Former NFL player and scout Bucky Brooks knows the ins and outs of this league, providing keen insight in his notebook. Today's installment covers:
But first, a look at the current rookie hierarchy at one of the game's most prominent positions ...
The NFL's shift to a pass-centric league has transformed receivers into marquee pieces of the offensive puzzle. The 2024 NFL Draft put this on full display, with a whopping 10 wideouts taken in the top 37 picks, including three of the first nine players selected.
So, as the football world continues to embrace WRs as essential playmakers, it's a good time to check in on the talented rookie class at the position. More than three-quarters of the way through Year 1, how do these young receivers stack up against each other? Here are my top five.
Drafted: Round 1, No. 23 overall
When all is said and done, Thomas will be the undisputed No. 1 receiver in the 2024 class. From his better-than-advertised route-running skills to his natural playmaking ability, this LSU product has performed like a Pro Bowler since he first put on the teal jersey for a team that was expected to compete for a playoff berth. Despite the Jaguars' disappointing season, the 6-foot-2, 209 pounder has been a huge bright spot, swiftly emerging as a dominant force on the perimeter. Thomas averages 15.8 yards per catch, displaying rare traits as a big-play specialist with speed to burn. As the Jaguars' most explosive offensive weapon -- with 12 catches of 20-plus yards and four catches of 40-plus yards to his name -- Thomas has become the team's unquestioned No. 1 option. Though some of the 22-year-old's raw numbers might suggest he is a one-trick pony as a downfield dynamo, the film reveals a natural WR1 with a polished game that enables him to win against brackets and double coverage.
Despite getting the fourth bite at the WR apple in this past April's draft, the Jags landed a cornerstone piece to the offense. Trevor Lawrence and Thomas will spearhead Jacksonville's attack for many years to come.
Drafted: Round 2, No. 34 overall
Draft position doesn't matter when it comes to praising playmakers for their impact. McConkey has thrived as a No. 1 pass catcher in a run-based offense that relies on the rookie to come through in crucial moments. The 6-foot, 185-pounder boasts a 71.6 percent catch rate, a 14.1 yards-per-catch average and four scores. A two-time national champion at Georgia, Ladd has quickly proven to be a problem at the NFL level, averaging 91.7 receiving yards over his last six games. The only thing holding him back of late? Injuries to his knee and shoulder that sidelined him for this past Sunday's last-second loss to the Chiefs. The Chargers certainly missed his steady contributions in the passing game.
Efficient and dependable every time he hits the field, McConkey's consistency in the clutch is precisely what offensive coordinators desire in a WR1. With Justin Herbert committed to throwing the ball to No. 15 when the game hangs in the balance, the football world should gain a better appreciation for the slippery slot receiver with outstanding hands and ball skills.
Drafted: Round 1, No. 6 overall
Despite being the most targeted rookie wideout -- by far -- Nabers has endured some frustrations during his debut season in the Big Apple. He has flashed gold jacket-caliber talent -- offering an electric skill set and the ability to snag passes all over the field with flair -- but sporadic quarterback play has limited his impact on a week-to-week basis. Though Nabers leads rookie wideouts in catches (80) and ranks second in receiving yards (819), the Giants' inefficient execution and game planning have left plenty of meat on the bone. This has led to some postgame tirades from the unanimous All-American out of LSU.
If the Giants can find a franchise quarterback in the offseason with the arm talent and passing prowess to consistently get Nabers the ball, the bodacious baller could really take off in Year 2.
Drafted: Round 1, No. 4 overall
Hailed as a generational talent out of the Ohio State receiver factory throughout the pre-draft process, Harrison has not put together a rookie campaign matching that the hype. Although his numbers are respectable for a first-year pass catcher (45 receptions for 655 yards and seven touchdowns on 86 targets), the Cardinals' new WR1 has not routinely dominated opponents on the perimeter.
Harrison has topped the 100-yard mark twice this season, with showcase moments against the Rams (four catches, 130 yards, two touchdowns) and Dolphins (six catches, 111 yards, one score). However, he has one of the lower catch rates (52.3%) in this rookie class, and tight end Trey McBride is definitely the No. 1 option in Arizona's aerial attack. Perhaps coverage has diminished his impact, with opposing defensive coordinators utilizing loaded zones and double coverages to limit free releases at the line, but elite playmakers consistently defeat those tactics to remain viable options.
Drafted: Round 1, No. 9 overall
The Bears' dysfunctional offense makes it hard to fully evaluate Odunze's rookie campaign. The lack of structure and inconsistent quarterback play have limited the Washington product's opportunities in a passing game that was expected to light up the league. With a pair of highly accomplished veterans (DJ Moore and Keenan Allen) commanding attention, the thinking went, the rookie would have more opportunities to make an immediate impact in the Windy City. But that just hasn't been the case.
Though Odunze's numbers are in line with adequate WR3 production (45 catches for 585 receiving yards and three scores on 81 targets), the big-bodied 22-year-old is capable of so much more. In the wake of Matt Eberflus' firing, we'll have to wait and see what Chicago does with the coaching staff this coming offseason. But if the Bears get it right, I won't be the least bit surprised to see Odunze enjoy a breakout sophomore campaign in 2025.
Why Bowers should win Offensive ROY
In 1961, tight end Mike Ditka racked up 1,076 receiving yards, earning NFL Rookie of the Year honors from United Press International. Since then, no rookie tight end has recorded more receiving yards in a season -- or won The Associated Press' Offensive Rookie of the Year award, which was first handed out in 1967.
Raiders dynamo Brock Bowers can be the first to do both.
In Week 14, Bowers broke the record for receptions by a rookie tight end, hauling in his 87th of the season to top the previous high established by Sam LaPorta (86) just last year. At his current pace, Bowers will end 2024 with 1,220 receiving yards, shattering Ditka's mark. Consequently, I think he should be leading the OROY race.
Commanders QB Jayden Daniels seemed like the runaway favorite after a hot start, until he suffered a rib injury and came back to earth. Broncos QB Bo Nix also entered the conversation, helping Denver make its way into the playoff picture. To me, though, the recipient of this kind of individual honor is ideally a dominant player worthy of All-Pro consideration. If that is the standard, Bowers should be the front-runner, based on his sheer excellence as a pass-catching tight end.
After all, just 13 games into his pro career, Bowers leads all tight ends -- not just rookies -- in targets (118), catches (87), yards (933) and yards after catch (466). Quite impressive, considering the quarterback issues that have plagued the Raiders, with Gardner Minshew (now out for the season) and Aidan O'Connell combining to produce mostly lackluster results. Then consider Bowers' subpar surrounding cast -- especially after the mid-October trade of Davante Adams -- which is not in a position to help divert any extra defensive attention he might be paid by opponents.
As a one-man show in Las Vegas' offense, the 6-foot-4, 230-pounder -- who just turned 22 -- is a freak athlete with mismatch capabilities as a route-runner and playmaker. He's a jumbo wideout in a tight end's body, too big and physical for opposing defensive backs and too nimble for opposing linebackers in space. The No. 13 overall draft pick out of Georgia has also shown the intelligence, instincts and awareness to align in multiple spots within a spread formation; he's the kind of moveable chess piece offensive coordinators covet when crafting game plans.
Bowers has thrived despite facing various coverages and tactics designed to limit his impact, all while playing for a team that has otherwise struggled to a 2-11 record. Elite players are expected to dominate regardless of their circumstances, and it is hard to dismiss Bowers' success in such a challenging setting. He's exceeded the standard of a blue-chip player. And his greatness should be recognized with the appropriate hardware.