Dynasty Rookie Draft Advice: Malik Nabers, Ladd McConkey, Roman Wilson, Malachi Corley (2024)

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. Here are all of the top dynasty rookie draft wide receivers to know. 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

Dynasty Rookie Draft Advice

Malik Nabers (WR – LSU)

Malik Nabers, a junior wide receiver from LSU, made significant waves in the college football scene with his impressive 3-year career.

Standing at 6 feet and weighing 200 pounds, Nabers led all college-wide receivers during the regular season with 86 receptions for 1,546 yards and 14 touchdowns (34% dominator rating). Over his collegiate career, he accumulated 186 receptions for 2,983 yards and 21 touchdowns, showcasing his consistent development and explosive playmaking ability.

His 28% career college dominator rating ranks 3rd among all WRs in the 2024 draft class.

But what’s more impressive is Nabers’ age-adjusted production. Broke out at 18 years old in 2021 as a freshman. A great sign of things to come for him at the next level.

Nabers is recognized for his explosive route-running, great speed, elite athleticism, and exceptional ball skills. He’s known for his ability to make mid-stride adjustments and is a reliable deep threat. Nabers also excels in contested situations, often turning 50/50 balls into receptions with his potent run-after-catch capabilities.

Projected to be a top pick in the upcoming NFL draft, Nabers is considered a prime candidate for teams in the top ten. His skill set, marked by his speed, playmaking after the catch, and sharp route running, positions him for an immediate impact in the NFL. As he continues to refine his technique and releases, Nabers has the potential to become a dynamic and versatile receiver at the professional level who is yet to turn 21 years old.

After watching some of Nabers’ highlights from this past season, I immediately drew an NFL comparison that I felt great about: Buffalo Bills WR Stefon Diggs.

Malachi Corley (WR – Western Kentucky)

Malachi Corley enjoyed multiple seasons of productivity at Western Kentucky, capped off with dominator ratings of 26% and 27% the last two seasons, with 11 receiving TDs in both years.

The former Hilltopper measures in at 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds but saw a lot of his production come through manufactured touches. Corley’s calling card is using his thick frame to create yards-after-catch (YAC), using his agility and vision to navigate through defenses and extend plays. He finished second in the FBS in yards after the catch in 2023.

Ladd McConkey (WR – Georgia)

Concerns are his late breakout age at 21 years old. But it was in his third season as a redshirt sophomore when he totaled 762 receiving yards and seven scores en route to a 20% dominator rating. Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 185 lbs, Ladd McConkey’s agility and football IQ have made him a crucial asset for the Bulldogs’ offense.

He missed time in his final year at Georgia with injuries, which hurt his final counting stats. But he was still efficient, finishing 8^th in the nation in yards per route run (3.26).

Even so, McConkey’s game is characterized by his quickness, route polish, and speed rather than physical dominance. His agility in creating separation and his nuanced route-running skills allow him to find space in tight coverage. He will likely be more underrated than most other WRs based on his final-year stats and average physical profile.

McConkey’s collegiate success at a top program like Georgia suggests he has the tools to transition effectively to the professional level.

Roman Wilson (WR – Michigan)

At 6’0″ and 192 pounds, Roman Wilson combines athletic prowess with technical skill to make an impact on the field. He truly saved his best for last in Michigan’s run for the national championship. His standout senior year saw him amassing 48 receptions for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns, resulting in a 37% dominator rating in 2023. It was the 6th-highest single-season dominator rating in the class.

The obvious concerns are his late breakout age at 22 years old and the fact that he could only muster one legitimate year of production.

Even so, he was turning heads at the most recent Senior Bowl, and he’s projected to be a strong tester at the 2024 Scouting Combine with his speed. Watch his stock continue to rise throughout the draft process. He’s drawn comparisons to Tyler Lockett from the Senior Bowl’s own Jim Nagy.

Check out all of Erickson’s Top Dynasty Rookie Wide Receivers