Thursday’s first round of the 2024 NFL Draft produced seven receiver selections. Teams selected 21 first-round receivers in the previous four drafts (2020-23), which almost doubled the total number of first-round receivers (11) in the prior four-year span (2016-19).
While NFL circles will be buzzing this fall about their rookie playmakers at the most exciting position in football, college fans are in store for a similar experience.
In addition to the game prioritizing perimeter playmakers, the athletes we’re seeing — entering high school and entering the NFL — increasingly improve the value of taking receivers higher. In the past four Top247 final rankings, the number of five-star receivers — we tab 32 five-stars every cycle to represent future first-round potential — has increased year-over-year from two to three to four to seven in the 2024 cycle.
Headlining our seven-receiver top 32 in 247Sports’ final 2024 Top247 rankings was Jeremiah Smith, who not only took the WR1 label but finished the cycle No. 1 overall. He also leads our five-pack of elite receivers who will debut this fall as true freshmen and potentially lead the way in the 2027 or 2028 NFL Draft. Here’s a closer look at receivers to follow in the coming college football seasons to familiarize with future draft candidates.
True freshmen WRs to watch
Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State: Just about everybody has to wait his turn in the Ohio State receiver room, including Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. Well, Smith will test that. The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder not only overpowers defenders but wins with acrobatic body control and startling after-catch athleticism. The Top247’s No. 1 overall prospect in the 2024 cycle, Smith should provide yet another Day 1 receiver selection for the Buckeyes.
“I think Jeremiah Smith can be better than Marvin Harrison Jr.,” said 247Sports Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins earlier this month. “He’s got to show up, take care of business, but I think that potential is there.”
Cam Coleman, Auburn: Coleman’s 6-3 frame and basketball-influenced athletic ability make him a nightmare matchup. He eclipsed 1,300 yards and scored 18 touchdowns for the Alabama 7A state champions this past fall after leading his team to the basketball title game in Spring 2023. Basketball is a common data point in countless high-end receiver prospects (and other positions, too) in recent NFL…
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