[ad_1]
Daniel Kelly spent four years in pro scouting with the New York Jets. He is the published author of the book “Whatever It Takes,” the story of a fan making it into the NFL.
Believe it or not, Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. did not make the cut for my top three receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft. On game film, the consensus top receiver didn’t blow me away with his effort — he’s still a first-round draft pick, but he reminds me more of former Jets/Buccaneers/Cowboys/Panthers wideout Keyshawn Johnson, an above-average pro, than Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss.
Here’s what I look for in receivers for the player to transition smoothly from college to the NFL:
- Quick release
- Ability to gain “route leverage” — positional advantage versus cornerbacks
- Running well-defined routes
- Long-range speed and burst of speed in short areas
- Fluid hips, allowing quick and sudden changes of direction
- Good focus and concentration
- Dependable hands
- Large catch radius
- Desire shown on contested catches
- YAC (yards after catch)
- Toughness factor
- Does he make it look easy?
- Does he remind you of the greats?
- Run- and pass-blocking willingness
With that in mind, here are my top three receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft, set for April 25-27 in Detroit.
1. Xavier Legette, South Carolina, 6-foot-3, 227 pounds
[ad_2]
Source link