The NFL offseason is nearly upon us. While others (and myself in the coming weeks) focus on 2024 way-too-early fantasy football rankings, 2024 free agency, and NFL team needs, let’s take a look ahead to the 2024 NFL draft and what it has to offer in terms of dynasty fantasy football talent.

Throughout the draft season, I’ll be delivering prospect overviews at every fantasy position to keep tabs on the top dynasty prospects. For those looking to dig deeper, check out the highly-coveted FantasyPros Dynasty Draft Kit and the fully-fledged 2024 NFL Draft Guide.

Be sure to check out all the individual 2024 NFL Draft prospect profiles for all positions written by FantasyPros’ Matthew Jones. I cross-referenced a lot of my player notes with Jones’ great scouting breakdowns of the WRs in this class.

Let’s dig into the top incoming rookie wide receivers for dynasty fantasy football leagues in 2024 to get familiar with names we will be overly obsessing about over the next three months. Here are my takeaways on all the top 2024 dynasty rookie draft wide receivers. Below we dive into a few notable names.

• Erickson’s Fantasy Football Forecast: Recap & Takeaways for 2024
• Erickson’s Early Fantasy Football Rankings, Tiers & Notes: QB | WR
• 2024 Dynasty Fantasy Football Draft Kit
• 2024 NFL Draft Guide

Top Dynasty Rookie Wide Receivers

Keon Coleman (WR – Florida State)

Keon Coleman, a wide receiver from Florida State, stands out not just for his impressive stats but for his remarkable journey in college football as a human highlight reel. Coleman’s physicality is undeniable at 6’4″ and 215 lbs, making him a prototypical outside X-receiver. His junior year performance in his first year at Florida State was noteworthy, with 50 receptions, 658 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns, averaging 13.2 yards per reception. Good for a 31% dominator rating.

Coleman’s football career took off in his freshman year at Michigan State in 2021, where he played in seven games, securing seven receptions for 50 yards and one touchdown. But he broke out officially in his sophomore season, which saw him take a significant leap in performance with 58 catches, 798 yards, and seven touchdowns over 12 games. Hung a 29% dominator rating at just 19 years old.

And this is while he was competing for targets with an older future NFL star in the making, Jayden Reed. Coleman had more catches, targets, yards, and TDs than the future second-round pick despite being three years YOUNGER than Reed.

The transfer to Florida State for the 2023 season marked a new chapter for Coleman, where he continued to excel. Coleman’s proactive alpha mentality and his skill at contested catches are particularly distinguished. But as we know, when it comes to contested catch savants – they don’t always translate to the next level.

Ergo, Coleman’s game is not without areas for improvement. His route sharpness and run-blocking intensity could see enhancements, and acceleration concerns might affect his long-speed capabilities. Separation from defensive backs at the next level will be a challenge for him to overcome.

Projected to be taken in the 1st or Mid rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft, Coleman’s blend of raw talent and demonstrated skills make him a compelling prospect. His journey from a standout sophomore season at Michigan State to a key player at Florida State showcases his adaptability and growth, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting professional career.

My NFL comparison for Coleman? Dez Bryant.

Troy Franklin (WR – Oregon)

Troy Franklin quickly made an impact at the University of Oregon, showcasing his talent right from his freshman year.

His breakout sophomore year solidified his position as a key player in Oregon’s offense, with a significant leap en route to a 27% dominator rating with 9 TDs and 891 receiving yards at 19 years of age.

By his junior season in 2023, Troy Franklin had established himself as a premier college football receiver, amassing nearly 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns, demonstrating not just his ability to find the end zone but also his consistency as a receiver with a final season dominator rating of 29% – 17^th-highest mark in the 2024 class.

Franklin’s strengths lie in his elite speed, with a 40-yard dash time of 4.35 seconds, making him a formidable deep threat with 14 catches of 20-plus air yards and the third-highest yards per route run (3.32) in the 2024 draft class.

His precise route-running and versatility allow him to excel both outside and in the slot, consistently delivering explosive plays. His height and speed create a desirable size-speed combination that is highly valued in the NFL. However, his relatively light, tall, and lanky frame at 6-foot-3 and 183 lbs could pose challenges against physical cornerbacks and in contested catch situations.

Overall, Franklin is seen as a downfield burner with elite speed and nuanced route-running, making him a legitimate deep threat in the NFL. His ability to create separation and make plays sets him apart, although his slender frame presents some challenges. After a standout 2023 season, his draft stock has risen significantly, with expectations of him solidifying a spot in the 1-2 round range if his 2024 NFL Scouting Combine numbers match his on-field speed.

Former speed receivers that remind me of Franklin include Jalin Hyatt, Tyquan Thornton, and DJ Chark Jr. on the lower end. Admittedly, I was more impressed with his game AFTER watching him. I went in thinking I’d get a one-trick pony, but I felt he offered more than that. And maybe it was the green 11 he was wearing, but I felt like I was watching just a lighter, faster version of A.J. Brown. I’ve also seen comparisons to a faster, more explosive Calvin Ridley.

Xavier Worthy (WR – Texas)

Xavier Worthy, the dynamic wide receiver from the University of Texas, has swiftly become a notable figure in college football due to his remarkable speed and playmaking ability. Standing at an underwhelming 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 172 pounds, Worthy has utilized his athleticism to establish himself as a versatile threat on the field.

He made an immediate impact as a freshman at just 18 years old, showcasing his speed and receiving skills. His notable achievements include a freshman year with 62 receptions for 981 yards and 12 touchdowns, emphasizing his ability to be a game-changer from the get-go. He was a top-5 single-season dominator, rating at 39% in his first college season.

However, Worthy faced challenges in his sophomore year, experiencing a dip in his stats with 59 catches for 757 yards and eight touchdowns. He dealt with a broken hand injury that limited him in his second season. Despite this, he remained a critical asset to the Longhorns, using his speed to stretch defenses and create opportunities for his team. He tied a bow on his Longhorns career with over 1,000 yards and 5 TDs to capture the second-highest career dominator rating (30%) in the class with the youngest breakout age at 18 years old back in 2021.

Worthy’s draft profile highlights his multi-role capability as a receiver, combining his swift 4.29-second 40-yard dash speed with a keen ability to navigate through defenses. Despite his slender frame, Worthy’s hands are reliable, and he has shown a willingness to make contested catches. His versatility extends to special teams, where he has also contributed as a punt returner. However, his slight build does raise questions about durability and physicality at the next level.

Scouts note that while Worthy’s speed and agility are undeniable strengths, he will need to adapt to the physical demands of the NFL, particularly against larger and more physical defenders. His ability to add muscle without compromising speed will be crucial for his transition to professional football.

In summary, Xavier Worthy’s collegiate career at Texas has been marked by electric performances and a clear demonstration of NFL-level speed and agility. And he has special teams return ability to boot as PFF’s No.1-graded punt returner in 2023.

The next Tank Dell at 6-foot-1 and 172 pounds? Stay tuned…Keep in mind that Dell was PFF’s No.1-graded punt returner in 2022. When I turned on his tape, I immediately thought I was looking at the next version of Marquise Brown.

Brian Thomas Jr. (WR – LSU)

Brian Thomas Jr. posted modest numbers in his first two seasons until he really exploded onto the scene this past year with a 33% dominator rating at 21 years old.

Standing tall at 6’4″ and weighing 205 lbs, Thomas Jr. combines size and speed to be a formidable outside X-receiver, evident in his 4.47-second 40-yard dash. Over 38 games in college, he showcased his ability to be a game-changer, culminating in a junior year where he exploded onto the scene with 68 receptions for 1,177 yards and FBS leading 17 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 17.3 yards per catch.

The obvious concern is that he’s never been the focal point of his team’s passing game, which won’t get easier at the next level. That’s despite a high production wherever he has played, as he boasts the sixth-highest college dominator rating in the class at 24% – the same as Marvin Harrison Jr. And he’s competed for targets with another elite WR, Malik Nabers, at LSU.

Thomas Jr.’s natural explosiveness and fluid movements enhance his route-running capabilities, making him a challenging matchup for defenders.

However, Thomas Jr.’s route breaks on short and intermediate routes could see improvement, and his overall route tree is considered underdeveloped. His long limbs and sometimes unsteady footwork can lead to inconsistent route breaks, highlighting areas for refinement in his game. Despite these areas for growth, Thomas Jr.’s strengths significantly overshadow his weaknesses. His combination of size, speed, and ability to create separation makes him a high-upside prospect for the NFL.

Teams looking for a vertical threat who can stretch the field and contribute significantly after the catch will find Thomas Jr. an enticing option. His draft projection places him in the first to late rounds, with an overall rank of No. 28 and a position rank of No. 7 among wide receivers.

Thomas Jr.’s journey from a highly touted recruit to a standout player at LSU reflects his growth and potential. His athleticism, showcased not only on the football field but also in basketball with three consecutive 1,000-point seasons in high school, underlines his versatility and competitive nature.

I had a hard time comparing Johnson to another NFL player, but I put him in the A.J. Green territory. When targeted, Thomas generated a 148.8 passer rating (fourth in the FBS).