The 2024 NFL Draft was lauded for its deep and talented wide receiver class, and pass catchers have been flying off the board over the past two days. Five wideouts were selected in Round 1, while nine more were taken between Rounds 2 and 3.
Let’s hone in on those WRs drafted on Day 2 and rank how those prospects will fit with their new NFL team.
Best Day 2 WR Fits in the 2024 NFL Draft
9) Luke McCaffrey, Washington Commanders (No. 100)
While Luke McCaffrey comes from the famed McCaffrey NFL bloodline, he’s not the same caliber of athlete as his brother, San Francisco 49ers Christian McCaffrey. Still, at 6’2″, 198 pounds, Luke McCaffrey is well-built enough to handle inside duties as the Washington Commanders’ oversized slot receiver.
Still, McCaffrey ranked just 144th on Pro Football Network Draft Analyst Ian Cummings’ Big Board and 142nd on the Industry Consensus Board. Washington may have over-drafted him and could have considered other WR options like Oregon’s Troy Franklin (No. 68 on Cummings’ board), Virginia’s Malik Washington (No. 81), or UCF’s Javon Baker (100).
8) Jermaine Burton, Cincinnati Bengals (No. 80)
The Cincinnati Bengals needed a receiver to help replace Tyler Boyd’s lost snaps in 2024, while Tee Higgins’ contract situation meant Zac Taylor and Co. were also looking for a long-term option to play opposite Ja’Marr Chase.
Zac on the Burton pick: pic.twitter.com/ZpWV4fYyQy
— Jay Morrison (@ByJayMorrison) April 27, 2024
Jermaine Burton was the Bengals’ choice in the third round. He’s undeniably physically talented, but off-field questions plagued his draft stock. Burton hit a woman in the head during a field-storming incident in 2022 and comes with other character questions. Whether or not those concerns arise in the NFL will determine whether Burton is a viable Higgins replacement.
7) Malachi Corley, New York Jets (No. 65)
The New York Jets couldn’t wait for Malachi Corley to fall to pick No. 72, so they traded up to grab him at 65. Known as the “YAC King,” Corley should compete to become Aaron Rodgers’ WR3 from the jump.
Often compared to Deebo Samuel, Corley should bring another dimension to New York’s WR corps. Garrett Wilson can do everything, while Mike Williams is a vertical ball-winner. Corley will do a little bit of everything, handling the ball on sweeps and other plays designed specifically for his explosive traits.
6) Roman Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 84)
It remains to be seen how the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Russell Wilson-led passing attack will fare in 2024, but Roman Wilson is a noticeable upgrade for a worrisome WR depth chart. The Steelers traded Diontae Johnson over the offseason, leaving them with just Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins behind George Pickens.
KEEP READING: NFL Draft Grades 2024 — Analysis and Grades for All 7 Rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft
Roman might be a slot-only receiver, but he has the speed to be a vertical weapon from the interior. If Russell (or Justin Fields) can connect on deep attempts with the Michigan product, he could easily outperform his draft stock.
5) Ja’Lynn Polk, New England Patriots (No. 37)
Cummings loved the fit between Ja’Lynn Polk and the New England Patriots, calling the newfound duo a “dream pairing” while labeling Polk a “catch savant.” Although he’s not the most dynamic athlete, Polk is a weapon on contested catches and could become the Patriots’ next Jakobi Meyers.
With only Kendrick Bourne, K.J. Osborn, and DeMario Douglas standing between him and starting snaps, Polk figures to make an impact in Year 1.
4) Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 92)
Although Polk was drafted 55 spots earlier, Jalen McMillan often overshadowed his Washington teammate when both were healthy. A knee injury sidelined McMillan for part of the 2023 campaign, but he posted a 79-1,098-9 line for the Huskies in 2022.
While he’ll need to add strength, McMillan might be able to start for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over Trey Palmer as soon as the upcoming season. He makes total sense as a vertical slot option between Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
3) Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills (No. 33)
Few teams needed wide receiver help as severely as the Buffalo Bills. After trading Stefon Diggs and letting Gabe Davis walk in free agency, Josh Allen’s top WRs were Curtis Samuel, Khalil Shakir, and Mack Hollins.
With little in the way of competition in front of him, Keon Coleman could be in for a significant role as early as his rookie campaign. The Florida State product struggles to separate and ran just a 4.61-second 40-yard dash, but Coleman plays faster than his timed speed and is a legitimate contested-catch maven.
2) Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers (No. 34)
The Los Angeles Chargers were desperate to buoy their WR room after trading Keenan Allen and releasing Mike Wiliams over the offseason. The Bolts went with offensive tackle Joe Alt in Round 1 instead of selecting a pass catcher like Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze with the No. 5 pick but circled back around to find a receiver at the top of the second round.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Draft Complete Results, Recap, Order, and All 257 Picks
L.A. first made a smart trade, moving down 27 spots on Day 3 while exchanging pick No. 37 for 34. Jim Harbaugh and Co. then grabbed Georgia’s Ladd McConkey, who should start immediately given the Chargers’ woeful WR depth chart. He offers inside/outside versatility and a proven ability to create separation, which should earn him targets from Justin Herbert.
1) Adonai Mitchell, Indianapolis Colts (No. 52)
Viewed as a potential first-round prospect entering the draft, it’s unclear whether Adonai Mitchell‘s lack of production or off-field concerns led to his drop to the middle of Round 2. Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard loves athletes like Mitchell and passionately defended the Texas WR in a post-draft rant.
#Colts GM Chris Ballard RIPS anonymous sources for leaking rumors about Adonai Mitchell’s character concerns. 😳
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) April 27, 2024
A big-play threat who caught 11 touchdowns in 2023, Mitchell is the true X receiver the Colts were looking for. He can take the top of opposing defenses while catching deep shots from second-year QB Anthony Richardson, allowing Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs to win in the short and intermediate areas of the field.
Looking for everything you need surrounding the 2024 NFL Draft? Make sure to check out the latest draft results, overall team grades, and updated best remaining players available at every position!
