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Ranking Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Others

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It’s widely expected that the 2024 NFL Draft wide receiver class will bring far more top-end talent than the 2023 group. It’s dangerous to commit to those kinds of assumptions too early in a given cycle. But early on in our preseason evaluations, the 2024 WR crop is living up to the hype. Who are the top 10 WR prospects in 2024 as it stands?

Ranking the Top WRs in the 2024 NFL Draft

Zay Flowers, Josh Downs, and Jordan Addison were all solid prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft cycle, along with Quentin Johnston and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. But a prevailing thought among evaluators was that the 2023 class lacked much in the way of blue-chip talent at the WR position, and it also lacked top-end depth.

While it’s too early to commit to any stance one way or the other, it looks as though the 2024 NFL Draft WR group may compensate for the 2023 group’s failings, and then some. Whatever you need, the 2024 class appears to have it: Size, athleticism, alpha ability, versatility, and more.

10) Will Sheppard, Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt isn’t always synonymous with high-level NFL Draft talent, but the Commodores have a wide receiver prospect worth keeping an eye on in Will Sheppard. Sheppard has been productive at Vanderbilt despite a lack of consistency in the passing game, and he has the traits to win over evaluators in the long run over the course of the 2024 cycle.

MORE: FREE NFL Mock Draft Simulator With Trades!

At a lean 6’3″, 200 pounds, Sheppard passes the size evaluation like so many other WRs in the class do. But at that size, Sheppard is a nimble and explosive athlete who can glide and sink as a route runner. He offers exceptional catching instincts and body control in midair, and he’s a stubborn RAC threat with his wiry build and leg churn.

9) Mario Williams, USC

Jordan Addison took the spotlight in the USC receiving corps in 2022, but the Trojans have even more talent to offer in the 2024 NFL Draft cycle. Mario Williams was a high four-star recruit and a top-50 prospect coming out of high school, and he’s primed to take on heightened volume in the 2023 campaign, catching passes from Caleb Williams.

At 5’9″, 185 pounds, Mario Williams fits the mold of a dynamic slot WR. He’s explosive out of transitions and a fleet-footed mover, but his amped-up lateral motion is what truly makes him dangerous, both as a separator and a RAC threat. There are many ways to use Williams, but he can also create space and separate independently.

8) Troy Franklin, Oregon

Troy Franklin was one of the primary beneficiaries during Bo Nix’s breakout 2022 season at Oregon. The former top-50 recruit put up 61 catches for 891 yards and nine touchdowns as the Ducks’ primary pass-catching weapon, and he returns as a high-upside 2024 NFL Draft prospect, with a particular penchant for capitalizing on 50/50 opportunities.

At 6’3″, 178 pounds, Franklin is a spindly receiver with imposing length, but he also flashes surprising sink capacity and stop/start ability for his size. He can still strive for greater efficiency as a route runner, and he has room to add more mass to his frame. That said, Franklin’s natural talent is clear, and he has a strong foundation to build on.

7) Jalen McMillan, Washington

The Washington Huskies could have a receiver duo with a dynamic similar to Cedric Tillman and Jalin Hyatt in the 2024 NFL Draft cycle — only even better. Odunze is the complete three-level size/speed threat, while Jalen McMillan is the speed demon with a lean 6’1″ frame. But beyond his vertical speed, McMillan also offers a complete profile at WR.

MORE: 2024 NFL Draft Prospect Watchlist

McMillan’s long-strider explosiveness is an asset in space, but McMillan converts on his opportunities with some of the best natural ball-tracking ability in the class. Meanwhile, as a route runner, he flashes exceptional zone awareness and short-area control, and he can surgically parse through coverages with this combination.

6) Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse

The Syracuse Orange exceeded expectations in 2022. But unexpectedly, it was the team’s offense that led the way and not the defense. The headliner of the Syracuse offense? A 6’5″, 216-pound hybrid receiving threat in Oronde Gadsden II. Coming off a 61-catch, 969-yard, six-touchdown campaign, Gadsden has the production, and he has the tools as well.

With his blend of size and athleticism, Gadsden blurs the line between wide receiver and tight end and profiles as an excellent big slot WR at the next level. He’s a streamlined athlete who can attack space with his accelerative capacity, and he has some of the strongest hands in the class through contested situations.

5) Xavier Worthy, Texas

Xavier Worthy (8) celebrates a touchdown against West Virginia.
Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy (8) celebrates a touchdown that put Texas up 7-0 over West Virginia during the game at Royal Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Oct. 1, 2022. Xxx Austex10 Jpg Usa Tx

Xavier Worthy is an anomaly. You rarely ever see wide receivers in the 160-pound range at the college level, let alone the NFL level. Worthy not only plays at this weight but dominates at it. As a true freshman in 2021, he erupted for 62 catches for 982 yards and 12 touchdowns, and he mirrored that production in 2022, even with QB instability.

At 6’1″, Worthy is a long, wiry receiver who can dissect defenses with searing speed and explosiveness. But beyond his elite vertical element, Worthy is advanced beyond his years at using stride variations and double-moves to bait defenders, and he has a rare sense of timing and control at the catch point.

4) Rome Odunze, Washington

Had he declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, Rome Odunze would have been a first-round candidate on my board. While nabbing 75 catches for 1,145 yards and seven TDs in 2022, Odunze flashed a truly complete skill set. He has size and elite catching instincts, and he’s also an incredibly smooth separator who can slither through defenders as a RAC threat.

Reports share that Odunze dominated in Washington spring practices and bulked up to 215 pounds. We might be in store for a leveled-up Odunze in 2023, and that’s a very exciting thought. He’s a nuanced route runner already, and he has the size and athleticism to separate himself at the top of the class.

3) Malik Nabers, LSU

For better or worse, the success of WR prospects like Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson has placed a heightened default expectation on LSU receivers each cycle. Kayshon Boutte was unable to meet those expectations in the 2023 NFL Draft cycle, but Malik Nabers has the talent, and attention to detail, to succeed in doing so.

The 6’0″, 195-pound Nabers racked up 72 catches for 1,017 yards and three touchdowns in 2022, showing off a vast array of tools in the process. He’s an athletic powder keg and a stack specialist as a route runner who can effortlessly flow to passes with his hands. And after the catch, he’s a tough competitor with size-defying contact balance and RAC ability.

2) Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State

If Marvin Harrison Jr. is the Ja’Marr Chase of the 2024 NFL Draft cycle, then Emeka Egbuka might be the Justin Jefferson to his Chase. That’s high praise, especially when you look at what Jefferson has become in the NFL. But if Harrison is a blue-chip prospect, Egbuka isn’t far behind — and he has all the traits to be an early first-round pick with his teammate.

At 6’1″, 205 pounds, Egbuka has good size, length, and frame density. He shares some similarities with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but Egbuka is visibly faster, more explosive, and more physical and balanced after the catch. His playstyle grants him sweeping alignment versatility, and he’s also a menace against zone coverage with his burst, flexibility, and spatial awareness.

Who Is the Best WR in the 2024 NFL Draft?

It’s still very early — about as early as it can be in the 2024 NFL Draft cycle. But even so, there’s one player who’s already separated himself as the likely front-runner to start the annual march.

1) Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State

This is the part where we try to be as excitable as we can about Marvin Harrison Jr. without resorting to hyperbole. Here it goes: This guy is the next Calvin Johnson.

Alright, that didn’t go well. We can reel it back a bit, but there’s only so much room to do so when talking about a talent like Harrison. For a select few prospects, it’s safe to get a little overexcited. Harrison is one of those players. He has the tools and the all-encompassing ability to be a true central piece for an NFL passing attack.

MORE: Top QBs in the 2024 NFL Draft

Harrison — the son of Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison Sr. — certainly looks the part at 6’4″, 205 pounds. Size and athleticism are where it starts with Harrison, but he brings so much more to the table. He’s a truly elite catcher of the football with hands of steel, and he has the route nuance, targeted physicality, and flexibility to win one-on-one against DBs 3-4 inches shorter.

Honorable Mentions

  • Keon Coleman, Florida State
  • Adonai Mitchell, Texas
  • Johnny Wilson, Florida State
  • Dorian Singer, USC
  • Ladd McConkey, Georgia
  • Jaylin Noel, Iowa State
  • Devontez Walker, North Carolina
  • Malik Benson, Alabama
  • Ja’Corey Brooks, Alabama
  • Jacob Cowing, Arizona



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Taylor Swift Is Shown Chugging a Beer on the Jumbotron at Super Bowl 58

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Global superstar Taylor Swift made it to the big game to support her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce. In the second quarter, it was evident that she was having a good time at the Super Bowl after taking a 12-hour flight from Tokyo the night prior.

Taylor Swift Seen Chugging Beer at Super Bowl

Swift’s attendance has been highly anticipated, as many fans questioned whether she would be able to make it to the big game since she had been in Japan until Saturday for her Eras Tour.

Sure enough, she made it to the Super Bowl and was seen making a grand entrance alongside Blake Lively and Ice Spice.

Swift made it back to the States with plenty of time to make it to Allegiant Stadium to support Kelce. After a leg of her Eras Tour, where she performed several nights in Japan, the singer appeared to let loose.

In a box full of friends, Swift was shown chugging a beer with Ashley Avignone. She was shown on the jumbotron and slammed her cup down after she finished her beer.

There was a mix of cheers and boos as Swift was shown on the big screen, and a long pass to Mecole Hardman was the only highlight of the first half for Swift and her friends. The 49ers led the Chiefs, 10-0, late in the second quarter.

On social media, Swift garnered plenty of support from NFL fans.

If you’re hating on her you can kick rocks man she’s the best,” one user posted on X

“The one thing I learned this season is that she is actually fun,” another said. 

“Booing Taylor Swift chugging a beer is so soft. She’s just one of us now and I respect it ,” another posted. 

At the time of the beer chugging, Kelce, Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, has had one catch for a single yard. It came on the first possession, which ended up being a three-and-out. The Kansas City Chiefs hadn’t done much otherwise.

They did have a deep pass play to Hardman, which put them in the red zone, but Isiah Pacheco fumbled on the very next play — one that Kelce was surprisingly on the sideline for.

Swift and Kelce have garnered much media attention as their romance has taken off throughout this NFL season.

Swift was able to support her boyfriend at many of his games throughout the final stretch of the season, as her Eras Tour was on a break. But starting on Feb. 7, she went back on the road.

MORE: NFL World Reacts to Unbelievable Super Bowl Trick Play

Despite performing in Tokyo the night before the Super Bowl, she was able to make it in time to support her boyfriend due to the time difference and is having a good time doing so.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast! Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find the PFN Fantasy Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.  Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review! Rather watch instead? Check out the PFN Fantasy Podcast on our Fantasy YouTube channel.





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What Happened to the 49ers Linebacker?

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The San Francisco 49ers sustained a massive blow during the second quarter of Super Bowl 58, as linebacker Dre Greenlaw left the game on a medical cart.

CBS Sports confirmed that the veteran Greenlaw suffered an Achilles tear, ruling him out for the rest of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

What Happened to Dre Greenlaw?

The outside linebacker, who had already been battling past injuries to his hamstrings and calves, left with what appeared to be a leg injury.

And somehow, his left leg looked like it buckled as he tried to trot onto the field with the Niners’ defense.

Greenlaw clutched his left leg in agony before being helped off the field.

CBS Sports sideline reporter Evan Washburn reported that the outside linebacker left with what was ruled as a lower leg injury. He was later determined to sustain an Achilles injury.

Greenlaw was declared out for the rest of the game.

Greenlaw Carted Off in Passenger Seat

Even more noticeable was where Greenlaw sat on the cart.

He ended up leaving not in the back of the medical vehicle but ended up riding shotgun with his leg injury.

One would think that with an injury like an Achilles ailment, medical officials would try to make the player as comfortable as possible before they leave. It wasn’t the case here.

MORE: San Francisco 49ers Depth Chart

Regardless, Greenlaw was replaced by Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles for the rest of the first half. Greenlaw became the most significant injury of the game.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast! Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find the PFN Fantasy Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.  Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review! Rather watch instead? Check out the PFN Fantasy Podcast on our Fantasy YouTube channel.





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NFL World Reacts to Epic Super Bowl Intro From CBS

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Super Bowl 58 is here and it’s going to be exciting. The San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs are facing off in the final game of 2023.

CBS is broadcasting the game and the opening was nothing short of amazing. How is the NFL world reacting to the electric Super Bowl-opening video?

Epic CBS Super Bowl Intro Garners Reaction From NFL World

The video, which spanned four minutes and 19 seconds, featured players from both teams talking about the big game and what it means to them. It also featured their families talking about their journeys to this point.

“Amazing intro! Reminds me of my dad! Bravo on the intro!,” one NFL fan said on X (formerly known as Twitter)

Additionally, Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” played in the background, giving it a near-movie feel. “This was incredible.,” another person said on X. “And so, the @49ers and @Chiefs face that final curtain,” CBS Sports said.

The 49ers finished the regular season as the top seed in the NFC with a 12-5 record. After their first-round bye, they defeated both the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions to earn their trip to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl. Both of their victories came in comeback fashion, including an NFC Championship-record 17-point comeback.

The Chiefs, on the other hand, had a more uphill battle. Entering the playoffs as the AFC’s third seed, they finished the regular season with an 11-6 record. In the playoffs, they defeated the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens to punch their ticket.

Super Bowl 58 is a re-match of Super Bowl 54 when the Chiefs defeated the 49ers 31-24. The win was the first in Patrick Mahomes career, as he also won Super Bowl MVP. Four years later, the Chiefs have made three more and won another. For the 49ers, this is their first trip back to the big game since.

The game kicked off at 6:30 p.m. ET with the 49ers receiving the opening kick. In addition to being broadcast on CBS, the game is also being streamed on Paramount+.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast! Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find the PFN Fantasy Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.  Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review! Rather watch instead? Check out the PFN Fantasy Podcast on our Fantasy YouTube channel.





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