Dynasty Rookie Draft Advice: Xavier Legette, Devontez Walker, Keon Coleman (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

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.

Devontez Walker (WR – North Carolina)

Devontez Walker, the North Carolina standout wide receiver, made significant waves in the college football landscape with his explosive play and consistent performances, particularly in his junior year after transferring from Kent State.

Note that he posted bonkers numbers at Kent State with a 50% dominator rating in 2022 with 11 TD and nearly 1,000 receiving yards. That single-season dominator rating was the BEST among any WR in the class.

At 6’2″ and weighing 200 lbs, Walker possesses the agility, speed, and long-stride ideal for a receiver who can excel both on the outside and in the slot, offering versatility to any offensive scheme as a big-play merchant.

Walker showcased his dynamic playmaking ability, culminating in a junior year that saw him amass impressive statistics with 41 receptions for 699 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 17 yards per catch in just eight games.

He earned a 22% dominator rating for his efforts, but over the games he was eligible to play, Tez Walker hung at a prorated 33% dominator rating with future NFL QB Drake Maye under center. He has a top-5 overall prorated dominator rating among his draft-eligible teammates.

His ability to consistently produce big plays downfield made him a focal point of the Tar Heels’ offense and a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Shows signs of Marvin Jones in his game. There’s an upside in his profile.

Xavier Legette (WR – South Carolina)

Xavier Legette, the impactful wide receiver from South Carolina, emerged as a notable talent in college football with his commendable performances, particularly highlighted in his SUPER senior year. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 227 lbs, Legette’s physical stature is complemented by his athletic prowess, offering the ideal blend of size and speed required for an outside receiver, making him a formidable presence on the field.

One of Legette’s most notable qualities is his strong hands – he doesn’t use his body to catch the ball – and ability to secure catches in traffic, showcasing his reliability as a target.

He broke out in his final and fifth year with the Gamecocks, hanging a 35% dominator rating. He posted 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns on 71 receptions.

Entering the league at 23 years old as a one-year wonder raises red flags about Legette’s appeal at the next level. The size-speed specimen is enticing, but the lack of consistent production cannot be overlooked.

Easy comps for someone with this size and speed are receivers like D.K. Metcalf, who can often be more situationally dependent as a more “raw” prospect with traits that cannot be taught. Legette’s combination of size, catching ability, and consistent playmaking make him an intriguing prospect for the 2024 NFL Draft.

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