The 2024 class of wide receivers has been heralded as one of the best, if not the best, group of wide receivers since the turn of the century. Given the pedigree of the class as a whole, it wasn't shocking to see seven WRs selected in Round 1 and another four in Round 2. This was just the second instance (2004) of seven receivers being selected in the 1st round of the NFL Draft.
This WR class is highlighted by several flashy receivers: Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze, all of whom were selected in the top 10. But there is talent at the position strewn throughout the draft. The fourth receiver drafted, Brian Thomas Jr., and the ninth receiver drafted, Ladd McConkey, both have the chance to make significant impacts on their respective offenses in year one.
The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Thomas with the 23rd pick of the draft with hopes that he could be the dynamic, vertical receiver of this offense, especially after Calvin Ridley left for Tennessee. The Chargers waited until Round 2 to address their glaring need at receiver after the departures of Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Austin Ekeler. They selected McConkey with the 34th overall pick to help out their franchise quarterback Justin Herbert.
DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: 2024 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet
Both of these young receivers have the opportunity to play a big role on fantasy teams as rookies given the available targets in Los Angeles and Jacksonville. Let's dive into each player's fantasy outlook and determine who is the better target in fantasy drafts.
2024 PPR RANKINGS
Top 250 Overall | RB | WR | TE | DEF/ST | K
Brian Thomas Jr. vs. Ladd McConkey: Who is the better pick in fantasy football drafts?
Brian Thomas Jr.'s fantasy football outlook 2024
Outside of the "Big Three", Thomas offers the most tantalizing prospect profile of any player in this draft. His combination of size (6'3", 210 pounds) and speed (4.34 40-yard dash) are just not something you come by every day. His physical traits have led to him drawing comparisons to a skinnier version of Seattle's DK Metcalf.
Thomas's ability to blow by defenders and dominate on the vertical plane is exactly what Jacksonville needs after losing Calvin Ridley in free agency. Thomas was the nation's most menacing deep threat last year; a quarter of his receptions resulted in touchdowns (17 receiving TDs), and he had 11 receptions of at least 30 yards.
Thomas will be asked to do more of the same now that the Jaguars' primary deep threat from last year is in Tennessee. Ridley was the recipient of 28 deep targets last year, the 8th most of any receiver. Ridley was the primary target of Lawrence's deep targets, but he wasn't shy to push the ball deep in general. 13.3 percent of his attempts traveled at least 20 yards downfield, the 5th highest rate of any quarterback.
The biggest obstacle for rookie receivers is playing time, but this shouldn't be an issue for Thomas. He was a consistent starter for the Jaguars throughout the preseason and was featured in both 2-WR and 3-WR sets. With this sort of opportunity, Thomas should be able to develop a connection with Lawrence rather quickly.
2024 FANTASY SLEEPERS
QB | RB | WR | TE | Each Team
Ladd McConkey fantasy outlook 2024
The Chargers' receiving corps was absolutely decimated this offseason by the departures of both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Some expected Los Angeles to address the need for a WR with their 5th overall pick, but they added OT Joe Alt with this pick and remained patient until Round 2 to add some pass-catching help.
The Chargers ultimately landed on former Georgia Bulldog Ladd McConkey to fill the shoes of multiple established veterans. While at Georgia, McConkey was a versatile, inside-out receiver who did a little bit of everything for Kirby Smart's offense. Reports from training camp and preseason usage indicate that McConkey may be a bit more restricted as a pro and will primarily line up in the slot for the Chargers.
Even if McConkey is the primary slot receiver and comes off the field in 2-WR sets, he could realistically lead this team in targets. McConkey is strolling into an offense that has a ridiculous 395 vacated targets, by far the most in the league. His primary competition for targets will be Josh Palmer, D.J. Chark, and Quentin Johnston, none of whom are particularly inspiring talents.
McConkey will likely be asked to maintain a presence in the shallow and intermediate portions of the field. If he can get open to earn easy targets from Justin Herbert, McConkey could play a big role on teams in PPR leagues.
2024 POSITION TIERS & DRAFT STRATEGY
QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST
The Verdict: Should you draft Ladd McConkey or Brian Thomas Jr.?
This question is incredibly interesting because these two rookies could not have more different prospect profiles. Given the available opportunity and his projected role in the offense, McConkey has the more stable floor and is the safer pick overall. But it's just too hard to pass up the upside and explosive talent of Thomas.
The Jaguars have a reasonable path to being a top-10 offense with Thomas playing a big role in their success. We are talking about a player who scored the 10th highest relative athletic score (RAS) out of 3,063 receivers tracked. Players with his skill set don't come around often, and he's in a situation where he can be Lawrence's go-to guy rather quickly. Thomas can also be picked up more than 20 picks after McConkey in drafts. All things considered, Thomas is the easy choice.
