be best served as a big-play vertical threat at the next level.
NFL player comparison: Darnell Mooney
