It’s not simply Keon Coleman. The 2024 extensive receiver draft class is rounding into type as one of many worst in NFL historical past relative to the expectation groups had of them as prospects.
From Marvin Harrison at fourth general to zero precise “steals” up to now out of 28 receivers drafted on days 2 and three, the 2024 class may quickly flood the commerce and waiver wire market, doubtlessly catching the eye of the receiver-needy Los Angeles Rams.
In truth, it’s already began.
WRs drafted within the top-100
Out of 16 receivers drafted within the top-100 of the 2024 NFL Draft, 4 gamers (picks 37, 52, 65, and 80) have already been let go by their authentic groups. Ja’Lynn Polk and AD Mitchell had been traded as sensible giveaways, whereas Malachi Corley and Jermaine Burton had been launched; Burton has not discovered a brand new staff but, simply two years after being a 3rd spherical decide.
If you overview these first spherical picks, Malik Nabers might be the one one who’s nearly as good as marketed … and even he’s bought some query marks after tearing his ACL badly in 2025.
The Cardinals is perhaps prepared to commerce Marvin Harrison, Jr. this yr in the event that they’re sellers on the deadline, as anticipated. With Michael Wilson turning out to be Arizona’s actual primary receiver and Trey McBride rounding into type as an All-Professional stage tight finish, the Cardinals might be open to buying and selling Harrison for a great draft decide in 2027.
Harrison has caught simply 54% of his targets in two seasons and has been blamed for 9 drops. He hasn’t been something near the “Sure thing” he was marketed as in 2024.
Brian Thomas Jr., regardless of being the clear breakout star of the category as a rookie, has already been embroiled in commerce rumors for six months. Is he a sufferer of Trevor Lawrence’s common quarterbacking or was 2024 only a fluke?
Xavier Legette has been each bit as dangerous as guys like Coleman and AD Mitchell. The Panthers may simply need to waive him if he doesn’t make the staff at ultimate cuts. Drafting Chris Brazzell felt just like the final signal that Legette is gone.
The 49ers want a receiver to step up, however Ricky Pearsall can’t keep wholesome and hasn’t caught a landing in 18 months. He performed 42 snaps in San Francisco’s playoff loss this yr and caught 0-of-2 targets.
Rome Odunze isn’t even catching 50% of his targets from Caleb Williams and appears to don’t have any chemistry with Ben Johnson. Xavier Worthy is a “Chiefs receiver” in all of the anticipated methods and that’s not a great factor. Even Ladd McConkey took a significant step again with the Chargers in 2025.
It’s not outlandish to say that out of 10 receivers drafted within the top-37, over half won’t make it to the top of the third season with their authentic staff. Polk is already out of New England, whereas Legette and Coleman aren’t far behind. Throw in BTJ and Pearsall, perhaps there’s 50% of these picks.
2024 is aiming to be probably the most overrated receiver class in historical past.
Jordan Whittington is comparatively good
The thirtieth receiver drafted in 2024, Whittington’s 464 receiving yards isn’t dangerous. The receiver drafted simply forward of him, Tejhuan Palmer, has solely performed in a single sport and has 0 targets.
Of the 12 receivers drafted immediately forward of Whittington, just one has extra profession yards than him: Miami’s Malik Washington has 72 catches for 540 yards.
That’s not that nice when it comes to yards per catch. Looks like numerous little dump passes with zero YAC.
Think about that Whittington was decide 213, whereas Javon Baker was decide 110 by the Patriots and he’s presently a free agent with 12 profession yards. In truth, the Patriots picked Polk AND Baker and neither of them made it to the their second season with the Patriots.
Whittington additionally has extra profession yards than day two picks Polk, Corley, Burton, Roman Wilson, and Luke McCaffrey.
With a large receiver class THIS BAD, the Rams can cling their hat on the truth that they bought a good quantity 3/4 possibility exterior of the top-200.
Ought to Rams decide anybody up?
Harrison isn’t going to be traded within the division, neither is Pearsall, and Legette is no one you wish to go wherever close to.
Thomas Jr. remains to be the title that makes probably the most sense for a couple of causes, however saving Rome Odunze from Chicago might be an enormous transfer for Les Snead.
Odunze might be loads higher than the numbers recommend on the Bears, an offense closely reliant on Caleb Williams as he low-key continues to battle staying inside a construction and Johnson’s system. Nevertheless, working with McVay and Matthew Stafford, Odunze may change into the star he was purported to be as a top-10 decide.
Don’t get me incorrect, the Bears should not in a rush to commerce Odunze. But when Luther Burden has a breakout season and Chicago leans on second-year tight finish Colston Loveland, he is perhaps a shock transfer finally.
With a category that has but to indicate out up to now, just about something is feasible.
