NFL Draft Notebook: Top 30 WR rankings and NFL player comps

It’s true. This wide receiver class is special. I know, everyone is getting tired of hearing that every year in April leading into the NFL draft. However, this one truly has it all with superstars going off the board in the top 10, the dynamic athletes going somewhere between the middle of Round 1 and early Round 2, and still having enough depth that teams can grab starters on Day 3.

With so much talent on the board, it was difficult to narrow it down to just a top 10. So, here are my top thirty wide receivers, with player comparisons where I see fit.

Not many receivers come into the league as pro-ready as Harrison Jr. He’s got ideal size, build-up speed, polished routes and elite tracking. It’s easy to see a lot of A.J. Green in his game.

Nabers plays with the “NFL Blitz” turbo button held down. His acceleration with and without the ball just looks different. Nabers’ expected usage and play style is very similar to D.J. Moore’s coming out of Maryland.

Moore jumped 11-0” in the broad and 39.5” in the vertical at 6-0, 210 pounds. Nabers jumped 10’9” in the broad and 42” in the vertical at 6-0, 200 pounds.

There aren’t a lot of players in this draft that will outwork Odunze and that showed in 2023. He hauled in 21 of his 28 contested catch opportunities, compared to just 4 of 16 in the previous year. He’s even worked out with Washington’s basketball team in the offseason.

It’s hard to land on a perfect comparison for Odunze, who tested well but often wins with crafty footwork, timing and ball skills. I see a blend of Keenan Allen with T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

4. Brian Thomas Jr., LSU

When Brian Thomas Jr. walks onto the field, even one in an NFL stadium, he will always be one of the best athletes. His game isn’t perfectly rounded, but he’s an acrobat that can win over the top. That dynamic athleticism is similar to Christian Watson coming out of North Dakota State.

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-notebook-top-30-144236849.html

Author : NBC Sports

Publish date : 2024-04-12 14:42:36

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