ABC
With the NFL draft just being a few days ago, we got to see where some of our favorite collegiate wide receivers landed for their pro careers.There were eight wide receivers taken in the first round, but let's talk about three who will have an immediate impact in their rookie seasons.
Marvin Harrison Jr
Arizona Cardinals
Now this really won’t be a surprise to many, but when a team uses a top five pick on a wide receiver, they're going to use him. Marvin Harrison Jr. put up monster numbers in his final season at Ohio State. MHJ had over 1,200 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns on only 67 receptions. Just to put this in perspective, MHJ was way outside the top 25 in total receptions and yet was top ten in receiving yards, receiving yards per game, receiving touchdowns, and 100 plus yard receiving games. Clearly, Marvin can still be effective even if he isn't getting the most receptions.
However, let’s get into his situation in Arizona. With DeAndre Hopkins leaving last offseason and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown going to Kansas City, there is no wide receiver one on the Cardinals roster. Marvin will slide into that spot with ease as the only other notable wideouts on the team are Greg Dortch and Michael Wilson. Also, it’s important to note that Quaterback Kyler Murray tore his ACL in December of 2022 and I believe the coaching staff will minimize a ton of rushing from him this season. 2020 was the last time Kyler stayed healthy and had his wide receiver one stay healthy the entire season. In that season he targeted Hopkins 160 times for just over 1,400 yards and six touchdowns. Hopkins finished top five in fantasy PPR leagues in 2020. If we get a full season of Kyler and Marvin, I'm expecting big things from the rookie out of Ohio State.
Brian Thomas Jr
Jacksonville Jaguars
Brian Thomas Jr. out of LSU was one of my favorite prospects in the draft. At 6’3" and 209 pounds he is a true 50/50 ball monster but don’t get it twisted, this guy can move. Thomas Jr. ran a 4.33 40-yard dash, which was second fastest among wide receivers and only behind Xavier Worthy (who ran the fastest 40 time ever). With his insane body control and pure athleticism, he’s going to come down with most of the balls thrown his way. This isn’t just an opinion either, this was shown at LSU where Thomas Jr. hauled in 17 receiving touchdowns which led the nation.
Again, it’s cool to talk about how good these receivers were in college, but let’s talk about the NFL situation. I’m not sure there is a better spot for Thomas Jr. than the Jags. With Calvin Ridley going to the Tennessee Titans, once again there is an opening for the number one receiver spot. While I don’t think Thomas Jr. will get the same role as MHJ, I expect a large target share in the red zone. Especially since the Jags struggled immensely once they crossed the 50-yard line. Last season the Jags turned the ball over 25% of the time once they crossed the 50-yard line, that is a staggering amount. It’s interesting to include that the Jags ranked 21st in red zone efficiency in 2023.
Thomas Jr. is an undeniable red zone threat with his ability to go up and get 50/50 balls. It’s also important to note that Trevor Lawrence has zero problem throwing up 50/50 balls. In a draft report from Skip Newton at Sports Illustrated he stated, “If there is a flaw with Lawrence, it would be his willingness to throw 50-50 balls to his receivers.” With the dire need for a new red zone threat and true wide receiver one, Brian Thomas Jr. should shine in his role with the Jags this season.
Xavier Legette
Carolina Panthers
If you don’t know who Xavier Legette is go look up, “Xavier Legette touchdown vs Mississippi State.” This play really highlights who Legette is as a playmaker. On this play Legette catches a short crossing route at the 30-yard line and proceeds to outrun the entire secondary for a 70-yard touchdown. The 6’1” and 221 pound wide receiver out of South Carolina is a tough runner who is not easy to bring down.
Quaterback Bryce Young had a rough rookie season, a huge part of that was the fact that Young was sacked 62 times, which was the second most in the NFL. Legette can offer quick relief for Young if he is under pressure and needs to get rid of the ball. Expect Legette to be a go to dump off guy for Young. Legette just needs a five-yard crosser and he is a threat to house it for a touchdown. (seriously go watch that play.)
