As the 2024 NFL Draft stands only days away, all 32 teams will be looking to restock their ranks for the next season. The quarterback class is said to be among the most stacked classes in recent memory. But the wide receiver prospects coming in April are by no means anything to sneeze at, either. Not every team looks like a good choice for a rookie playmaker, whether it’s because a team’s wide receiver roster is already loaded or a team has more positions in need of work.
Here are some great places for rookie wide receivers to begin their careers.
Best Destinations for Rookie Receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are entering a new chapter in 2024 with new coach, Jim Harbaugh, who will be tasked with mentoring Justin Herbert. But, it will be easier said than done because the Bolts will be without their top two wide receivers, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. April will provide a prime opportunity for the Chargers to get their hands on at least one wide receiver prospect, especially since they hold the fifth overall pick. An open wide receiver room will be the proving ground for the next star route-runner.
Besides, playing with Justin Herbert as their quarterback would sound amazing to many incoming rookies. But when it’s time to throw down with Kansas City and Las Vegas, standing on business is mandatory.
Indianapolis Colts
Indy got off to a solid start to the Shane Steichen era, ending 9-8 in 2023. But there is plenty of work still to be done if the Colts want to return to playoff contention. Though Anthony Richardson‘s season was cut short due to a shoulder injury, he has showcased potential to be the next dual-threat superstar. Not to mention Gardner Minshew once again showed that he can still lead teams despite his place as a backup, albeit prior to the Raiders acquiring him.
Now, it would be best for the front office to scout out another wide receiver to partner up with mainstay, Michael Pittman Jr., as this would expand the aerial attack and help Richardson develop his throwing arm further.
New Orleans Saints
The NFC South gets a lot of flak for being the worst division in the NFL, as almost every team finishes at .500 or worse. New Orleans is not an exception to the notion, though they are a lot better team on paper. Derek Carr is not a bad quarterback as many critics may suggest. But only having Chris Olave and Alvin Kamara as the big-time impact players will not win many games. Selecting a new, impactful wide receiver early can create a dynamic duo with Olave and help get the passing game off the ground.
If they can do that, New Orleans can better their chances in taking over the division, all the while keeping Atlanta and Tampa Bay behind them. Who knows what kind of damage Carr can really do with route runners that can open up the field?
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh has made a significant overhaul in the offseason, clearing out their entire quarterback room and bringing in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to take over under center. Wilson and Fields have the likes of Pat Freiermuth, Najee Harris, and Cordarrelle Patterson to work with in the Steel City. But the departure of Diontae Johnson has left a pretty big hole in the wide receiver position, leaving George Pickens as the lone starter.
Other new additions like Denzel Mims and Van Jefferson will not bode well for Pittsburgh’s bigger rivals, and adding a rookie route-runner can create at least great depth to an offense that was as uninspiring as can be in the last two seasons.
Main Image: Yannick Peterhans-USA TODAY Sports
