Dynasty Rookie Draft Advice: Marvin Harrison Jr., Xavier Worthy, Brian Thomas Jr. (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

Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR – Ohio State)

Marvin Harrison Jr., the standout wide receiver from Ohio State, has declared his intention to enter the 2024 NFL Draft, leaving behind a remarkable collegiate career. At 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, Harrison brings a unique blend of size, agility, and football IQ to the table, distinguishing himself from his smaller-statured father, Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, known more for his prowess as a possession receiver with Peyton Manning.

Despite being the progeny of NFL royalty, Harrison Jr. carved out his legacy at Ohio State under the tutelage of esteemed receivers coach Brian Hartline. His tenure at Ohio State was marked by rapid development, transitioning from a reserved role as a true freshman to a dominant force by his sophomore year. Although given the talent he was competing with for targets as a freshman in 2021 at Ohio State – Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba – it’s no wonder Harrison couldn’t crack the starting lineup.

But the 19-year-old finally drew his first start in the Rose Bowl with his teammates opting out to focus on the NFL Draft. Wilson went nuclear to the tune of 6 catches for 71 yards and 3 TDs. And that set the stage for his complete takeover of college football for the next two seasons.

In the 2022 season, Harrison Jr. formed a formidable partnership with future Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, amassing 77 receptions for 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns over 13 games, showcasing his route-running finesse and physicality.

Harrison’s junior year further solidified his status as a premier talent, earning him a Heisman Trophy finalist nod—a rare feat for a wide receiver. He concluded the season with 67 receptions for 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns, also contributing a rushing touchdown, underscoring his versatility and playmaking ability. That awarded him not only a 44% dominator rating (second-best mark in the class) but the 2023 Fred Biletnikoff Award bestowed to the best WR in college football.

While Harrison Jr. exhibits an almost complete skill set, he has occasionally shown vulnerability to focus drops. He may not pose a significant yards-after-catch threat at the professional level. He finished 38^th in the class in YAC/reception in 2023 with just five broken tackles forced in his final year. But that’s been nit-picky when it comes to a WR that checks off nearly every single box you could ask for.

Nevertheless, his exceptional attributes, football lineage, and attack at the catch point make him one of the most anticipated wide receiver prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft as he turns 22 years old in August of 2024. He has the chance to be the highest-drafted WR. I liken Harrison to guys like A.J. Green or Larry Fitzgerald.

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).

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