The NFL is a passing league, and the importance of having a go-to wide receiver has never been more important. Several NFL teams addressed the position in the 2024 NFL Draft by utilizing valuable draft capital on the receiver position. 

With that in mind, today we’re going to run through a handful of the most notable rookie receivers and project what 2024 will have in store for their respective campaigns. 

Marvin Harrison Jr, Arizona Cardinals

A full season of Kyler Murray throwing to the explosive Harrison will be must-see TV. 

Harrison is coming off a tremendous two-season stretch at Ohio State where he caught 144 passes for 2,474 yards and 28 touchdowns in 25 games. He will be the unquestioned No. 1 target in the Cardinals’ offense, and his numbers could rival those of Puka Nacua from a season ago. 

While Nacua has the benefit of Cooper Kupp stealing attention, as well, there isn’t another big-name receiver opposite of Harrison, which will allow defenses to clamp down on him. However, that doesn’t mean he won’t be spectacular - he will be. And his rookie season will be a show from start to finish. 

Final projections:

• 88 catches
• 1,157 yards
• 8 touchdowns

Malik Nabers, New York Giants

The Giants were smart to add a No. 1 receiver in the draft. Unfortunately, they still have Daniel Jones at quarterback. Everyone thought that Darren Waller would be this massive acquisition for the Giants, and look how that turned out. Nabers is incredibly talented, but he’s also in a bad situation with the Giants, who look like they could potentially be the worst team in the NFL. 

Final projections:

• 63 catches
• 806 yards
• 4 touchdowns

Rome Odunze, Chicago Bears

Odunze is a fantastic player, and will be one of three reliable options in the Bears’ offense this season. Along with D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen, Odunze completes one of the better receiving trios entering this season for Caleb Williams to distribute the ball to. Being the fact that he’s sharing targets, his numbers may not look incredibly sexy, but he’s going to make a handful of plays this season that show how tremendous he is.

Final projections:

• 59 catches
• 903 yards
• 5 touchdowns

Brian Thomas Jr, Jacksonville Jaguars

Thomas is going to be a prominent target for the Jaguars and the newly-extended Trevor Lawrence. Calvin Ridley didn’t meet expectations a season ago and it seems as if the Jaguars are going to lean a little more into the deep passing game. They drafted Thomas and signed Gabe Davis from the Buffalo Bills - two guys who are vertical threats. Combined with Christian Kirk eating from the slot, the Jaguars’ offense will be exciting, and Thomas will be a big part of that. 

Final projections:

• 70 catches
• 947 yards
• 7 touchdowns

Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills

Speaking of guys that will be instant difference-makers, Coleman will get a nice share of targets in Buffalo. He’s going to be the WR1 on the depth chart, and will bring a balance of being an underneath receiver who can win at the line of scrimmage, while also being able to go get those deep balls. The vibes have been tremendous with Coleman this offseason, and he’s quickly become a fan-favorite, as well as a darling with the media. It won’t be long until he’s a favorite of Josh Allen, as well. 

Final projections:

• 67 catches
• 839 yards
• 7 touchdowns