SEAN THOMAS 2024 NFL DRAFT WIDE RECEIVER RANKINGS (1-5)
1. Marvin Harrison Jr. – OSU
What can you say that hasn’t already been told? Massive size, 4.3 speed, and pedigree of one of the best to ever do it. Marvin is an alien; he’s not from this Earth, and I will not be convinced otherwise. His size, speed, body control, and football IQ don’t make sense, and some call him the best prospect we’ve seen in fifteen years. I’m not a massive gambler; I prefer walks in cool, crisp air or a lovely basket of well-seasoned fries. But if I were a gambling man, I would place all my chips into the basket that Marvin is just about the surest, most impossible-to-miss prospect I’ve ever seen, and as a Steeler fan, I’m just gracious, there’s very little chance he ends up in the AFC North.
Ceiling Pro Comp: Calvin Johnson Jr.
Ideal Landing Spot: Chicago/Arizona
2. Rome Odunze – Washington
Smooth as butter, Rome is a talent that is not appreciated enough for being a three-level-threat receiver on one of the best teams in the country. He stands at 6’3 with a dominant 50/50 catch point ability paired with routes that create separation like he’s 5’8, 160. Rome has the skill set to become an alpha in his offense on day one and an alpha wide receiver in the entire NFL. What separated Rome from Nabers for me was the Translation Longevity of Rome’s game. Even when he loses a step, Rome will make corners look silly on double moves when he’s 31. Nabers’ game relies on splash plays and athletic ability over fundamentals and technique.
Ceiling Pro Comp: Keenan Allen
Ideal Landing Spot: Tennessee Titans
3. Malik Nabers – LSU
Some consider Malik to be the #1 guy in the class. Malik can score from literally anywhere on the field with his deep-threat ability. Nabers boasting a phenomenal YAC attribute for the LSU Tigers makes him a prospect that will leave OCs foaming at the mouth come draft day. I expect huge plays and an immediate spark for whatever offense is lucky enough to draft Malik. If he were to land in LA with Justin Herbert, I foresee him leading the NFL in average depth of target right out of the gate and for potentially the next five years.
Ceiling Pro Comp: Ja’marr Chase
Ideal Landing Spot: Los Angeles Chargers
4. Brenden Rice – USC
Genetics can’t be measured at the combine, but they do help. Being in an offense with a self-proclaimed messiah of football can often lead to fewer headlines, even while carrying the GOAT’s last name. Brenden does everything asked of a receiver at an extremely high level, and there are no weaknesses to his game. I’m higher than just about everyone on the planet regarding Rice, and I’m prepared to stand on business! I don’t want to sling around a Puka ceiling loosely, but I see many of the same traits I saw in Amon Ra St. Brown coming out of USC. In this case, we have a 6’3, 200-pound frame with the name Rice attached. I expect big things and can’t wait for him to gain the notoriety he deserves in the coming months as we approach the draft.
Ceiling Pro Comp: Michael Thomas
Ideal Landing Spot: Houston Texans
5. Brian Thomas Jr. – LSU
Big, strong, fast, consistent hands, and a great smile. LSU’s Wide receiver room was eerily similar regarding absolute danger levels compared to the 2019 rendition of Ja’marr Chase and Justin Jefferson. Previously, I compared Nabers to Ja’marr, and let me preface this by saying that I think Thomas is dangerous. Brian Thomas is dangerous in a different font from Jefferson, which I don’t believe needs much defense because of how different the playstyles are. He doesn’t break you down with ankle-shattering routes or euro steps but instead uses something more physical.
Brian resides more in the Tee Higgins range for me with his powerful build and deep-threat ability. Thomas doesn’t possess “blistering” speed, but at 6′ 4, paired with that stride length, if you blink, he’s gone. He will make corners come up and respect his physical strength on short to intermediate routes, allowing him to take you over the top for six. He is the first wideout from this class that I believe will require a better-than-average scheme fit to be full-time successful, but I do not doubt that Thomas will pop off the page at the next level when given the opportunity.
Ceiling Pro Comp: Tee Higgins
Ideal Landing Spot: Jacksonville Jaguars
