Top 5 Pass Catchers in the 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft class is loaded with pass catchers this year as well. With versatile wide receivers and a handful of tight ends, they will make a huge impact as soon as they arrive in the league.

NFL teams looking for a pass catcher for the 2024 season are probably getting excited ahead of the draft. That’s because they have enough size, speed, and experience to handle one of the deepest wide receiver groups ever. But who will be the strongest in the first round starting April 25th?

College football analyst Joel Klatt answered just that, ranking the top five pass catchers ahead of the NFL Draft and adding a few honorable mentions from a strong talent pool.

1. Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio

The current Biletnikov Award winner holds the top spot in Klatt’s rankings and also holds the top spot in most other rankings ahead of the draft. Marvin Harrison Jr. rushed for 2,474 yards and an FBS-leading 28 touchdowns over his final two seasons, becoming the only Ohio State wideout in history to be a two-time All-American. He brings his NFL pedigree to the namesake before taking the step to the next level.

“He is as good as they come,” Klatt said. “Physically he’s way bigger than would expect, he’s 6’4 all of 205 [pounds], probably a little bit more. He’s fast, I think he’s faster than people realize, he runs terrific routes, he’s a technician in a lot of ways, understands the game, and is a tireless worker.”

2. Brock Bowers, Georgia

The only reason Bowers is listed as a pass-catcher rather than a wide receiver on Klatt’s list is because he has shown to be one of the most deadly weapons in college football history, having won the Mackey Award two times. Given his position and his dominant 175 catches for 2,538 yards and 31 total touchdowns in his three years, many are interested in learning where Bowers will be selected in the draft. However, Klatt believes he’s proven he deserves a high pick.

“Brock Bowers impacts the game every time he’s on the field. Whether it’s third down, whether it’s red zone, this guy is an impact player. He’s fast, he’s a matchup nightmare, and he plays a position that is highly valuable,” Klatt said.

3. Rome Odunze, Washington

Washington wideout Roma Odunze has been one of the toughest players to guard in college football for consecutive seasons, coming in at No. 3 on Klatt’s list. Odunze is a remarkable athlete who specializes in contested catches and big plays, many of which he made in the Huskies’ biggest moments last year.

“Rome is phenomenal,” Klatt said. “Led the country in receiving last year, over 1,600 yards. One of the things I loved about Rome Odunze is that when they needed big performances against some of the stiffest competition that they played he was at his best.”

4. Malik Nabers, LSU

Malik Nabers, a wide receiver for LSU, career rapidity last season as the Tigers’ offense led the country. completing his time at LSU with a career-high 89 catches for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns, making him the program leader in takes and receiving yards.

“Nabers was, I would say, maybe the most explosive guy in the country,” Klatt admitted. “He led the country with 17 catches of over 30 yards, he had nine 100-yard games, and he was a big reason why Jayden Daniels had such a productive season and ultimately won the Heisman Trophy.”

5. Keon Coleman, Florida State

Florida State’s Keon Coleman rounds out the top five and is probably the most athletic player of the group. The former Michigan State basketball player stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 220 pounds and made some of the most surprising plays of last year’s college football season. Last year, he led the ACC with 11 touchdown receptions.

“Now Keon Coleman transferred from Michigan State and came down there and made some splash plays for the Seminoles. He was terrific, he was terrific … I mean he was a big reason why that team was so good, undefeated all the way through the regular season,” Klatt said.

Honorable Mention

With so many elite pass-catchers in this year’s draft class, Klatt couldn’t help but give honorable mention to a few other elite players who might be in the spotlight next season Sunday. It also provides perspective on how such a large group of wide receivers could impact the overall 2024 NFL Draft.