Drafting a rookie over an available veteran player for your fantasy lineup could prove risky however, the upside can be huge. Nothing is more thrilling than watching a talented young rookie realize his lifelong dream of playing in the NFL. Their excitement and enthusiasm are so contagious they reignite the passion of older teammates.
NFL Fantasy -Why You Should Draft These Rookie Wide Receivers
The big question is how the untested rookie will perform under pressure. Can he adapt to the grueling physical and mental challenges of a full NFL season? Will he consistently deliver for your fantasy team each week?
Marvin Harrison, Jr. – Arizona Cardinals
College Career
According to ESPN Fantasy rankings, the highest-rated rookie wide receiver in this year’s draft is Arizona Cardinals‘ first-round draft pick, Marvin Harrison Jr. at number 26. Selected fourth overall in the 2024 draft, Harrison Jr., the son of Hall of Fame pro receiver Marvin Harrison, carries a hefty pedigree and high expectations. A standout player for Ohio State University, Harrison had consecutive back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons at OSU. Smashing multiple school records on his way to the NFL, he recorded the sixth most receptions with 155, the sixth most receiving yards with 2,613, and his 31 touchdown passes were the third-highest in school history. In his sophomore year, he caught seven receptions for 132 yards with three touchdowns in one game against rival Michigan State University and was voted to the All-American team. That same year, he also won the 2022 Richter–Howard Receiver of the Year award with 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns.
By his junior year, Harrison won the 2023 Fred Biletnikoff Award after recording 1,211 yards for 14 touchdowns. Widely regarded as the best wide receiver in college football, he opted for the 2024 NFL draft the following season.
Rookie Preseason
Standing over 6’3″ tall and 209 lbs., Harrison brings size and strength to the Cardinals’ receiver group. If he lives up to his stellar resume, Harrison will become the favorite target of quarterback Kyler Murray in the 2024 NFL season. Despite taking only three snaps in the first preseason game and being held out of the second, Harrison is a solid fantasy candidate.
Xavier Worthy – Kansas City Chiefs
Another rookie wide receiver who has already generated plenty of accolades in the preseason is Xavier Worthy. Selected 28th overall, the Kansas City Chiefs traded up with the Buffalo Bills to grab Worthy. As a Texas Longhorn, Worthy was named to the All-Big 12 Team for three consecutive years. Choosing to forgo his senior year, Worthy declared for the 2024 draft. At the NFL Combine in 2024, Worthy found himself the center of attention when he broke the existing 40-yard dash record with a time of 4.21 seconds.
During the preseason, Worthy has already demonstrated his blazing speed and ability to break tackles. At 5’11” and weighing 165 lbs., Worthy could stand to bulk up. But his ability to bust wide-open gaining additional yards after the catch could make him a favorite target for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Worthy’s speed combined with Mahomes sheer athleticism and eye-popping throws could make these two a terrific dynamic duo this season.
In the second preseason game against the Detroit Lions, Worthy had three receptions for 62 yards with one touchdown. He also had 11 rushing yards with a fumble. Currently the number three receiver behind Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown, Worthy might have to fight for targets alongside more experienced receivers, Skyy Moore and Mecole Hardman.
Malik Nabers – New York Giants
Another first-round draft pick, Malik Nabers, was the sixth overall pick in the 2024 draft. Nabers, the former LSU Tiger holds the record for the most receiving yards at 3,003 and beat both Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson for the most yards in a single game with 239. Making his first appearance for the New York Giants in their loss to the Houston Texans last week, Nabers had four catches for 54 yards and another five yards on the ground. Although Nabers exhibited some route running missteps and lost his footing last week, ESPN’s Field Yates firmly believes the 6’0″ tall 200-pounder is going to be a Top 20 receiver.
Ladd McConkey – Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers second-round pick, Ladd McConkey made his debut last week against the LA Rams. Catching his lone target from quarterback Easton Stick, McConkey recorded his first NFL catch, a five-yard reception. A redshirt freshman from Georgia, McConkey was a two-time member of the National Championship Georgia team and made the ALL-SEC team in 2022.
Trading up to draft McConkey, the Chargers are relying on him to offset the loss of Pro Bowl receiver Keenan Allen. In addition to the loss of Allen, the Chargers are also without veteran wide receiver Mike Williams and running back Austin Ekeler.
McConkey is expected to see a large share of targets from quarterback Justin Herbert and has been given first-team status on the depth chart alongside Joshua Palmer. Early predictions from Fantasy Pros suggest McConkey could potentially have a 1,000-yard breakout season.
Rome Odunze – Chicago Bears
Another highly touted rookie wide receiver is Rome Odunze the ninth overall draft pick. The Washington Huskies star receiver was credited with 75 catches for 1,145 yards, with seven touchdowns in his junior year. In his senior year, Odunze surpassed those numbers with 81 receptions for 1,428 yards and 13 touchdowns despite suffering injuries.
This past weekend, Odunze nearly caught his first NFL touchdown when rookie quarterback Caleb Williams launched a pass to Odunze at the back of the endzone but the ball was ruled out of bounds. However, in the previous play, the rookie pair’s connection was right on target with a stunning 45-yard pass. In addition, Odunze had one carry in that game for a pickup of 16 yards. Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus has high hopes for Odunze praising his speed and ball awareness. Ranked number 44 according to ESPN Fantasy, Odunze is expected to have a solid rookie season but will have to compete for touches given the competitive presence of fellow wide receivers Keenan Allen and D.J. Moore.
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