The New Orleans Saints drafted Chris Olave in the first round of the NFL draft last year and it worked to great success. Despite that move, many people still consider the Saints to have one of the weaker groups in the league.
The good news is that every receiver class seems to get better than the one before it. That seems to be the case again in 2024, as there are fantastic options no matter where you pick in the first round. With Michael Thomas’ health still looming and Rashid Shaheed still needing to improve as an all around receiver, it might not hurt to add another option.
Buy Saints TicketsHere are the names to keep an eye on as the college football season gets started:
1 | Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
Have the Saints ever been big on Ohio State receivers? Maybe this elite option can sway them. Harrison is the best receiver in college and excels in pretty much every aspect of the position. His dad was, of course, a Hall of Fame receiver in the NFL. There’s no such thing as a perfect prospect, but Harrison is as close as you could ask for. He had 1,263 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns for the Buckeyes last year.
When to watch him: Oct. 21 vs. Penn State
2 | Malik Nabers, LSU
Nabers is next in the long line of great LSU wide receivers. Last year, when the shine was supposed to be on Kayshon Boutte, Nabers took the spotlight and ran with it. Now, LSU is going to be running a more favorable offense for Nabers and he’ll have the chance to put up some great numbers. He is great in the open field and has wonderful hands.
When to watch him: Sept. 3 vs. Florida State
3 | Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
Would you look at that? Another Ohio State receiver! He has a great combination of speed and strength to be a prime target at the next level. He didn’t do much as a freshman but had a great sophomore season. He had 1,151 yards on 11 touchdowns last season as a receiver and then added two more on the ground.
When to watch him: Oct. 21 vs. Penn State
4 | Xavier Worthy, Texas
Speed kills! Worthy will potentially be the fastest player in the draft. He’s an elite playmaker who will shine with the strong arm of Quinn Ewers throwing to him this season. He also plays all over the field from the outside to the slot. He brings some skill to the technical side of the position to complement his speed.
When to watch him: Sept. 9 at Alabama
5 | Rome Odunze, Washington
Odunze is the best big-bodied receiver in the class. 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds but still has the athleticism to be a deep threat. He can beat guys in multiple ways after the snap and is talented after the catch. In a lot of classes he’d be higher up on the board, but the class is just so stacked that he is lower down.
When to watch him: Oct. 14 vs. Oregon
Honorable mentions
Adonai Mitchell, Texas
Keon Coleman, Florida State
Johnny Wilson, Florida State
Dorian Singer, USC
